REFINE Recs: Quarantine Reads
Curated by Ariana dos Santos
We’ve all been in self-isolation for over a month now and the boredom probably set in around week two. If you’re tired of scrolling through the same three apps all day, it might be time to sit down to read a good book and take your mind off of everything for a little while. But what should you read? Thankfully, the ladies of REFINE are here to recommend some of their favorite books to get you through these endless days inside.
Shades of Magic series by V.E. Schwab
“As a huge Harry Potter fan, this adult fantasy series was the first thing that I found that really immersed me into a world like HP did. Also, there’s lots of girl power!” –– Holly Huepfel, video editor
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
“I love it because it's so long that you really get into the characters' stories from when they are younger to years later when they are grown up. The character development is amazinggg. I would highly recommend it for this time because it's a good story to dive into and be completely wrapped up in for a few days or weeks––really will get your mind off everything.” –– Sarah Waddington, Digital editor
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
“This is truly one of the MOST empowering books I’ve ever read. Cheryl’s story is real, raw, and incredible. Not to be cliche, but it totally makes you want to go hike 1,100 miles alone and become a whole new person. Highly recommend for post-quarantine motivation!” –– Magdalena Becker, writer
One Hour in Paris by Karyn Freedman
“I was assigned this book for a sex crimes class, but it was a super interesting and enlightening read that I’d recommend to anyone. It’s Freedman’s account of her brutal rape that occurred in her 20s and how it affected her throughout the rest of her life. The book sheds some insight into how rape survivors cope and how common rape myths affect their trial and mental health. Freedman discusses this through a philosophical lens that brings new perspective to a conversation that’s often hard to have.” –– Briana Vetter, Health editor
Pure by Julianna Baggott
“This book explores the issues of class hierarchy in a dystopian, post-nuclear destruction world where the characters belong to classes based off of how deformed or unscathed the nuclear fallout left them. Fair warning, this book is very vivid and disturbing, but it makes the hours in quarantine go by super fast.” –– Rebekah Harding, Features editor
Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion
“I’ve spent the last few days, in between doomscrolling and Zoom classes, going back to one of my favorite comfort reads. Didion’s work has always been a place where I feel comfortable, even in her discomfort. She has the most incredible writing voice that shows through every piece of work she’s published, and I find myself revisiting her often. This collection is her most popular, mainly taking place during her time in 1960s California, living a life that we can only dream of.” –– Maggie Mancini, FOB/BOB editor
More Than Enough by Elaine Welteroth
“The reason why I loved this read is because Elaine, a prominent Black woman in media, sharing her trials with the whole world is very powerful. She shared all the mistakes and lessons she learned, while also giving great life advice, mainly geared towards younger Black girls. To me, she became more of a big sister figure after reading the book.” – Hafeezat Bishi, writer
And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini
“I just finished And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini and I loved it! Each chapter tells the story of a different person, yet collectively everyone is connected to at least one other person in a different chapter. It’s pretty amazing to figure out the connections as you go along. The novel as a whole speaks to a lot of contrasting human themes of love/hate, pride/shame, etc... I definitely recommend it!” – Juliana DiCesare, writer
The Ultimate Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
“Hitchhikers is for anyone who needs some written comedy in their life right now. I love my John Mulaney stand-ups, but sometimes I need something new. This sci-fi comedy series—which was originally a radio show on BBC—is an eccentric and hysterical take on a travel guide. Read for hours, or just a chapter a day! It’ll bring a smile to your face no matter what.” – Francesca Furey, Editor-in-Chief
Hopefully, one or more of these books will help you escape for a little while and you’ll love them as much as our staff members. Let us know what you’ve been reading over on our Instagram (@refine.magazine). And keep your eyes out for book reviews, they’ll be up on our blog soon!