Despite the fact that I used to be a book blogger, with a number of book reviews going live on my blog every week, I’ve never been a particularly fast reader. I’ve only ever managed to read one book in a day and it was The Age of Miracles by Karen Thompson-Walker. One of my favourite books EVER written. On average, it’ll take me around a week to read one book. Unless it’s a very special book.
Since lockdown hit, I’ve found myself WANTING to read more than usual. It’s not that I have extra time to read (in fact, I’ve found myself BUSIER than usual during this period – go figure) but I’m just craving that time curled up in the pages of a good book, the distractions from every day life and the ability to go and live another’s life, even if only for 20 minutes.
At the time of writing this post, I’ve managed to read Peter Pan by J.M Barrie, A Patchwork Family by Cathy Bramley, Dear Evan Hansen by Val Emmich and a re-read of one of my faves, The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.
Obviously I don’t have opinions on the majority of the books on this list yet as I haven’t read them but if you’ve read any of these, do let me know in the comments! If you’re interested in any of my star ratings, do check out my Goodreads! I’d love to have you as a friend on there! Let’s get into the list!
Your Life in My Hands: A Junior Doctor’s Story by Rachel Clarke
I’ve always been a fan of medical style books. Although most of the time they can be upsetting, they can also bring light to the meaning of life as a whole and not the mention the incredible work doctors and medical professionals do on a regular basis. I’m really looking forward to reading this one!
They Both Die At the End by Adam Silvera
I’ve read this one and I knew from more or less the first page that I was going to love it. Isn’t it amazing when that happens? I’ve heard loads about this book but never really bothered to find out more about it so I went in with an open mind and my gosh, what a read.
The Hunting Party by Lucy Foley
Psychological Thriller. A group of friends with decades of history between them, snowed in a house in the Highlands with no way out. What could go wrong? Well, one of them shows up dead, that’s what goes wrong! I’ve seen this book around loads – how could you not with such a striking cover? I can’t WAIT to read this one!
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
You know what genre I love as much as Thriller? YA. So this YA Thriller is definitely right up my street! Another book that I’ve heard loads about and seen floating around. A title like this does tend to stick in your mind. I’ve heard a ton of amazing things about this so excited to see if it lives up to the hype!
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
Coraline is one of my favourite stories ever. The film is my favourite film of all time and although I have read this in the past, I really want to read it again because from my memory, the book is even creepier! It’s such a disturbing but… strangely warming tale?
The Kingdom by Jess Rothenberg
Okay, I have a confession. I’m a sucker for a lovely book cover. And I only picked this out from Amazon because the cover was too beautiful not to. However, I am a fan of fairytale-esque novels, re-tellings and that sort of thing so I have high hopes for this anyway!
One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
Who HASN’T heard of this book yet? This has been on my to-read list for like, a year. This was my last read and whilst it did take me a while to get in to – after the initial excitement of the first few chapters – I was hooked. And I finished the second half in a day as we were nearing the conclusion! Definitely recommended. This book would make an amazing film, too!
The Chain by Adrian McKinty
And finally, a nice Thriller to finish off the pile of books I’d like to read whilst in lockdown. The Chain sounds seriously disturbing. It kinda reminds me of The Box, with Cameron Diaz? But I always like being made to feel uncomfortable when I’m reading a book so I’m hoping this will do the job!
So there’s my reading list for lockdown! Have you read any of these books? If so, let me know your thoughts below! What have you been reading these past few weeks?
I haven’t heard of these books before so thank you for introducing them to me 🙂 Ok I only knew Coraline and loved it! I will definitely check the rest as you made me curious.
‘One of Us is Lying’ has been on my list recently too. I think I will read that next now.
Hope you love it!
If you liked ‘One of us is Lying’, I’d recommend ‘Two Can Keep a Secret’. YA thrillers are the best!
I really need to get my hands on that!
Great post! Yes they both die at the end is one of my ultimate favourites 🙂
Such a great book!
You have such great taste in books 😄 thanks!
Great list! I’ve been reading the Persphone Book of Short Stories, and have really enjoyed getting into reading small chunks at a time and thinking about them more. Will definitely be adding some of these to my list!
Awesome list! I haven’t read any yet, but I’ve heard about several of them.
Currently, I’m reading The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society for a book club which will last for the whole month of June. I just finished Nina George’s The Floating Paris Bookshop.
My next few reads are: Tweet Cute by Emma Lord, The Dating Charade by Melissa Ferguson, and The Hand, The Eye, and the Heart by Zoe Marriott.
I love your posts! Definitely some good inspiration
I have done so much reading since being on lockdown. I devoured Normal People in one afternoon!
Rosie
I really want to read that!
I haven’t read any of these books, but I’ve seen ‘One of Us is Lying’ on so many lists lately! I’m planning to read it after I’ve read all the books I already own. It usually takes me between a week and a month to get through a book, depending how much spare time I have.
It’s really good, highly recommend!
I love Coraline & I’ve started listening to They Both Die At the End & it’s really interesting! I also want to read A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder
They Both Die At the End was SO good!
Good list! I really liked the hunting party!!
Can’t wait to read that one!
i love “one of us is lying!” – such a gripping read.
Mollie | https://mollieclarke.co.uk
Such a good book! Really didn’t see that ending either!
The absolute taste & variety in this list is fabulous!!! I aspire to read all of these genres at some point or another; I generally stick with classics :’)
I’ve been feeling the same about reading too! I’ve been absolutely craving literature during lockdown. They Both Die At The End is quite high on my TBR so can’t wait to get around to reading it!
Can’t wait to read what you think!!
Your Life in My Hands has been on to my to be read list for quite a while! I am slowly but surely making my way through the list during lockdown
I haven’t heard of any of these books before! I usually just stick to love and romance storylines. So always interested at finding new books to read! Thank you for sharing these Jenny ❤️xxx
Whaaat! You’re welcome xxx
I haven’t read any of these yet but They Both Die At The End sounds so good. I love that it drew you in from the very beginning. I’ve been struggling to read since lockdown started and I’m not too sure why, at the beginning it was an inability to concentrate but I’m not sure what’s stopping me now. I need to get back into making it a part of my daily routine x
Sophie
They Both Die is a really good book then because it’s a really easy read too 😌
Wishing you happy hours reading! It is such a wonderful thing as you say to curl up on the couch with a good book! 🙂
Agreed 😌
I read The Kingdom last year and it was such an entertaining book! A few others are on my TBR too! Look forward to hearing your thoughts on them, especially The Hunting Party and The Chain!
Evie x | http://www.eviejayne.co.uk
Oooh glad you liked that one!
“They both die at the end” its such an amazing book. I read it in one day. Thanks for the ideas on what I should read next. Some of them sound right down my ally.
I couldn’t put it down either!
Great list! I read another book by a doctor, similar to Your Life Is In My Hands, and really enjoyed it. I’m blanking on the title, but I’m sure I’d like this one too. Also interested to hear what you thought of Dear Evan Hansen. I love the show and soundtrack, so hope I’d like the book too!
I’ve read a few doctor books too – I really enjoy them! I liked Dear Evan Hansen. Not as much as I thought I would but it was a good book 🙂 I would love to see the show!
i loved the movie coraline, but have not read the book! i’m looking for it online and hopefully they ship to where i live!
ellie x // elliekblog.blogspot.co.uk
The book is even creepier than the film so try and get your hands on a copy!
I’m taking a good crack at Anna Karenina, but some of these look really good too. I love Neil Gaiman. I read The Graveyard Book with my book club a while back and really loved the underworld theme. Happy reading!
I really want to read The Graveyard Book too!
Whoa I didn’t know Dear Evan Hansen was a book first! This list is interesting and I’m also looking forward to reading They Both Die at the End!
Whaaat! Yes it is! But I really want to see the show. TBDatE is SO good!
I absolutely loved They Both Die at the End, it was SUCH a good book. I just bought The Hunting Party on Kindle and can’t wait to get started. I really want to read One of Us is Lying too, I’ve heard nothing but good things about it! Gorgeous photos! x
Oh my god it was just everything wasn’t it? OoUiL is really good, would highly recommend 🙂 Thank you!
During lockdown – I chose to read my absolute darling and got traumatised!
It’s a very powerful book – I recommend it to you as well if you are still looking for new ideas 🙂
We’ll have a look at the books of your list too! Thank you
Thanks for the recommendation!
I absolutely love this list. Most of them sound like exactly the types of books I’d add to my basket. The first book, your life in my hands – I’m defo going to get at one point hopefully! I’m currently reading a book atm but I’ve purchased ‘the prison doctor’ which I’m so excited to start! xxx
Fy https://cultureeighteen.wordpress.com
I’ve heard quite a few things about The Prison Doctor! I’d love to read that!
Eeep. I feel like I am so under-read, given I have only read Coraline from all the books on your list! I love most of Neil Gaiman’s less strange books, and Coraline left me feeling sad and happy at the same time.
My to-read list included One of Us is Lying (what a great title) and They Both Die at the End. It has to be good writing if the title dares hint at the ending. 🙂
I totally understand how you feel about Coraline! Would highly recommend those two 🙂
I keep talking about reading more and not making the time for it – but this is definitely a reminder that I need to step back and let it happen! I’ve been putting the pressure on myself to be constantly productive, but we all need that downtime. I’m going to set aside some time this weekend to kick back with a good book!!!
Oh I totally relate to the productive thing! I’m glad to hear that!
I’m obsessed with looking at people’s reading lists at the moment! Added a couple of these! At the moment I’m reading Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker and Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan 🙂
Haha same! Always good to get new recommendations!
One of Us is Lying has been sitting on my shelf forever and despite recommendations left, right and centre, I still haven’t read it – bad I know. How was Dear Evan Hansen? I’ve listened to the soundtrack and it sounds like it could be really emotional. Great combination here – and long may the reading buzz continue.
I’d highly recommend One of Us is Lying! Dear Evan Hansen was good but I didn’t LOVE it. I didn’t find it particularly emotional either.
Such a great post! I really loved AGGGTM too, it’s like one of my favourite books of all time! I’m now in the middle of Good Girl, Bad Blood and I must say that that’s starting of great as well:) And One of us is lying was amazing too! I am still among the few peiple that haven’t read They will both die at the end yet, but you made it sound all the more appealing! <3
Oooh I’m really looking forward to reading that now!
Haha I totally get your feelings with Coraline. I never forget the first time I watched the movie. I thought it was a kids movie and it gave me nightmares for a week 😂 but I get your point of it being sort of heartwarming as well, in the end!
Haha I was just entranced by it!
You gave me so many great ideas for my next read. 💙 I would definitely start with They Both Die At The End, it sounds very interesting.
Its such an incredible book!
I am on a book buying ban so I should have just walked on by but oh no… I had to slip down a whole! I have so many on my TBR pile but a few of these really take my fancy.
Thanks for sharing…. I think 😉
There’s quite a few books on this list that look really interesting! Specifically the second one They Both Die At the End. I don’t know why but it just sounds like it’s going to be really good! Thanks for sharing 🙂
It’s an AMAZING book!
Love your reading list! I really enjoyed the Hunting Party 🙂 I definitely need to get round to reading One of Us is Lying – it’s been on my reading list for ages
She’s Looking at the Stars
Looking forward to reading The Huntiing Party!
You have so many great books on your list! I’m read a few of these and they’ve made me tear up! Though that doesn’t take much! Haha!
Daisy xoxo | TheDeeWhoLived
Haha oh dear!
love your reading list Jenny! I have One of Us is Lying on my shelf atm just waiting to be read so I can’t wait to get to it and I’m even more excited after seeing you loved it. I recently finished reading They Both Die at The End and even though it was literally the entire premise of the novel and it was obvious, I was still so heartbroken haha. I’m more of a mood reader so it’s hard for me to pinpoint and follow a list but I’m reading an arc of a book called Cinderella is Dead and it is sooo good so far!
Oh my god same. Like even though I knew what was going to happen, I was waiting for something ELSE to happen. I kinda couldn’t accept that that was the ending, even though I knew from the title that it was. If that made sense?
I have been reading so much recently x
Great list. Some really interesting books on here, hope you enjoy them!
Thank you!
I’ve been looking for new books to read! I think I’ll give One Of Us Is Lying a read!
Amazing book! Enjoy!
The last book I read were Full English Breakfast. Now I’m reading Bridget Jones’s Diary. There are probably 15 pages left to read. Your article is all I need.
Hope you enjoyed!
This is a great list of books Jenny! I’m always looking for new books to read! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Hope you found some recommendations here!
These are all new books to me – so far. HOpe to read a few of them in the coming weeks! I love a good book lead!
Hope you enjoy the ones you chose!
I love reading about books so this was so nice to see from you! I’ve added some of these to my list as there were some I’d not heard of before. I’ve got The Hunting Party waiting on my bookshelf which I’m really excited to read too! The cover is so striking xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
It really is. I love the cover. It definitely stands out on a shelf!
I really want to start reading more so I will check some of these out xx
I enjoyed one of us is lying, I couldn’t get into a good girls guide to murder, but will still read the sequel. hunting party is on my tbr, and The chain is on my wish list. If you like medical books try Adam Kay this is going to hurt. I’ve read 13 books since lock down. And currently in the middle of four books. Two buddy reads which is Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward – Hate notes, And Elizabeth Cook – You owe me a murder. Two other books on my own which is Kate Elizabeth Russell – My dark Vanessa And Emma Robinson – The forgotten wife.
I’ve read both Adam Kay books – love them!
I read They Both Die at the End and One of Us is Lying a couple of years ago. They’re both great books. I need to get a copy of Coraline!
Lauren | https://www.laurenyloves.co.uk/
They’re both so good!
I feel the exact same way about wanting to read during isolation. 🙂 I’ll definitely have to check out They both die at the end!
Highly recommend!
Awesome that lockdown has made you want to start reading again. It got me out of a bit of a slump too as before this I was really busy with studying. I’m working at the moment but reading even just a few chapters a day is a great escape right now. Your photos are absolutely gorgeous by the way xxx
Well, I never stopped reading but it’s definitely encouraged me to read more 🙂
I’ve just finished “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” and it definitely lives up to the hype! I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to read the sequel 🙂
Ooooh that’s good to hear! That’ll be my next read, I think!
A wonderful collection of ideas, I’m spoiled for choice!
I really want to read One Of Us is Lying!
It’s sooo good!
Thank god I’m not the only slow reader here! Sometimes it takes me two to three weeks to finish a full 200+ page book! However, I read Divergent in seven days! I was so proud of myself! 😀 I think my top three I’ve read so far have been: Jane Doe by Victoria Helen Stone (suspense/thriller), I Am Malala by Malala Yousazfai & Patricia McCormick (memoir) & Say You’ll Stay by Corinne Michaels (contemporary/romance). So, if you want any more books to read, you could check these out sometime!
I think the only three that I have been thinking about mentioned on your list have been: Dear Evan Hansen, They Both Die At The End, & One Of Us Is Lying. I’ve heard a lot about them lately and so of course, I’m curious.
It sometimes takes me that long too! Some books I just can’t read for a long period of time!
Sometimes the places I sit get very uncomfortable in like 20 minutes so I am constantly shifting positions and it’ll be too much for my legs to keep the book open or lean my tablet in other directions. I’m a complicated mess! Lol 🙂
I really enjoyed One of Us is Lying too after getting past the initial chapters! Your Life in My Hands seems like a really interesting read so I might have to give it a go!
http://www.agirlwithview.co.uk
I haven’t read any of these but they all sound like books I’d enjoy. I’ll definitely be adding them to my TBR list.
It really does. Especially given the current situation.
These are some really great books, I haven’t actually read any of them but I’ll definitely be adding some of them to my list, I’m probably one of the only people who hasn’t read One of us is lying yet but I keep meaning too! X
Hope you get around to reading some of them!
I loved they both die at the end (anything by adam silvera is great) and I also read one of us is lying so quickly that I ended up not revising for a class test in uni which I inevitably failed (oops) I’ll definitely need to check some more of these out
I need to read more of Adam’s work!
Oooh I am the exact same! Despite being busier, I’ve been wanting to escape into a book a lot more. I love your lockdown book list – especially “The Kingdom!” Will you be writing reviews on them?
I won’t be writing reviews, I don’t enjoy reviewing books any more as I did it for so long it took away the enjoyment of reading for me! I always star rate them on Goodreads though 🙂
I have been reading so much more during Lock down as well! I’m not a huge reader but you are so right there is something about being comfortable and then caught up in the pages of a book. This is a interesting list, I will check some of these books out since I have been wanting more recommendations (:
Especially given the current situation!
I really want to read a Good Girls Guide To Murder! I’ve heard a lot of good things about it
Me too! Think that’ll be my next read!
Great list! One of Us is Lying is such a great YA read, they’re actually making it into a TV show 🙂
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
ARE THEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Omg!!!!
It takes me about a week too to read a book, I still have lots of friends who think that is superfast :-). I loved The Hunting Party too! I still have The Chain and Good Girls Guide to Murder to read too, I hope to get to them next month! Happy reading Jenny!