Sunday Edit
  • Beauty
    • Skin
    • Hair
    • Makeup
    • Nails
  • Wellness
    • Mental Health
    • Health
    • Holistic & Spiritual
    • Love
    • Sex
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Sustainability
    • Culture
    • Fashion
    • Travel
    • Gifts
  • Shop
  • About Us
Amazon

Lifestyle » Culture

Five Book Recommendations For Social Distancing

Authored by Iman Balagam
Iman Balagam
January 13, 2021

I used to complain about how there was never enough time in the day to read. With such a jam-packed schedule, reading always slipped through the cracks. But now that I am practicing social distancing, there is an infinite amount of time to read. The best thing about living in the digital age is how easy it is to download e-books. No need to risk your life for a copy of Where The Crawdads Sing. The Edit team loves to read,  so if you are wondering what to read this week here are our suggestions. You could even start a virtual book club with your friends this week to stay connected and be held accountable. Check out our recommended reading below!

1. Mellanie Perez, Writer

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Where the Crawdads Sing book cover.This novel tells the story of Kya Clark, a young girl who essentially raises herself in a marsh of North Carolina from  six years old on. Her entire family leaves her — her mother, all her siblings and, eventually, even her dad — running away from a troubled and abusive family dynamic. From there, the story simply blossoms into something beautiful. Kya becomes a woman, and her story is weaved with all those quintessential experiences of first love, betrayal, hope and longing. That is until she is a young adult when she gets accused of a crime. Part murder mystery and part coming-of-age story, this novel made me relive that painful, yet beautiful, hope of growing up, and I totally fell in love with her story. Maybe now that the world seems like a meager place, and most of us are holed up inside and spending a lot of time alone, I identify most with Kya, who had to face most of growing up on her own. Also, mega stars for the beautiful, well-written prose and well-developed characters.

2. Iman Balagam, Writer 

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid 

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: A Novel book cover.Any story that describes old Hollywood at its most glamorous works like catnip for me. This novel follows the aging movie starlet, Evelyn Hugo, who decides to write a tell-all book about her scandalous and mysterious past. She divulges details about what it was like coming to Los Angeles in the 1950s, how she became a famous actress and the seven husbands she had along the way. That’s right, seven husbands. You will not be able to put this sexy, yet heartbreaking, story about true love and the price of fame. Everyone raved about Daisy Jones and the Six (myself included) but this is Taylor Jenkins Reid’s true crown jewel. 

3. Sofia Medina, Social Media Manager

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

You Are a Badass book cover.A self-help book that will not have you running for the hills! I have read and listened to this book on audiotape numerous times when I am feeling down, low on myself or just need an overall pick-me-up. Especially during these times of uncertainty, anxiety and fear, I think it’s important for us to stay grounded and not forget how capable we truly are. A refreshing take on manifesting what you want out of life and how to do so, with positive affirmations along with hilarious anecdotes and pieces of advice to make you feel like you are not alone and are so much more capable than you give yourself credit for! 

4. Lauren Hitzhusen, Fact-Checker & Proofreader

The Selection series by Kiera Cass 

The Selection 5-Book Box Set: The Complete Series.I love a ton of different book genres, but if I am stuck inside because of a pandemic, I want the literary equivalent of junk food that will take my mind off of the chaos outside. Enter: The Selection series by Kiera Cass. Perfect for fans of The Bachelor and The Hunger Games, this YA series follows America Singer as she competes with 35 other girls to win the heart of Prince Maxon. It is a fun and a little predictable nugget of post-apocalyptic YA goodness. The series is overall a quick read (only three main books, but there are two off-shoots and a handful of associated novellas, if you find you can’t get enough of the country of Illéa!) and I found that once I started reading about America and the other 35 girls competing, I couldn’t put the books down. 

5. Mylan Torres, Creative Producer

Daisy Jones & The Six: A Novel by Taylor Reid Jenkins

Daisy Jones & The Six: A Novel book cover.If you have ever seen VH1’s Behind the Music, this book is exactly like that. It reads more like a script than a book, which can be a turnoff for some, but I think it really works here. The format helps you immerse yourself in the story and connect with all the characters. The book depicts the rise and dissolution of a fictional rock band in the ‘70s — the height of rock ‘n roll if you will. It touches on sex, drugs, addiction and everything you would normally expect to see during that time period, but in such a genuine way that does not glamorize the seriousness of the topics. However, what I love most about the story are the strong female characters that you wouldn’t normally see portrayed in the music industry, and how they each assert themselves in this male-dominated space. I definitely recommend reading this before Amazon Studios releases the series. You will not regret it.

We only recommend products we have independently researched, tested, and loved. If you purchase a product found through our links, Sunday Edit may earn an affiliate commission.

Lifestyle Culture

Sundays should be special.

Sign up for the Sunday Edit newsletter to stay in-the-know on all things skincare and beyond.

Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy

Most Popular

  • How to Cleanse Your House in 10 Easy Steps

  • What to Do When You’re Bored at Home Alone

  • 5 Apps to Stay in Touch With Friends

Read More

5 Books to Help You Love Your Body

By Iman Balagam
A scene from the movie "Book Club" from Paramount Pictures.

Join a Book Club for More Than the Wine

By Elizabeth Bennett
A young woman reading a book on a dock.

On the Hunt for the Book of the Summer

By Drew Carlos
A collage with "Still Lives" by Maria Hummel, "The Crooked Little Road to Semi-Ever After Happiness: A Memoir" by Heather Harpham, and "The Last Mrs. Parrish" by Liv Constantine.

Star of South: How Reese Witherspoon Made Reading Cool Again

By Drew Carlos
by
  • Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Shop
  • About Us
  • Our Contributors
  • Terms + Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • California Privacy Notice
  • Contact Us
Make Sundays special! Stay in the loop on all things skincare (and beyond) with our weekly newsletter.
© 2025 Sunday Edit

We use cookies to ensure that you have the best experience on our site. By continuing to use our site, you accept the use of cookies. Learn more here

heart-envelope-email

No more Sunday scaries.

Make Sundays special again! Sign up for the Sunday Edit newsletter to stay in-the-know on topics that spark a conversation for everyone.
No Thank You!

Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy