The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in social isolation, working remotely from home, and of course, a lot of time on our hands. Chances are you are bored at home, and you’re looking for something to keep you entertained. There has never been a better time to get up and read a book. In fact, we carefully handpicked great books to keep you entertained while you’re under quarantine. 
What factors make a book gratifying during coronavirus quarantine?
Well, there are tons of books that talk about pandemics out there. However, one book that stands out is ‘The Stand.’ What makes this book all the more intriguing is its ability to induce panic, making you stay at home. Because going out puts you at risk of contracting the virus.
Rather than focus on books with such cataclysmic and calamitous themes, we decided to focus on books that give hope with brief shades of humor. Ever heard the phrase, ‘Laughter is indeed the best medicine?’. To some extent, this statement is true. Although laughter will not magically get rid of coronavirus, it sure goes a long way in alleviating dark and stressful days.
The list below has a wide array of genres and themes. Whatever you’re looking for, book report website guarantee you’ll definitely find it in one of these books.
Let’s start off with 10 lighthearted books to read.
10 Lighthearted Books
If you’re looking for something fun that eases your mind of the stress caused by coronavirus, we recommend these 10 books.
- The Decameron, written by Boccaccio
Expressively captured by the Italian writer, Decameron is a story of seven young women and three men who run away from the to the countryside because of the tragic outbreak of the Black Plague. The story takes place in Florence, a town in Italy. It is here where the characters tell tales to each other during their brief stint in quarantine. You’ll find the wit and tragic themes engaging.
- Good Omens, written by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
It doesn’t get funnier and more entertaining than this. I mean, the title of the book tells you everything you need to know. Dark satire, witty jokes, clever plot twists are all themes that were eloquently portrayed by the authors, Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. In fact, the book is so good, Amazon prime had to make a mini-series adaptation of the same.
- Love in The Time of Cholera, written by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Easily recognizable by pandemic book lovers worldwide, Gabriel Marquez delivered a masterpiece. We already know how much of pandemic cholera was. However, the book is not just about the plague but other themes, including love and humor. If you missed out on this masterpiece in college or high school, now would be the best time to start reading this book.
- I Contain Multitudes, written by Ed Yong.
If you are enthusiastic about learning something new, then this book is just perfect for you. Ed Yong’s I Contain Multitudes will blow your mind as it takes aim at the microbial world and microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, that coexist with us.
Hey, while you’re at it, wash your hands and keep them away from your face!
- Agorafabulous!: Dispatches from My Bedroom written by Sara Benincasa
Imagine being stuck in a house, not because of a vicious viral pandemic, but because you were unable to make yourself leave the house. The book depicts Sara Benincasa, who was faced with this dilemma. Additionally, she faced depression, had eating and panic disorders.
The lady has come a long way to become a stand –up comedian. This book has strong themes of humor and satire. It goes to show that anyone can overcome depression and thrive.
- Going Bovine, written by Libba Bray
Ever watched a movie that talks about how the lead character had a terminal illness. But instead of lying down, the main character decided to have the adventure of a lifetime. Going Bovine is precisely the same, only more humorous. The book will challenge you to take an adventure that will change your whole perception of life.
- Still Life by Louise Penny
Speaking about life perception, Louise Penny’s Still Life is a mysterious book filled with wisdom and strength that will keep you hooked for weeks. Joe Bunting, the founder of The Write Practice, shares those sentiments as well.
- Crowdsourcing Paris by Joe Bunting
Can you remember what the world was before coronavirus? Free movement in and out of airports, countries, the movies, and your favorite side street café? Well, if you are missing the thrill of travel, we recommend this book to you. Pick up this book, stay at home, and travel with Joe Bunting.
- Warm Bodies, written by Isaac Marion
Just like the movies portray, there are fun ways of finding love in a pandemic. Isaac Marion’s book Warm Bodies shows that it is possible to find love in the midst of a zombie pandemic.
- The Hike, written by Sarah Gribble
Bored, you are home. Well, we guarantee you it is safe there! Sarah Gribble’s book, The Hike, is a horror story of a desert hike gone wrong. Staying home doesn’t sound so bad after all.
4 Sober and Grave Books to Read
The list above has strong themes of fun and humor. Keep reading if you’re into horror and thriller books.
- Typhoid Mary, written by Anthony Bourdain
Anthony Boudain was such a great and eloquent author. His book Typhoid Mary features the main character Mary Mallon who was a cook for affluent families in New York. During the 7 years she worked, no-one knew that she was an asymptomatic carrier of typhoid fever. By the time authorities caught up with her for quarantine, it was too late she had already infected dozens of people. You don’t want to miss this.
- Station Eleven, written by Emily St. John
Ever wonder what would happen if a pandemic was to wipe out almost all of humanity? Station Eleven takes place two decades after a vicious strain of flue shaped the fate of humanity. The author goes to show that doomsday can indeed be survived, as the New York Times Book Review puts it.
- The Book of Strange New things, written by Michel Faber
If the first two books hit a little closer to home, then Michel Faber’s The Book of Strange New things will take you to different galaxies. Here, a man experiences faith and alien population different from his surroundings at earth.
- Company of Liars, written by Karen Martland.
This book tells the story of a person who flees to the north in a bid to escape the ever-spreading Black Plague. The text is full of mystery which will keep you engaged throughout.
Honorable Mentions
You can significantly make your stay at home enjoyable by reading these pandemic books for free;
- “The Masque of the Red Death” by Edgar Allan Poe
- “Viral” by JD Edwin
Verdict
As we assembled this article, we searched all books that combined humor with pandemic themes. As it turns out, these books are just hard to come by. However, with those few books, coronavirus quarantine can become more bearable.
