Once upon a time, I lived in a “So much to do, so little time” la-la-land world. Then the world turned completely around. The world is taking a break to escape from probably the inescapable. Our world is grinding to a standstill. Our world is no longer enslaved to time and we are now living in a “So much time, so little to do” lo-lo-lockdown world.

Now we have time, and nothing but time in our hands. Since we’re all in the same boat, let’s travel, let’s explore, and let’s broaden our horizons… all this without moving much at all. Yes, let’s read a book !!

Related: MOVIES YOU MAY REWATCH -WHEN WATCHING THEM ONCE ISN’T ENOUGH

So here is a list of 5 books to take you away, they might take you back to your childhood, or have you explore another epidemic in another era! (Mind you, this is not a book review) For every book on the list though, I am presenting you with one quote from the book followed by why you MUST READ the book NOW.

1. The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry: 

You must read this book because this classic reads like a children’s book with a simple storyline. This book will also allow you a deeper introspection into yourself. Be prepared to retrace your steps, return to childhood and relish the absolute clarity that we all had as kids. You are welcome! 

2. Life of Pi by Yann Martel

You must read this book because we’re all in the same boat but Pi is on a lifeboat. This fantasy journey will take you to lands that wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for the novel itself. So embark on an unforgettable journey with this book and travel with Pi despite the lockdown. 

3. Surfacing by Margaret Atwood

If you’re complaining about social distancing and isolation, the lead character in the novel desires just that. So why not read the book to understand what it would be like to yearn for isolation.

4. Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

This novel has all we need now. We always need love and there is also the cholera epidemic – all in the title. Travel back in time with this book and enjoy the love and loss and everything between and beyond with an epidemic in the backdrop.

5. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank

If you haven’t read this ageless bestseller, now’s the time. This book is actually a journal that Anne Frank wrote when she was in hiding with her family in the Nazi era. Experience the horror of the holocaust, the fear, the pain, the threat, and live another horrendous kind of confinement through the words of a young girl.

Earnest Hemingway rightly says, “There is no friend as loyal as a book”. This friend can accompany you even today when you have to practice social distancing. In this time of uncertainty and doubts, reading can be the ultimate solution to keep your mind engaged. As you delve into these books and dwell in the author’s words, you will travel through time and era and feed your souls.

As you read, let your imaginations run wild and create a world of your own and have a break from the real world that’s locked down. Enjoy the rush, the fear, the thrill, the sheer joy, the love, with each page you turn!

Turn this idle time to an ideal time to nurture your mind and soul.

Happy reading!!

mindspeaks