Top 5 Books I've Read During Lockdown

Sunday, September 27, 2020

2020 has been an awful year for everyone but the one benefit for me, has been the extra time for reading and the wonderful escapism and relaxation it provides. I reached my 50 book goal a few months ago and I recently reached my updated target of 100 books so I'm very happy with my reading progress for the year; however despite the number of books I've read, I don't have too many stand out favourites unfortunately. 

Hopefully the last few months of 2020 will include a few great books but for today's post I'll be sharing my top five books during the lockdown period (we're still in lockdown in Manchester and have been for most of the year) which ranges between April to September for myself and my fellow Mancunians. If you want to know what I'm reading, make sure you follow me on GoodReads!

Best Books 

Skincare by Caroline Hirons: a fantastic guide to skincare from the queen of skincare ★★★★★

The Memory of Babel by Christelle Dabos: a magical book series with dangerous powers, family deities and mysteries galore ★★★★

The Scottish Boy by Alex de Campi: an absorbing (and graphic!) LGBT gritty historical fiction ★★★★

Stiff: The Curious Life of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach: a macabrely interesting book that everyone needs to read ★★★★★

City of Light, City of Poison by Holly Tucker: a non-fiction read of a salacious and dangerous period of French history that reads like an incredible historical drama ★★★★


Honourable Mentions 

Blood Work by Holly Tucker: a gruesome but interesting look at the history of blood transfusions (aware of graphic animal abuse) ★★★★

The Passenger: Japan: a collection of essays on various aspects of Japanese culture that is interesting, eye opening and heart breaking at times ★★★★

Red, White and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston: a humorous, lighthearted and thoroughly enjoyable LGBT contemporary romance ★★★ (3.75)

A Burning Sea by Theodore Brun: an adventure filled series with battles, norse myths and friendship ★★★ (3.75)

Passport Ready by Anne Malambo: an essential guide to travel especially for women travelling alone ★★★★


If I had to recommend only one fiction and one non-fiction book from lockdown I think I would have to choose The Memory of Babel by Christelle Dabos and City of Light by Holly Tucker. I always receive  comments on my monthly wrap-up posts and social media about how many books I read so here are a few tips: 

  • Always take a book with you
  • Try audiobooks or e-books
  • DNF books you aren't enjoying
  • Manage your time to include reading
  • Try a book subscription (such as BookBeat or Scribd)
  • Set a goal of read X books per month 
  • Read shorter books, novellas or graphic novels
  • Buddy read with a friend or family member 
  • Join a book club or GoodReads 

Have you read any of these books? What have you been reading during lockdown? 

14 comments

  1. I’m enjoying Caroline’s book at the moment. Also reading The Financial Diet & recently finished Atomic Habits. I have a pile of books ready to read x

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  2. I haven't read any of these books myself but I have heard great things about Skincare. I agree 2020 has been the year for reading.

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  3. I’ve not read any of these but thanks for the recommendations x

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  4. I don't think I've read any of these before. Will be checking some of them out xx

    Tiffany x www.foodandotherloves.co.uk

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  5. Oh wow. That’s a lot of books you’ve read. Some great suggestions there.

    https://littlemissmelanie.com/

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  6. Wow so many! I need to look into these.

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  7. I haven't read any of these.. but they sound interesting.
    Thanks for sharing.

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  8. I really enjoyed Caroline's skincare book too - I ate it up so quickly!

    Jasmine xx

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  9. You have read loads of great sounding books xx

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  10. I'm still going with the audiobook I started at the beginning of lockdown - finding it so hard to get used to

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  11. Not read any of these but Red, White and Royal Blue has been on my tbr pile for a while! I'm reading quite a heavy book atm so will need a light hearted read after and that sounds perfect xx

    www.iridescentplaces.com

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  12. I loved this post! Book Reviews and Posts about new books are always so encouraging and exciting to read! And I am going to bookmark this. Thank you for sharing your reads'.

    Epsita | https://www.thepositivewindow.com/

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  13. I haven't read any of these, but I'm dying to read Skincare. I totally agree that setting aside time in your day to schedule reading helps a lot x

    Sophie
    www.glowsteady.co.uk

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  14. The Passenger sounds right up my street Heather!

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