10 amazing books to read in lockdown

Hey all, how are we? I'd love to know what you've been doing to stay busy during lockdown, pop me a message over on Insta - I'd love to have a chat! I've been getting through my tbr pile, and adding to it, and have managed to read 13 books so far which I'm pretty chuffed about!

Here are 10 amazing books to read in lockdown. 

1. The Holiday by T.M. Logan

Seven days.
Three families.
One killer.

5 STARS
I devoured this book in a couple of sittings, I didn't want to put it down! A book full of twists and many an unexpected turn - I kept thinking I'd worked out a twist but kept getting smacked in the face with the realisation I didn't know anything. The cover drew me in and I expected the book to be a thriller from the get go, but that element didn't really kick in until the end. Nevertheless, I loved the storyline and all the characters; reading their different perspectives on what was going on around them made for a very unpredictable read. This book made me cry and feel all kinds of emotions. I loved it. I want to read more from T.M. Logan. 

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2. The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Alicia Berenson lived a seemingly perfect life until one day six years ago. When she shot her husband in the head five times. Since then she hasn't spoken a single world. It's time to find out why.

 5 STARS
Another book I couldn't put down. I was so excited to read it after hearing lots of good things online, and it didn't disappoint! A book full of mystery, twists and turns at every corner and the art of compelling you to read just one more page... and another, and one more. I did guess some twists towards the end, but even so it was still a fantastic read, so even if you have an eye for guessing plots I'd still recommend it. If you like dark, psychological suspense, you'll love this. 

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3. The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell

In a large house in London's fashionable Chelsea, a baby is awake in her cot.
Well-fed and cared for, she is happily waiting for someone to pick her up.
In the kitchen lie three decomposing corpses. Close to them is a hastily scrawled note.
They've been dead for several days.
Who has been looking after the baby?
And where did they go?

4 STARS
Another book I purchased after hearing rave reviews online, and another that was a complete page turner. I did guess a couple of the twists and turns, but even so they were powerful enough to hold my attention and make me delve deeper for more. Another dark, psychological suspense novel that shocked me at every chapter. My favourite part is the narrative, told from three different points of view that correlates later on in the story. 

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4. Normal People by Sally Rooney

Marianne is the young, affluent, intellectual wallflower; Connell is the boy everyone likes, shadowed by his family's reputation and poverty. Unlikely friends, and later lovers, their small town beginnings in rural Ireland are swiftly eclipsed by the heady worlds of student Dublin. Gradually their intense, mismatched love becomes a battleground of power, class, and the falsehoods they choose to believe.

4 STARS
I think we've all read this by now, and binged the BBC series am I right? Which do you prefer? I have to be honest, I do prefer the series (which is usually a rarity) but oh I just love the characters. Sure, they annoy me as hell and leave me frustrated and wanting to scream in their faces, but I love the real love between them and everything that comes with them; angst, loneliness, the lust. 

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5. Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Maddy is allergic to the world; stepping outside the sterile sanctuary of her home could kill her. But then Olly moves in next door. And just like that, Maddy realises there's more to life than just being alive. You only get one chance at first love. And Maddy is ready to risk everything.

5 STARS
Oh my god, one of my favourite ever books. The most beautiful, emotional read. Olly, I sincerely love you, alongside the poetic writing and the little illustrations. I read this book in a day, I didn't want it to end. PS. Stay away from the film, it completely ruined the story for me.

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6. The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

    To be clear: I don't believe in fate. But I'm desperate.

5 STARS
Another book that's become one of my favourites. If you're a romance and believe in love at first sight, then you'll love this book. The characters are beautifully written, and the storyline is heart-wrenching, it took me on an emotional rollercoaster. One of my favourite things about this book was the multiple perspectives, hearing from random background characters and learning about their lives and struggles. Social stigma, betrayal, family feud, love, pain and heartache. This book has it all. Oh, and the film is everything too.

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7. If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo

Amanda Hardy is the new girl at school. Like everyone, all she wants is to make friends and fit in. But Amanda is holding back. Even from Grant, the guy she's falling in love with. Amanda has a secret. At her old school, she used to be called Andrew. And secrets always have a way of getting out.

5 STARS
I couldn't put this book down. It's thought-provoking, emotional and eye-opening. This is the first book I've read with a trans main character, written also by a trans author, it was a powerful, inspiring read. It's a hard read at times (content warnings: discrimination, transphobia, physical and sexual assault) but an important one nonetheless. 

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8. When God Was a Rabbit by Sarah Winman

Spanning four decades, from 1968 onwards, this is the story of a fabulous but flawed family and the slew of ordinary and extraordinary incidents that shape their everyday lives. It is a story about childhood and growing up, loss of innocence, eccentricity, familial ties and friendships, love and life. Stripped down to its bare bones, it's about the unbreakable bond between a brother and sister.

4 STARS
I wouldn't have ever chosen this book, my mum actually bought it for me and I'm so glad she did. It was such a different read to anything I usually go for. Be prepared to feel all the emotions, and read some very hard-hitting stuff alongside the mundane, the unexpected and the evocative. 

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9. The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey. But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to centre stage of her own life - and suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two boys. One boy takes Lennie out of her sorrow.; the other comforts her in it. But the two can't collide without Lennie's world exploding...

4 STARS
A very emotional yet utterly beautiful book; resembling a scribbled in diary with pieces of art and poetry in every chapter. A book filled with stunning illustrations, and the working of an artistic mind. A book centred on loss and grief, but also forgiveness and love.

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10. The Little Shop in Cornwall by Helen Pollard

I received this book free from NetGalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review. 

Come and spend the summer in a charming village by the sea.

Breathe in the crisp, salty air, slip off your shoes and feel the golden sand beneath your feet...

5 STARS
The cover, name of the book and blurb drew me in immediately, I was after a more lighthearted read and this story didn't fail to satisfy my needs. After visiting Cornwall once as a teen, I desired to be transported back to the sea breeze, crashing waves and little shops along the shore. You can read my full review here.

Well there you have it, they are the 10 books you need to read in lockdown. 

What have you read recently? 
XOXO B