Whether you’re looking for activities to fill time, or maybe just want to read something entertaining, these ten books are sure to be a great way to spend a few hours!
Obasan - Joy Kogawa
Obasan is a powerful and inspiring novel that tells the journey of the hardships faced by Japanese-Canadians living in Canada during the Second World War. This novel contains several worthwhile topics, ranging from racism to education, and can definitely resonate with you for a very long time.
The Chosen - Chaim Potok
This novel exemplifies that regardless of how people differ, whether it's religion, race, size, or age, they can still form valuable friendships and appreciate one another. The Chosen follows the journey of the formation of a unique friendship between a traditional Orthodox Jew and Hasid.
Lord of The Rings - J. R. R. Tolkien
Have plenty of spare time on your hands? The Lord of the Rings is the perfect series for quarantining at home. It’s a lengthy but engrossing series that will keep you reading for hours.
Suspense:
Murder on the Orient Express - Agatha Christie
Murder on the Orient Express by the brilliant author Agatha Christie is adored by many, due to its compelling and gripping storyline which keeps you guessing alongside the detectives investigating this mysterious murder case.
One of Us is Lying - Karen McManus
This suspense novel follows five teens that have to go to detention, but only four come out alive. If you’re looking for a story with a mystery to be cracked, One of Us is Lying is definitely a go-to.
Dystopias:
1984 - George Orwell
George Orwell's 1984 is set in a dystopia, an imagined future that has been mistreated with propaganda, endless surveillance, and constant warfare. The relationships that the protagonist is able to build regardless of the extreme repression that he faces build this book up to be a favourite.
The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
Similar to 1984, Margaret Atwood's most famous novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, features a dystopian society with a severe lack of freedom for its citizens who are reduced to very few, dehumanizing qualities. As the story progresses, the reader gets to know more and more about the uprisings happening beneath the surface, and the suspenseful ending is sure to get you eager to read the sequel — The Testaments.
The Lunar Chronicles - Marissa Meyer
The Lunar Chronicles is one of many readers’ all-time favourites. Set in a future where there remains a conflict between the “Lunar people” and the “People of the Earth”, this is another series that will keep you occupied for countless hours. Each book, with its unique touch, introduces a novel character, compared to the classic fairytale figures, like Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.
Classics:
Taming of The Shrew - William Shakespeare
Wanting to just get a laugh? Well, Taming of the Shrew is one of Shakespeare’s most well-known comedic plays that will definitely make you smile. Don’t be intimidated by the Shakespearean language — once you get into it, it becomes much easier to read.
Lord of the Flies - William Golding
You might have read this novel before, but it is definitely worth reading again — classics are classics for a reason! Surprisingly, you may be able to relate to the group of boys that crash land on an island, in complete isolation. This book can also help you realize how grateful you are to be safe at home, and not in the unfortunate position of the characters.
Article Contributors: Valerie Shirobokov, Michelle Xiao
Featured image courtesy of Utamaru Kido via Getty Images