a novel idea
Stay in and
Read
Let’s focus on the positive: All this indoors time has allowed us to catch up on our reading. And regardless of whether we are still social distancing, we hope that you’ll keep reading. Here are some of our top picks for all things literary this season. By Barbara Bellesi Zito
QUICK READING RECS
If you want to...
Keep your business skills sharp “B2B IS REALLY P2P HOW TO WIN WITH HIGH TOUCH IN A HIGH TECH WORLD” BY FRANK SOMMA
Want to be more successful in business? It’s all about communicating well with others. This book will teach you how to create rapport with clients and customers to make them loyal to your product or service.
Have a good laugh
Get lost in a new series “A DEATH OF NO IMPORTANCE” BY MARIAH FREDERICKS
If you like a good mystery, try this series set in the early 1900s in New York. Ladies’ maid Jane Prescott quickly learns that tensions run rampant in the upper crust of society. Start with this first one, and you’ll soon want to read the other two novels that follow.
SUPPORT LOCAL BOOKSTORES If browsing the aisles of your favorite bookstore isn’t an option, you can still keep your bookshelf or tablet full from the safety of your home. Here are some ways to support your local independent booksellers that are likely struggling during this time.
“WOW, NO THANK YOU” BY SAMANTHA IRBY
We all need a good laugh, and Samantha Irby’s new book of spit-take essays will likely do the trick. From dealing with home improvements to navigating meal prep with mason jar salads, you’ll relate with each LOL.
LITERARY PODCASTS
Pop the earbuds in and escape for a bit with a bookish podcast. Here are some of our favorites.
“What Should I Read Next?”
Every reader has asked this question. Each week, host Anne Bogel has an answer.
“All the Books” and “Book Riot: The Podcast” LibroFM
This audiobook app lets you choose your favorite independent bookstores to support with your monthly membership. Every time you choose a book, that bookstore gets a cut. The monthly fee is comparable to that of Audible, plus you get three for the price of one ($14.99) when you use the code SWITCH at checkout.
Bookshop.org
Indulge in some online retail therapy and fill your bookshelf at Bookshop.org. Every book you buy supports independent bookstores.
WritersInTown.com
Bookstores will be open again. And when they are, author readings and events will resume. Be sure to check out this site (co-run by yours truly), which features a calendar of events happening at independent bookstores across the country.
BookRiot.com is an avid reader’s stomping ground for his or her next favorite book. It also offers two weekly podcasts: “Book Riot - The Podcast,” a news and talk show that keeps listeners up to speed in the literary world, and “All the Books,” which focuses on new releases.
“The Librarian Is In”
This podcast from New York Public Library features co-hosts Frank Collerius and Gwen Glazer and their take on books and culture.
“Reading Glasses”
Overwhelmed by your to-be-read pile? Wondering how to organize your bookshelf? Co-hosts Brea Grant and Mallory O’Meara offer practical tips for making the most out of the time you spend reading.
“Overdue”
Do you have books on your shelf you’ve been meaning to read forever? So do co-hosts Andrew and Craig. Their weekly podcast takes a trip through their shelf of overdue books that features a little bit of everything.
