The Banner Staff’s Personal Picks

By: Lauren M. Silverman

Travel to worlds anew with a fantastic book. Credit: culturetrip.com

For many, quarantine means having a lot of extra free time. This can be stressful—after chores and other responsibilities are finished, the possibilities are overwhelmingly endless. 

Whether you’re a lifelong literature fan or someone looking for a new hobby, reading is an excellent escape while you’re stuck in the house.

Here are some personal picks from The Banner staff, guaranteed to fulfill your literary needs from positive tales to riveting thrillers.

1. The Moth Presents: All These Wonders, edited by Catherine Burns
   Recommended by: Veronica Pistek

   Why it’s a great pick: This is a compilation of different stories about facing the unknown. Each story connects us as humans and reminds us to all empathize with each other.

2. The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
   Recommended by: Claudia Buonsante

   Why it’s a great pick: “#1 New York Times Bestseller Gretchen Rubin’s year-long experiment to discover how to create true happiness. Drawing on cutting-edge science, classical philosophy, and real-world examples, Rubin delivers an engaging, eminently relatable chronicle of transformation.”

3. Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
   Recommended by: Lauren M. Silverman

   Why it’s a great pick: Big Magic is an uplifting self-help book that provides inspiration to jumpstart whatever creative project you’ve been thinking about.

4. Hogfather by Terry Pratchett
   Recommended by: Lauren M. Silverman

   Why it’s a great pick: Strangely touching and deeply wholesome, Hogfather is a comedic fantasy novel about the oddities of childhood beliefs.

5. Wool by Hugh Howey
   Recommended by: Mark Deutsch

   Why it’s a great pick: This is a thrilling science-fiction book about the last survivors on Earth contained in a place called Silos. 

6. The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
   Recommended by: Amanda Bengard

   Why it’s a great pick: This nonfiction book explores the various ways people choose to show and receive love.

7. The Outsider by Stephen King
   Recommended by: Vincent Villani

   Why it’s a great pick: It’s the story of a small town rocked by a grisly murder. The prime suspect is placed at the scene of the crime and several towns over at the same time. Supernatural forces appear to be at play as the police dig deeper into this strange crime.

8. When the World Didn’t End: Poems by Caroline Kaufman
   Recommended by: Sabrina Benet

   Why it’s a great pick: Kaufman’s book of poems walks you through the process of healing. It’s extremely inspiring.

It’s a great idea to use your extra time to discover what kind of books you truly enjoy. Happy reading!