National Library Week 2020 - Some Reading Recommendations
A Healthy Dose of Escapism – Reading in the Time of COVID-19
As the majority of us are now working remotely, you might find yourself with some extra time on your hands (or are trying to carve out a little niche for yourself between working and caring for family members). Crafting is a big thing right now, as is watching Netflix, but if you’re out of fabric and already watched Tiger King, perhaps you’d like to read a book. Below are some suggestions for a bit of escapism.
Since we’re already living in a bit of a dystopian nightmare, these recommendations do not include such pandemic gems as The Stand by Stephen King, The Hot Zone by Richard Preston, or even the classic Journal of the Plague Year by Daniel Defoe; however, if those are more your style, feel free to take a look at this list from Fortune magazine.
Non-essential travel is discouraged right now, but taking a trip from the comfort of your armchair is always available . . . and what’s more, no wrestling with luggage or tickets!
Around the World in 80 Trains, by Monisha Rejesh. Monisha, a travel writer who previously embarked on 80 trains through India, takes a 45,000-mile journey riding the rails, from London to Russia and beyond. In addition to the amazing views, you’ll meet a cast of unforgettable travelers.
Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Cape Town, by Paul Theroux. The occasionally-curmudgeonly Paul Theroux (perhaps known to you as the author of The Mosquito Coast, adapted into a 1980s film with Harrison Ford) has done quite a bit of traveling in his lifetime. This particular book details his experiences by train, canoe, “chicken bus,” and cattle truck through Africa. As he himself writes, “I got sick, I got stranded, but I was never bored.”
Underground: a Human History of the Worlds Beneath Our Feet, by Will Hunt. Will Hunt’s fascination with the places that live underground began as a teenager, when he discovered an abandoned subway tunnel beneath his house in Providence, Rhode Island. Underground spans continents and history, from the Black Hills of South Dakota to the Australian outback.
Some of these could also fit in the travel category, but if the focus was more on food, it’s included here. Live vicariously through some legitimate foodies, and learn more about some items in our pantries and kitchens that never required a second thought.
Consider the Fork: A History of How We Cook and Eat, by Bee Wilson. This witty, well-researched survey is a literal object lesson in many kitchen implements we might take for granted, such as the humble fork, but also passing fancies such as cider owls and turnspit dogs. If you’re not already a fan of food history or anthropology, you might be after reading this book.
Hungry: Eating, Road-Tripping, and Risking It All with the Greatest Chef in the World, by Jeff Gordinier. Gordinier, the food and drinks editor for Esquire magazine, takes off on a four-year, globe-trotting adventure with Danish chef René Redzepi in search of serious flavors. From the Yucatán peninsula to the Arctic Circle, this part travelogue, part memoir might cause you to devour it much like a meal – in one sitting.
A Cook’s Tour: in Search of the Perfect Meal, by Anthony Bourdain. The late chef and host of No Reservations and Parts Unknown ventures out of the kitchen once again in prose form, from Asia to Europe and back, in an attempt to discover what constitutes the “perfect” meal. Fans of Bourdain’s wit and sardonic attitude on television or his previous books (such as Kitchen Confidential and Medium Raw) will find Cook’s Tour a satisfying delight.
Drive-Thru Dreams: a Journey Through the Heart of America’s Fast-Food Kingdom, by Adam Chandler. For those of you more interested in the fast-food side of culinary delights, Chandler, a former staff writer for The Atlantic, reveals the story of America through its roadside institutions – from White Castle to Wendy’s.
Daisy Jones and The Six, by Taylor Jenkins Reid. The tale of a group of rock stars on the rise in the tumultuous 1970s written as an oral history. It’s the quintessential “sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll” memoir, but without real people involved.
Summer of ’69, by Elin Hilderbrand. Touted as the perfect “beach read” when it was published last year, this historical novel follows the Levin quartet of siblings as they spend a not-quite-usual summer at their grandmother’s Nantucket home.
Exhalation: Stories by Ted Chiang. If you’re looking for something a little deeper, this book of nine short stories that weave together the big philosophical questions and science fiction might be a better fit.
And you, as well. No judgements here!
The Curse of the Werepenguin, by Allan Woodrow, illustrated by Scott Brown. Middle-grades fiction in the orphan-boy-becomes-hero vein, with a slightly different spin – the mythical creature this time is a were . . . penguin. Lots of puns and self-referential dialogue make this a quick treat.
The Last Last-Day-Of-Summer, by Lamar Giles, illustrated by Dapo Adeola. Otto and Sheed are the legendary Alston boys, known in their town for being the best detectives around. On their last day of summer vacation, they end up inadvertently freezing time, leading to the longest case (and day) of their lives as they attempt to solve the mystery and save their neighbors.
Arnie, the Doughnut, by Laurie Keller. An oldie-but-goodie, this adorable story of a not-so-ordinary doughnut will give you a smile. Perfect for read-alouds, or you can watch and listen to Chris O’Dowd (of IT Crowd and Bridesmaids, among other things) read it to you, courtesy of Storyline Online. [Captions are provided for the Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing].
Of course, this is just a brief selection of titles and genres, and purposefully avoiding anything too heavy or “dark” in the interest of more universal appeal.
For places to find more recommendations:
Book Concierge (NPR). This web app allows you to browse through seven years of books handpicked by NPR staff and critics, or narrow it down by categories. You can click on multiple categories at once and really find something to suit your tastes.
GoodReads. A website as well as a mobile app, you can keep track of what you’re currently reading, as well as view user-compiled lists, join virtual book clubs, and more. You can also make custom shelves and tags, especially useful if you have a large collection.
NoveList Plus. Read-alike and listen-alike recommendations for books and audiobooks. If you enjoy reading books in a series, NoveList will help you find out which one is next. In addition, reading reviews is very easy, as all the major publications (as well as GoodReads users) are found in one place. For access to this service, head to your local library’s website and check their virtual services page for more information!