What weird, scary times we’re living in right now. I’m currently social-distancing with my family, so you would assume that a bookworm being at home all the time would equal lots more reading time. But, I’ve only just managed to finish my first book in weeks, and that was due to making a conscious effort.
Whenever I feel stressed or anxious, I find it hard to concentrate enough to get sucked into the world of a book. With current pandemic events, it’s fair to say my mind has been more than a bit preoccupied. I also can’t stop thinking about how a virus that overruns the world is the start of so many dystopian novels; Station Eleven was one of my favourite reads of last year – where the Georgia Flu wipes out a majority of the population – so that’s all a bit disconcerting…
Reading to Escape Reality
I think my choice of book helped too; I wanted something light, that I knew would be easy to read and not put me through an emotional wringer. So I had a little look on my neglected Kindle shelf and found Us Three, the new novel from actress, writer and star of Gavin & Stacey, Ruth Jones. I’m not going to say it’s the best book I’ve ever read, but it was an engaging, often funny story that does now hold a special place in my reading list for giving me mental respite when I really needed it.
I hope you’re all safe and getting through this as best as you can. We’re all in this together and – as I keep reminding myself – it’s not forever. One day we will be able to look back on this as a slice of history and, inevitably, read about it as the backdrop to events in 1,000 novels over the coming years!
I’d love to know if you’re using reading as a coping mechanism during this pandemic? Also, please give me all the feel-good book recommendations!
Books on the 7:47 
I have anxiety disorders and I know completely understand how you feel. My best advice is to limit your social media/news exposure to 1 hour per day because it’s not going to do you any good. Take care of yourself.
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Thank you, yes I’ve found the less time looking at the news, the better I feel. Hard to resist sometimes. Take care too x
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You’re right, it’s not forever. It’s scary, but we’ll get through this. Sending good vibes your way.
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Thank you! Sending loads your way too x
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Great post! I’m definitely using reading as an escape during this time. Like you, I’ve had to physically distance myself from my phone so that I can concentrate on reading instead of worrying endlessly.
Beth O’Leary’s “The Flatshare” was something I read just last night that took my mind off it for a good 4 hours. It’s a feel-good, epistolary-ish roommates-to-lovers romance with believable character development and a lot of genuinely funny moments. It was quite uplifiting and just the distraction I needed.
Hoping you’ll stay safe and sane during this time, and that this will soon pass. ☺️
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Thank you! I LOVED The Flatshare, such a good call. I finished it feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. Hope you’re doing ok in all this too x
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You too! Take care xx
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I’ve had trouble concentrating on reading too. I’m working from home and although I’m keeping normal hours, I feel a bit like my routine has gone to pot! Also, the constantly refreshing of news sources on my phone isn’t helping!
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I’m working from home too, adjusting to the change is definitely going to take a little time! Hopefully normal reading services will resume soon 😊 Stay safe!
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I’ve felt like I’m living in a dystopian novel this week, much like yourself I’ve struggled to focus and have had to limit how much time I spend watching the news as it was making me feel increasingly fearful and anxious. Hope you’re safe and well. X
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Thank you, hope you’re doing ok too. These are strange times but we’ll get there! Stay safe x
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Currently reading a memoir called Educated by Tara Westover! It weirdly links to our current lockdown situation so is an interesting read x
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Yes, I’ve read that too – such an interesting and inspiring read! Thanks for suggesting! x
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