Whether you’re under quarantine or self-isolating to protect yourself and your loved ones, you will probably find yourself with the occasional bout of spare time on your hands now that social events have been cancelled in many countries. Instead of sulking or mourning the concert that was postponed, there are a myriad of options for you to pass the time. From learning how to knit from handy YouTube tutorials to snuggling up on the sofa with your pet, a cup of tea and that book you’ve been meaning to read for years.
To help with the abundance of options, here are 10 geeky books that will make the time in quarantine fly by:
1. Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
If you’ve always been meaning to read more classic literature, the Sherlock Holmes books are probably the option for you. Since the Robert Downey Jr movies, BBC Sherlock and CBS Elementary, the beloved character has gained popularity again. Sherlock Holmes and his faithful companion Watson not only share a wonderful friendship but also 60 amazing adventures. The best part about this series is that, because the concept is so well known, it doesn’t matter where you start. All of the novels and short stories can be picked up and enjoyed without prior knowledge. Just don’t let the creative crimes give you any ideas…
2. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
Whether you’re a long-standing, die-hard Harry Potter fan or discovering the books for the very first time after watching the movies, this children’s book series can also be considered a classic. I myself have been re-reading the books after many years, only to discover that diving into this magical world still brings me endless joy. Reading them as an adult also gives you a chance to reflect on some questions about the wizarding world that you may not have thought about as a kid. So pick up “The Philosopher’s Stone” and re-discover the story of The Boy Who Lived – maybe even as the beautifully illustrated version that was released a couple of years ago.
3. The Magicians Series by Lev Grossman
Maybe you’ve heard of Syfy’s TV show “The Magicians.” Maybe you haven’t, but if you’ve ever complained about the children in Harry Potter not causing nearly enough havoc when they can do freaking magic, this book series is for you – because these young adults get into plenty of trouble. It’s not a series for young children, but the special kind of humour, the adventures and the interesting characters in the books will definitely make you forget about the current chaos around us. It’s a bit like Narnia, Harry Potter and your favourite, slightly weird Hogwarts fan fictions rolled into one.
4. The Expanse by James S.A. Corey
For the science fiction fans among you, this one is a series that is definitely worth checking out, especially if your intention is to forget all about the world around you. The Expanse is a thrilling, cliffhanger-heavy book series with insanely well-written characters that is almost impossible to put down once you’re hooked. It all starts with the discovery of the alien Protomolecule, and the story takes the protagonists through several decades of inter-planetary wars with amazing twists and turns on every corner that you couldn’t possibly guess. If you have nothing else to do during the quarantine, then you’ll have read all eight books in the blink of an eye.
5. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
If your current life is already action-packed enough, then perhaps another children’s book series is the right thing to read in order to calm you down. Inkheart, Inkspell and Inkdeath will take you into a whole new medieval-style fantasy world with a set of lovable (and despicable) characters. Follow young Meggie straight into the book (yes, literally) and discover the magical Inkworld while escaping the real one outside.
6. The Witcher by Andrzej Sapkowski
After playing the games and watching the new Netflix TV show over and over again, you’re still not quite done with the world of The Witcher? Then checking out Andrzej Sapkowski’s book series might be just what you need while you’re cooped up at home. It will give you another dose of Geralt of Rivia, Yennefer and Ciri and hopefully serve as a fix until the new season comes out.
7. The Vampire Chronicles by Anne Rice
Not quite as old as Sherlock Holmes, but still kind of a classic: Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles, starting with Interview with the Vampire, are what you should turn to if you’ve already read Dracula and crave some good and gloomy vampire literature. There is no sparkling, no tales of garlic, and Anne Rice’s Lestat is a formidable protagonist for everyone who loves a classic bloodsucker. If Lestat isn’t quite to your taste, then the book series focuses on a whole range of vampire and witch characters that have lived for centuries – and they have quite a few tales to tell.
8. A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
Vampires and witches again. Only this time, they offer a nicer, more romantic escape from the dreary quarantine routine. This series is often referred to as “Twilight for adults” and the comparison is not entirely wrong. This series of books delivers a sappy, sexy romance between a witch and an (obviously) attractive vampire, but it doesn’t neglect the deeper plot around the mystery of Diana’s powers and the fate of the creatures. If your intention is to dive into a romantic story, then A Discovery of Witches is a perfect form of escapism.
9. The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle
If you’re like me and grew up watching the 1982 animated movie, then you will be familiar with the beautiful yet sad tale of The Last Unicorn. If not, then still give it a chance. The Last Unicorn is a gorgeous fantasy-fairytale that paints a marvelous and melancholic picture of, well, the last unicorn, who set off to find out what happened to the rest of her kind. Disguised as a human woman, her journey leads her, the untalented wizard Schmendrick, and the former bandit Molly Grue through many dangers and right into the castle of the evil King Haggart. The story won’t be new if you have already seen the movie, but it will deliver more details, a beautiful tale and a lot more heartbreak.
10. The Martian by Andy Weir
After the heartbreak caused by The Last Unicorn, here comes one last suggestion to lighten the spirits and to please the science fiction fans who have already finished all eight Expanse books. Again, if you’ve already seen the movie, then the story won’t be a new one, but The Martian is still worth a read. When Mark Watney gets stranded on Mars, he doesn’t lose hope. Instead, he does everything in his power to survive until help arrives to take him home and yes, the story has a happy ending. It is also a lot funnier than the already hilarious movie and a seriously interesting read if you have some time on your hands. And who doesn’t need a bit of fun when you’re under quarantine?
We understand that being under quarantine can get boring and lonely. Let yourself and your family become enthralled with exciting stories to keep away the blues!
Update with Coronavirus and the affected conventions
A quick look at what we saw at London Comic Con 2020
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