Books To Distract You

If you’re anything like me, you’re spending at least a little time each day hiding from the world in a book. So I thought I’d share a few of my favorites in the hope that it helps you distract yourself from whatever chaos is surrounding you. I know most libraries are closed, but these are all available as e-books, which is how I read most often these days, so you should still be able to check them out or find them on Kindle.

Fantasy

I just finished both Uprooted and Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik, and if you’re a fantasy lover (or a fairy tale lover), these are definitely for you. The plots are engaging (I may have stayed up way to late to finish them both), and the characters are well-developed. They’re also free of language and sex (except for one scene in Uprooted, but you’ll see it coming). I was drawn completely in to the world’s Novik creates in both.

Feel-Good Fiction

The Inheritance by Louisa May Alcott is my go-to feel good romance. Alcott’s characters are so morally good, and her writing makes me feel so peaceful, like I’m wrapped up in a warm blanket as I read. This is one of her lesser-known pieces, and if you haven’t come across it yet, find yourself a copy.

Spiritual Reading

Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales is another warm, fuzzy read. Not in the light and fluffy way, but in the encouraging and full-of mercy and truth way. I’m a huge fan of St. Francis de Sales, and I love his pragmatic approach to the spiritual life. The audible version is a particularly good listen.

Anything by Fr. Jacques Phillipe is a win in my book. My current read is Thirsting for Prayer, and I am enjoying it. It’s my right-before-bed book, the one that I close my day with. It always gives me good food for thought.

Memoir

Maurice and Therese: The Story of a Love was my vacation read last month, and I got completely lost in their correspondence. I’m (obviously) a lover of St. Therese, but I had no idea about this facet of her life. Both she and Maurice come alive through their letters, and I loved every page.

I’ve written about my Sisters the Saints before, but it’s worth a mention again, because it is so good, and so life-affirming in this crazy time. Check it out if you haven’t.

Non-Fiction

The Billionaire’s Vinegar is a book I read awhile back and thoroughly enjoyed. It’s the story of the most expensive bottle of wine ever owned, one that was reputedly owned by Thomas Jefferson, and is a fascinating insight into the world of fine wine.

Saga

I absolutely binge-watched Poldark this past year, and loved every minute of it (so did Mark, though he won’t admit it), and I started reading the novels, and have loved them too. I’m currently like 10 weeks away from being off the hold list at my local library for the next one, so I’m clearly not the only one to love these books. I find I like them even better after seeing the series, as I have images in my head of all the characters. There are 12 books in all, so these will keep you going for a looooong time. And they’re less randy than the Outlander Series (which I enjoyed, after skipping over all the sex scenes, but only made it about halfway through).

Light and Fluffy

The Aunt Dimity series is always my go-to when I’m in the mood for light and fluffy fiction. The writing is good, the plots are clever, and they don’t take a lot of mental bandwidth. Also, there are a lot of them, so if you’re new to the series and enjoy them, you’ll have a lot to keep you busy. Book 2 is my favorite, and you don’t really have to read them all in order, which is a plus when you’re waiting on the library.

I also just read Austenland and Dear Mr. Knightley, both of which are Austen-spin off books. I enjoyed them both, but Dear Mr. Knightley was the better read in my humble opinion.

Linking up with Kelly this week, so head over to read the other quick takes this week.

Leave a comment with what you’re reading, I’m always looking for something to read next.