Skip to content

All the things you should read whilst you’re social distancing

Social distancing can get boring. When Netflix inevitably runs out of new shows for you to binge, or you’re tired of re-watching Friends for the fifteenth time, you’re going to need something else to help you procrastinate writing your essays. I plan to use the time to catch up on some reading, so here’s some of the things on my list, as well as some recommendations.

Disclaimer: If you’re not much of a reader, that’s cool! An Audible subscription will get you one audio book a month – who doesn’t like being read to? Also, none of the stuff in this article is an ad, I’m just a bookworm.

Stocking up on self-help

Being cooped up inside can take a toll on our mental health – self-help books are a great way to stay positive. Check out:

  • Notes on a Nervous Planet – Actually, just read absolutely everything Matt Haig has written.
  • What a Time to be Alone – I reccomend this book to all of my single friends.
  • Jog On – If anything will convince you to take up running, this will.
  • It’s Not Okay to Feel Blue (and other lies) – A must.

Broadening your mind with something intellectual

If you’re anything like me, you probably haven’t actually finished a classic since A level English Lit (and that’s coming from an English degree student). But – now is the perfect time to work your way through something a little more intellectual:

  • The Bell Jar – Okay, I’m a cliche, but everyone should read this at least once.
  • The Catcher in the Rye – another essential.
  • The Great Gatsby – If we can’t party like Jay Gatsby, we can at least read about him.
  • To Kill a Mockingbird – I’m cheating, this is still on my to-be-read list.
  • Animal Farm – Year 9 throwback, anyone?

Looking for pure escapism

After years of being mocked for having not done so already, a friend suggested I use my social distancing time to read The Lord of the Rings. I’m probably wayyy behind the curve with that one, but we probably all have something similar that we seriously need to catch up on. Here’s some of my favourites:

  • The Handmaid’s Tale (For if you’re starting to feel a lil’ dystopian).
  • The Hunger Games (Ditto)
  • Game of Thrones (What better time to find out if the ending is better than the show?)
  • Harry Potter (It’s the perfect time to relive some childhood memories).

Your Uni reading list

*Gasps*. Groundbreaking. No one wants to say it, but this actually might be the perfect time to do some of your assigned reading.

And if you really can’t bring yourself to pick up a book, just check out some more of our blog posts below: