As we wade through this funny old time, here’s what I’ve been reading. Can you help me out with some ideas as to what to read next? And if you need a lockdown reading suggestion, all of these are excellent.
From the top in this pile we have:
The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma – This story of four Nigerian brothers in the ’90s kind of sneaks up on you to become one of the most beautiful and accomplished books you might ever read. It’s intimate and mythic at the same time. If you’re looking for something literary but very readable, this is the one. Big thumbs up.
The Map of Us by Jules Preston – If you’re struggling to settle down to read, but you want to read more, then this is the one for you. It’s a real page turner of a quirky love story that will make you smile. Full of charm and oddness in equal measure.
A Bit of a Stretch: The Diaries of a Prisoner – Chris Atkins – My whole family has read this one over the lockdown period (apart from Dennis the cat, but you know what he’s like). It’s the shocking story of author Chris Atkins and his time spent in Wandsworth Prison. Makes you feel grateful for all the freedom we still have now.
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo – The intimate story of three women in America, written after author Lisa Taddeo followed over 8 years. This is a non-fiction book that’s as gripping as a thriller.
Not pictured, cos I read them on Kindle are:
Broken Greek by Pete Paphides – A really tender and warm portrait of life growing up in Birmingham in the 1970s and 80s, stuffed full of cultural details that you will recognise if you’re also a child of the era. When I started into this I was a bit hufty at how long it was (nearly 600 pages) but by the time it ended I wanted more. Definitely one for music fans. Chip shop connoisseurs will enjoy it too.
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead – Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and multiple other awards, this is a story of two slaves and their attempts to escape slavery in 19th Century America. If you want to understand more about why American society is as it is now, and where that came from, you need to read this book. Really excellent and unputdownable (and I say that as someone who is very easily distracted).
What would you recommend for my next bout of lockdown reading? I am especially looking for all sorts of diverse authors with a relevance to the current times. Leave a comment and tell me what you’ve been reading, I’d love to hear from you
More reading recommendations here
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