Five books to read in quarantine

Alyssa Luecke, Features Editor|March 26, 2020


Leigh Bardugo is one of those authors with a never-ending list of fantastic reads, especially if you are interested in fantasy. While this book of short stories may be a little bit strange at times, they are nevertheless entertaining. Mythical creatures, ancient kings and queens and questionable witches are all encased in this beautifully illustrated book, not to mention Bardugo’s poetic yet practical writing skills. Language of Thorns will be sure to take you to many other worlds when you are stuck at home. Photo by Alyssa Luecke
It is rare that I’m found reading a non-fiction war book, but after being encouraged to read “Legend” from a friend, I have to admit that it was a quick read. Following the story of a Green Beret Sergeant, the story takes us into his past, his present, and his future throughout the heat of the Vietnam war. There are times when I could feel myself cringing at the visuals and times I could feel my stomach dropping to my toes as I had to keep reminding myself that it was real. Whether you like or dislike this genre, I would highly recommend that you step out of your comfort zone. Photo by Alyssa Luecke
If you have never heard of Cassandra Clare, I can almost guarantee that you will find her books in any library or bookstore you ever set foot in. Not only is she that good, but she also has nearly twenty books about the same world of characters and different timelines, which is why I love her so much. However, if you are not one for reading that many books about the same world, the one trilogy I recommend is The Infernal Devices. Taking place Victorian England, Clare introduces some of the most complex and lovable characters you will ever meet, not to mention their incredible journey through young love, supernatural discoveries and family feuds. Photo by Alyssa Luecke

If you are interested in figuring out why you aren’t successful, this may be the book for you. However, in all seriousness, this book is extremely enlightening about the idea and the “why” of what it takes to be successful. Gladwell is quite an advanced author, but he makes it an easier read by providing background knowledge in footnotes and doing his best to explain what he means in the simplest terms. If anything, this book will definitely make you feel smarter at the end of the day; who doesn’t want that? Photo by Alyssa Luecke.
I read this paranormal, mystery thriller in about fifth grade, and loved it so much that I decided to buy it and read it again my senior year of high school. I remember loving the rainy, London, England setting and the thrill and fear I felt from Johnson’s take on Jack the Ripper was something to hold on to. Although it is categorized as a YA ghost story, I would say that it was beyond that level of simplicity and brings plenty of surprise and suspense to the table. I was also happy to find out when I picked it up against that she had made it into a trilogy, so perhaps during this quarantine I will find myself picking those up as well. Photo by Alyssa Luecke