My Favorite Pandemic Reads

If you know me or follow me, you know how much of a bookworm I am. Theres nothing in the world like the feeling of cracking open a new book (can I get an amen?). One of the few perks the pandemic has given me is ample time for my favorite hobby, and I’ve finished a lot of good reads this past year! I wanted to round up all my favorites for you on here, so you yourself can indulge in a literary getaway! I’m linking each book so you can buy it yourself, and the majority, if not all of them, come in E-book, too! Happy reading!

1. Such A Fun Age by Kiley Reid. This book made the top of my list because it became an instant favorite of mine upon reading. I finished it weeks ago and yet I still can’t stop thinking about it, and how important of a read this book is from a social standpoint. I recommend it to everyone. Such A Fun Age is about a young Black woman named Emira who works as a babysitter for a privileged white family in Philadelphia. One night when Emira is out with the young child she sits for, she is accused of kidnapping the child. The events that follow and the way the character’s lives intertwine will keep you reading til the every end. You can find this book here.

2. Untamed by Glennon Doyle. So I have to be honest, I am still halfway through this book so I haven’t finished it but WOW – everyone was right. This book is something special, and I can’t NOT add it to my list of favorites. Glennon’s stories are so personal but so relatable and universal. Untamed is her third memoir, all about how she stopped pleasing and started living, unapologetically and down to her truest self. It is the wake-up call so many women can relate to, so do yourself a favor and get your hands on a copy of this book ASAP. You can grab one here.

3. Inside Out by Demi Moore. Another honest, raw and stunning memoir, this time by one of my favorite actors in the business. I picked up a copy of this book after watching Demi’s interview with Diane Sawyer, and I’m so glad I did. Demi’s childhood was colorful to say the least, but I really appreciate how open she is. She writes about her upbringing, her rise to stardom, her personal relationships & family, and the moment when she hit rock bottom. Inside Out was a really amazing read. (PS. – It made me see Ashton Kutcher in a whole new light.)  Grab a copy of it here. 

4. The Right Player by Kandi Steiner. So, my best friend Rachel & I have an absolute obsession with romance novels, and we aren’t ashamed to admit it. Rachel actually runs her own blog reviewing the latest romance novels, and you can click here to go read and get some recommendations! One of our favorite authors is Kandi Steiner, and she delivers a super sweet and heartwarming story in this book. Set in the city of Chicago, this book is about a girl named Belle who happens upon a very sweet and very attractive Chicago Bears football player named Makoa. Despite having sworn off dating athletes altogether after her last relationship left her shattered, Belle starts falling for Makoa. I think I read this book in less than 24 hours because I loved it so much! Buy your copy here! 

5. Teardrop Shot by Tijan. On the same romance novel note, I would be completely remiss without adding Teardrop Shot. My friend Rachel also introduced me to this book, and to say I can’t stop thinking about this book would be a massive understatement. I actually had to take a pause from romance novels after finishing this book because I knew the next one could not possibly live up to this one. Teardrop Shot is about a girl named Charlie, who is recovering from her past emotional wounds and ends up working at her childhood camp in Minnesota. She begins an unconventional friendship with an NBA star named Reese Forster, and from there the story unravels. If you love a good romance novel, I can’t recommend this one enough. Buy a copy of it here!

6. Open Book by Jessica Simpson. Another honest and raw memoir by a favorite celebrity (seeing a pattern here?) that left me shedding more than a few tears. I listened to this book on audio, and Jessica’s personal storytelling is so powerful. She takes you on a journey of her life that is compelling, heartbreaking and very relatable. I loved learning about her beyond what you see in tabloids and on reality shows. She lifts the curtain for you to get to know the real Jessica, and I love how she talks to you just like she would an old friend. I really enjoyed diving into this book, and I think you would, too! Grab a copy of this book here!

7. Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult. Jodi has always been a favorite author of mine, and this book was no exception to her gift of storytelling. This book is another very important one from a social standpoint. It was at times hard to get through because of the seriousness and heaviness of the story line, but I recommend it to anyone who is interested in diving into a good storyline. Small Great Things is about a Black labor & delivery nurse who gets assigned a baby whose parents are white supremacist Neo-nazis. After the newborn suddenly goes into cardiac arrest, the events that follow will keep you reading until the very end. Buy a copy of this book here! 

8. When Less Becomes More by Emily Ley. This is another book that is so meaningful and special in the best way. I have been a long time fan of Emily Ley, both as an author and the creator of her brand Simplified, and her books never fail to blow me away! I gave my mom a copy of this book for Christmas, and had to get myself one as well. I ended up buying the audio version of this book, and I love hearing Emily tell us everything in her own words. When Less Becomes More explores the worldwide epidemic of burnout. Women today are overwhelmed, fatigued & trying to keep up, and Emily explores her decision to stop and undo. This book is an anthem for women who are sick of living exhausted, and how to start living fuller and more connected but doing less. If you’re a woman, or know a woman in your life GET THIS BOOK. You can find it here!

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