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Three novels that helped pass time in isolation
Alessia Baptista, Lifestyle Editor
During quarantine, my preferred method of passing the time was reading. I found these few months in isolation allowed me to catch up on some books I’ve wanted to indulge in for a while, as well as some bestsellers that were receiving all kinds of attention in the media.
After reading a plethora of novels varying in genre and length in the span of 4 months, I’ve curated a diverse list of the top three picks from my personal library that may appeal to you:
For the spontaneous thrill-seeker: American Dirt by Jeanine Cummins
American Dirt is first on this list for a reason. The novel is centred around a Latina woman named Lydia and her son Luca on their escape from their small village in Acapulco. Lydia accidentally makes acquaintances with the leader of a drug cartel — and he is on the hunt for Lydia. There is a constant question as to what Lydia will do next; will she ever escape? Needless to say, things become both stressful and exciting as the novel progresses — you won’t be able to put this one down.
For the hopeless romantic: The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
I’m almost ashamed to admit that I finished this one in three days. This pick is a charming, quick read. The Wedding Date follows Drew and Alexa, a couple who meet by accident in an elevator. Drew happens to be in town for a wedding and needs a date (this is where the title really comes into effect), and so he invites Alexa, thus commencing their tornado of a love story. This interracial romance is guaranteed to satisfy all those warm and fuzzy feelings you crave, but prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions along the way.
For mystery lovers: The Last Dead Girl by Harry Dolan
If you like suspenseful thrillers, then The Last Dead Girl is the novel for you. When David Malone falls for a charming young lady named Jana Fletcher, his world is turned upside down. After Jana Fletcher is brutally murdered one night, the police suspect it was David who killed her. David must prove that he is not the cause of Jana Fletcher’s death, while also being extremely cautious with every move he makes — as Jana’s killer is watching him very closely. Keep a notebook handy for this pick, it’s a thrilling page-turner sure to satisfy your inner Sherlock Holmes.
