The Books On My Nightstand During Self-Isolation
In the first few weeks of COVID self-isolation, I couldn’t concentrate on reading even the fluffiest of novels. That worked fine because our library was closed, I’m not into reading books on a device, and I couldn’t bring myself to spend money ordering books from Amazon that wouldn’t arrive for several weeks.
Then, I started craving comforting escape from the COVID reality — enticing and immersive plot-driven books gave me needed mental rest. My sweet mom started rounding up her favorite paperbacks and mailing them to us, and I raided my own shelves for reads from my past. I moved from avoiding reading altogether to taking on novels with the hunger of the deprived.
During both of those periods, I couldn’t imagine reading nonfiction ever again. I couldn’t imagine having the emotional or spiritual capacity for anything that would push me or “inspire” me or prompt any additional change whatsoever. But finally, in recent days and weeks, I started craving interesting perspectives on business, art, creativity… and even COVID.
So I’m rounding up my favorite reads for right now — whether you’re looking for escape, inspiration, or new perspectives. And if you’re still in the I-can’t-concentrate-on-reading stage, that’s (obviously) absolutely fine. I hope you find the rest and inspiration you need in other ways.
ALSO! If you are a maker with a business and are in a place where you’re looking for collaboration, inspiration, and support in taking on the challenges and opportunities presented by COVID, we are launching a new experiment — it’s a 6-week program called Labs. You can learn all about it, including how to apply, here.
But on to the books…
The books, essays, and podcasts on my nightstand right now
For an escape from the COVID reality
The Paris Wife. Fascinating peek in to 1920s Paris and a portrait of a young marriage.
Tim Gunn on Fresh Air. To me, there was something transcendent listening to Terri and Tim talk about what on earth to wear in self-isolation.
Home Cooking Podcast. I’ll listen to Samin Nosrat talk about anything she wants — but it’s especially fun to hear her talk cooking in self-isolation. Her book Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat is wonderful, too — the other night I made pasta and at the end I squeezed a whole lemon on it and it was like magic.
The Lady In The Lake. Thriller that feels like watching a great movie and tiptoes into just enough substantive themes that it’s a satisfying read.
The Trespasser. Irish crime procedural with a strong female lead.
A Gentleman In Moscow. Happens to be about imposed isolation of a Count in Moscow so has a bit of supportive resonance but also whisks you effectively away to a different time and place.
Natch Beaut. This is a comedy-beauty podcast that’s really fun to listen to. And who knew a comedy-beauty podcast was a thing?
Where The Crawdads Sing. Lush story of a girl’s coming of age in Louisiana, combined with a whodunit.
And not reading-related, but Simone (on our team) says: “I've been working to Spotify's Yoga & Meditation playlist when my nerves are on edge. And for good jams, I've been loving a few songs in particular: Worth My While by Jacob Early, Worship Me by Lizzo, and Fighter by Joseph.”
For inspiration if you’re reworking your business
Remarkable Retail. This one is actually still on its way, so I can’t endorse 100% but it was recommended by one of my business heroes so I’m excited to read it.
Making Do. We started a podcast! We’re having conversations with makers about running a business in lean times. We’re just finishing Season 1 and the conversations have been so fruitful.
Let My People Go Surfing. One of my original inspirations for running a business of integrity — by the founder of Patagonia.
Tattoos on the Heart. Beautiful stories about starting a courageous organization, being present with other human beings, and encountering life in all its messiness.
For interesting reading relating to COVID, either directly or tangentially
The real Lord of the Flies: what happened when six boys were shipwrecked for 15 months. Possibly the most uplifting thing I’ve read in the past year. Has particular resonance since we’re all shipwrecked on a metaphorical island right now.
Zeitoun. About a regular person who gets caught in post-Katrina madness — feels very relevant for the time we’re living through.
Kindred. Somehow a book about time travel feels on point for what we’re experiencing.
Mountains Beyond Mountains. Another one of my favorites about courage and meaningful work. Not directly related to COVID but it asks important questions about equality and health.
Powerful, incisive articles about the world, economy, and us in a COVID world. Here, here, here, and here.
Donald G. McNeil on what to expect in the next year or two of the pandemic. I found this weirdly hopeful and supportive, despite it being pretty bad news.
Top Chef’s Tom Colicchio on Fresh Air. His insights about the food supply chain, and how restaurants might find a way forward are interesting and inspiring far beyond the food world.
What are you reading and listening to right now? Leave a comment and let us know.