As lockdown continues, the boredom grows and I personally, feel like I am lacking the motivation to want to learn new skills or get things done. However, I feel like this quarantine period is a perfect time to pick up reading. Whether you finish a whole book in 2 days or just read a chapter each night before bed, reading can help stimulate your brain. I have always loved reading as I feel like it is an escape, especially from these uncertain, scary times as it helps your imagination run freely.  

Here are a few books I have read over isolation which I would highly recommend: 

1. Tattooist of Auschwitz / Cilka’s Journey by Heather Morris 

“I tattooed a number on her arm. She tattooed her name on my heart.” 

This is an extraordinary novel based on Lale Sokolov’s time in the Nazi concentration camp. Although this book isn’t for the faint-hearted, as it describes the gut-wrenching actions that took place in Auschwitz-Birkenau, there is a beautiful, courageous love story which comes from it, which is truly endearing. 

In this book, a character called Cilka is mentioned. Morris, the author, has since released a sequel describing her journey through Auschwitz and onto the gruelling Russian camp, Vorkuta Gulag. This novel is arguably more heart-wrenching than the first, as it expresses women’s bravery and her will for survival through the most horrific conditions. It is a powerful novel and will definitely stay in your thoughts once you have finished it. 

2. How to Be an Overnight Success by Maria Hatzistefanis 

This is an incredible book that will help boost your motivation (which is definitely needed at a time like this). It is by the CEO of Rodial, a skincare company. It’s about all about how to make it in the business world, and how success doesn’t come overnight. It covers how Hatzistefanis made her personal brand a staple among the stars, whilst providing tips and tricks on how to follow the same footsteps.  

3. Once Upon A River by Diane Setterfield 

This novel is definitely one to consider reading, if you’re one to like twists and turns in a storyline – it is one that will keep you guessing. A young girl disappears and suddenly reappears after no sightings; however, she comes back as a drowned corpse who miraculously comes back to life. The book follows the storyline of who the girl really belongs to, as the reader embarks on a multi-layered mystery down the river. 

4. The Taking of Annie Thorne by C.J Tudor 

Joe returns to his mining hometown to find out what happened to his sister all those years ago, but he doesn’t receive a great reception from his village. Annie disappeared down the mine for 2 days and when she finally returned, she is silent. Annie could not provide any information on what happened to her, which is what convinced me to continue reading. The novel revisits the protagonist’s childhood memories, which all help to find out what happened to Annie. This is a dark novel that you definitely won’t be able to put down! 

5. Her Every Fear by Peter Swanson 

This book is definitely one for all of the thriller lovers! Kate and her cousin, Corbin, do an apartment swap so Kate can try move forward from the horrors of her past with her ex-boyfriend. However, she moves right next door to a murder scene, in which Kate, her cousin and the man across the hall are all involved. The novel takes different turns and includes stalkers, hallucinations and secrets. Would highly recommend to everyone and anyone if you’re into this genre!