Current Quarantine Reads - Canadian Creative Book Club
I’ve been doing A LOT of reading. I’ve bought more books (and audiobooks, more on that later) during 2020 than I think I have ever bought before in my life. That’s not to say that I didn’t read before this year, because that is definitely not the case. However, this whole quarantine thing has really changed my priorities. Alongside reading, I’ve been focusing on mental health and how me-time can help me feel grounded. We started this pandemic watching tons of tv inside because Toronto is still pretty cold in March. But since the sun has come out and summer has appeared, spending more time outside is that much more appealing. On the balcony, in a park (socially distanced, of course), in Adrian’s back yard, if it’s outside you’ll find me there reading. So, I thought it was about time to update you on what books I cannot put down, and which ones I’m itching to get started on. Check it out:
Act Like a Lady - Keltie Knight, Becca Tobin, and Jac Vaneck
I’ve talked about The Lady Gang on the blog before because it is one of my favourite podcasts. So naturally, when these ladies released a book I had it pre-ordered the second it was announced. Not only that, I also got the audiobook to accompany it so I could hear these three ladies read me the book themselves (it’s basically like listening to the podcast..). The book is funny, relatable, real and raw, and honestly, I think every lady should read it to figure out if they’re a Keltie, a Becca, or a Jac. If you’re looking for an entertaining, ‘self-help’ style book full of advice, inside jokes (accompanied by a glossary for those who don’t listen to the podcast), and tons of cringy stories, you go pick up Act Like a Lady right this very second. What are you still waiting for?
Camino Island - John Grisham
I’ve been a John Grisham fan since high school, reading his annual releases the year they came out. Yet, life got in the way and I missed out on the last three years of amazing crime thriller novels. This was an exciting discovery for me during quarantine because I’ve never been able to put his books down. So, armed with loads of free time, I’ve blown through half of Camino Island in about 2 weeks. Not only are his stories gripping and full of suspense, Grisham knows how to suck you in and keep you there until the very last word. As a big fan of twist endings and mysteries that require a bit of brainpower to unravel, Camino Island has given new life to my love for John Grisham. The cherry on top? He's released a follow-up novel this year and I cannot wait to see where the story continues! BONUS: The story mainly takes place in a resort town in Florida, helping me to imagine myself on a beautiful beach in the sun.
China Rich Girlfriend - Kevin Kwan
If you’ve seen (or read) Crazy Rich Asians, then you’ve got to continue the narrative with China Rich Girlfriend. It’s the sequel to the best selling novel, and full of its own crazy scandals, cooky and quirky characters, and more on what happens when Rachel Chu becomes engaged to one of Asia’s most eligible bachelors. I absolutely adored the first book, so it’s about time that I picked up where I left off. This time around, I got the novel as an audiobook so I could listen to the story on the go! We’ve been taking lots of day trips outside the city and it’s really nice to listen to an audiobook or podcast in the car. With my subscription to Audible, I get one free credit a month, making it super easy to collect my favourite books to listen to. This one is definitely a summer easy read (or listen!) and I cannot wait to jump right in!
Thirsty - Babe Walker
This is the book that made me subscribe to Audible in the first place. Only available as an audiobook or ebook, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to partake in more Babe Walker shenanigans. If you don’t already know, Babe Walker’s books are an all-around barrel of laughs. She’s absolutely ridiculous, and in Thirsty she’s no different. I listened to this entire audiobook in less than a week and was crying real tears of laughter 90% of the time. For 2 and a half hours of belly laughs, hard-hitting opinions, and a mental vacation to the vineyards of Napa, this is the only choice for you. Grab a glass of Babe wine, your favourite Louis Vuittons (or in my case fuzzy socks), and tuck in for a roller coaster of a ride.
What have you been reading lately? Do any of these titles sound exciting to you? I cannot wait to finish Camino Island so I can dive into the 6 (oops) other titles I have lined up for the rest of the summer. Share with me your favourite summer reads in the comments below!
Don’t forget to smile! ☺
