Book Talk: What To Read While Social Distancing
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Living
Book Talk: What To Read While Social Distancing
March 30, 2020
The easiest way to take a mental break from the everyday? Picking up a good book and diving right in. We can always count on prose’s ability to transform, entertain, and enlighten from one page to the next, especially during difficult or stressful times. Whether it’s an action-packed novel or a moving memoir, a good book is sometimes all that you need (and they happen to be pretty ideal companions for social distancing). From our bookshelves straight to you, here are the books our team can’t put down.

Book Talk: What To Read While Social Distancing
More than your average love story
Normal People by Sally Rooney
“Sally Rooney tells this story with such simplicity and nuance: I could really feel the bond between the two main characters. I tend to get annoyed by overly cloying love stories, but this one is really a lovely read.” -Hanna Lieberman, Director of Retention Marketing
Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find – and Keep – Love by Amir Levine & Rachel Heller
“I’m not big on self help books, but this was one of my favorite books this year. It was incredibly eye-opening to understand how I relate to others in all of my relationships, not just romantic ones.” -Sam Moore, VP of Brand


Nonfiction necessities
Three Women by Lisa Taddeo
“This book puts into words the previously indescribable feelings that most women have had growing up and in relationships in such a beautiful way. Taddeo followed the three women over the course of 8 years, so readers get to experience growing up with the characters and again themselves.” -Jackie Beyer, Senior Manager of Editorial
We Are The Weather: Saving the Planet Begins at Breakfast by Jonathan Safran Foer
“More relevant now than ever, Jonathan Safran Foer’s thought-provoking meditation on climate change tells us what we can do right now to make a difference. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in reducing their environmental footprint.” -Meaghan Murphy, Director of Brand Creative
The Plant Paradox by Dr. Steven Gundry
“This book has fundamentally changed the way our family eats. His explanations for food allergies and gut issues just make so much sense!” -Brooke Foley, Director of Home Product
Stories that find solace in humanity
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
“Ocean is a brilliant author. On Earth We’re Briefly gorgeous tells the story of Ocean’s complicated relationship with his mother, in the form of a letter to her, and as deeply sad as it is, it’s also joyful and a story of true love. I would recommend this book to anyone. It’s also a fairly quick read!” -Meaghan Murphy, Director of Brand Creative
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
“Every so often you come across a book that reaffirms why we tell stories— this was the book that did that for me. It’s funny, dark, and poignant while delivering a story that’s both universal and enigmatic.” -Katherine Fox, Copywriter
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
“A story of two best friends from childhood; like all relationship, it’s complex and rich; the desire to have fulfilling lives during 1950’s to present.” -Anne Pak, CFO


Coming-of-age classics and favorite contemporaries
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
“The story is captivating and the strength of the main character, Leni, is truly admirable. Beautiful story!” -Jessica Schwartz, Customer Service Coordinator
Educated by Tara Westover
“I couldn’t put this book down. Tara’s journey is next to unbelievable, and knowing her eventual triumph makes it all the more compelling.” -Sam Moore, VP of Brand
The Power by Naomi Alderman
“This was an interesting take on what the world might look like if females held greater physical power than men and how women’s understanding of themselves could change if they didn’t have to live in fear. Pretty deep stuff!” -Nicole Held, Email & Retention Marketing Manager
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Photos by Meaghan Murphy