These thrill rides are must reads if you've been bored lately!
We've all heard about the newest Netflix shows and movies to watch when we're bored and shut in the house. But what to do when you've just finished your favorite Netflix series and have no plans for the day? The answer is simple: curl up with a good book. Reading helps you improve your vocabulary and strengthen your brain, but it's also an awesome way to entertain yourself and visit other worlds from the comfort of your own home. These are a few books I've read over quarantine, and trust me, they are not to be missed.
*Note: All of these books can be found new or used on Amazon, on an e-reader, or at your local library.
1. The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown
The Da Vinci Code was always one of those books that I thought was probably incredibly overrated and not really that good. But one day out of boredom, I decided to pick it up- and I was hooked. The characters are interesting, the story is incredible, and the book itself made me question many things about the world we live in. When a book makes you question the world, it's usually an amazing book- and this definitely was. Now, The Da Vinci Code has a special spot at the top of my bookshelf and is one of my favorite books. I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good adventure. Note: There are a few explicit/upsetting scenes in the book, so I wouldn't recommend it to younger readers. If your parents have rules about that kind of stuff, make sure to ask them before reading!
2. There Will Be Lies, by Nick Lake.
I can confidently say that this book is unlike anything I've ever read. The story has a few major twists and is an interesting combination between realistic fiction and fantasy. I'd recommend it to anyone who likes something different and who enjoys a creative plot twist.
3. America's First Daughter, by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie
This book is about the life of Thomas Jefferson's daughter, Patsy Jefferson. But don't scroll down thinking that this is just another boring history book, because it's not. This book is so interesting and full of scandal, secrets, and the truth about the South. It gives you a whole new perspective on the family and incredible life of the third president of the United States. Trust me, once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down.
4. A Very Large Expanse of Sea, by Tahereh Mafi
I first picked up this book because I saw the author's name on the spine. Tahereh Mafi is an incredible author and has written bestsellers (and some of my favorite books!) in the past. A Very Large Expanse of Sea is a high school love story that explores prejudice and romance in a new way. It's interesting and sad at the same time, and it keeps you hooked from start to finish. It's definitely worth a read!
5. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, by Jesse Andrews
This book, as you can probably tell from the title, is a bit sad. But it's also surprisingly funny in certain parts, and the story is quite heartwarming and fun. The story revolves around illness, but not in the way of books like The Fault In Our Stars. On the contrary, this book is not a love story and is quirky and entertaining. It's different and it won't disappoint you.
6. Little Monsters, by Kara Thomas
I love murder mysteries and pride myself on being able to solve them easily. In most murder mysteries, the murderer is pretty predictable, but this one... I don't want to spoil anything, but I definitely did not see this one coming. This book has everything- it's creepy, deceitful, strange, involves a small town, and is downright disturbing at times. If you love a good thriller, I'd definitely recommend this book. If you scare easily, I wouldn't read this one if I were you...
7. Messenger of Fear, by Michael Grant
Messenger of Fear is another one of those books that I picked up because the title page looked unique- it was a bright, obnoxious orange. When I read the back, I was intrigued, and when I read the book, I was surprised, to say the least. This book is creepy, disturbing and unsettling at times, and contains a few plot twists. But it's very interesting and helps you realize that nothing is really what it seems. If you're disturbed easily or don't like scary/unsettling books, then this book isn't for you.
8. Heartless, by Marissa Meyer
Marissa Meyer has written multiple bestsellers before, and most of them have been great reads! Heartless was no different. It revolves around the story of the famed Queen of Hearts, from Alice in Wonderland. It's interesting, sad and unique and keeps you hooked from start to finish. Heartless switches from funny and light to magical and monstrous in a matter of pages. It's an amazing book for any lover of fantasy or romance!
Love this informative list! Thanks for compiling it, especially during quarantine!