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What to read when the world feels scary

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What to Read when the World Feels Scary

I’ve talked to a lot of people lately that have felt at odds with the world lately, that there is trauma we are all experiencing in different ways. Things we once felt like we were okay with, or things that we might have used to relax previously are not cutting it. Reading does not have to be one of them, but I would recommend doing a few things differently to maximize your enjoyment of reading in uncertain times.

 

Graphic novels are great, especially when you are apt to get distracted easily. I recommend lighthearted ones like those done by Archie comics or BoomBox comics. Both of those features some all ages (or most ages) friendly. Additionally things like Garfield or Peanuts have a classic appeal that might harken to times you read them as a child. I would stay away from superhero comics unless one really strikes your fancy, as the ‘world is going to end unless’ trope feels like it might happen sometimes.

 

Cozy mysteries are another really exciting way to take your mind off the world. Cozy mysteries are usually focused on one detective, with a small circle of suspects over some form of crime or murder/homicide. Think Murder, She Wrote or Agatha Raisin (both series have books!) There’s even a subset of these types of books that have movies AND recipes (check out Joanne Fluke’s Hannah Swenson novels). Sometimes baking some sweet treats while reading a book or watching the movie can be soothing.

 

Classics are also one of those things that you can revisit. There’s a lot of time on our hands lately, so it means that we can finally read those books we meant to read, or that we’re the only person who seemingly hasn’t read in our friend group. And if they might be in a time period you don’t normally like, even better. You’re not going to wonder if there’s an action movie level scene in Avonlea or during a countryside romp of Austen’s. And you finally have time to visit those classics (even in Audiobook format with your favorite author).

 

I’ve personally been reading a lot more cozy mysteries (and watching the associated series) than I thought I might during this time. It’s been nice, because then I can hone my detective skills just a little more—it’s been easier for me to determine the culprit in the case of the missing cookie, for sure!

What books have you been meaning to read? What books have you been putting off? Is there a book that you just need permission to read because you are convinced that you have just this or that to do first? Let me know in the comments below!

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1 Comment

  1. Krystal

    May 5, 2020 at 5:56 am

    I’ve been reading nonfiction like memoirs lately, keeps me motivated!

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