It’s been two months, and counting, since COVID19 stuck its foot in the door and demanded our attention.
How are you holding up? Ready to turn the page?
I wouldn’t go so far as to say I’m getting used to the new normal, but it no longer feels odd to keep my distance and wear a mask when I’m out.
Some of my creative energy has returned. I’m working on a new short story for Christmas featuring Emelynn, the heroine in The Gift Legacy series. Short stories suit my attention span of late.
I’ve also been doing a lot of reading
I know I’m not alone in that. Escapism has never been more appealing. If you’re looking for something to immerse yourself in, here are two of my favourites:
An oldie but goodie that I recently reread and still enjoyed is John Wyndham’s The Chrysalids. I read this in school and it’s stuck with me. Find it here on Goodreads.
Another of my favourite reads is Deborah Harkness’s A Discovery of Witches. LOVED this one. It’s $12.99, and worth every penny with +7,000 reviews! It’s the first in her All Souls Trilogy. The first two books have been made into a series, which I also loved. Read it twice; watched it twice. Can’t wait for the third instalment. Find it here on Goodreads.
Over to you. Have you got a favourite book you want to share? Post it in the comments below and let me know. I’m always looking for a new escape.
If you’ve already read my recommendations, why not try Secret Sky? Get your copy from Kindle with one click right here. And if kindle or ebooks aren’t your preference, click on the bookstore tab for other purchase options, or just click on the covers below.
Turn the Page Book Photo by Daniel Schludi on Unsplash
Inese says
Good that you’re coping with this virus just fine.
I have also been doing a lot of drawing, sketching, painting, gardening, reading and that type of thing. I find myself lazier and there’s less need to keep any schedules.
Altogether, it’s fine. It’s not different from how I usually live: I hardly ever go anywhere, travel rarely to Latvia. No parties, no celebrations, I simply don’t have anybody who I could invite. painting and writing are things which get done best in solitude.
Stay healthy!
JPMcLean says
Painting and writing for sure are perfect for right now. You stay healthy as well, Inese. Cheers!
Diana Stevan says
Jo-Anne, I gave my daughter the first book of your series to read. She was looking for an escape novel. I know she loves fantasy, so there you are. Secret Sky is a good starter.
I’m currently reading Celtic Knot, It won the Whistler Independent Book Award for fiction. I was a finalist for that event and so Ann Shortell and I exchanged books. I’ve enjoying the read. It’s got some Canadian history featuring John A. Macdonald woven in.
JPMcLean says
Thanks for sharing Secret Sky! That’s terrific. I like historical fiction so will be checking out Celtic Knot. Thanks for the recommendation.
Giselle Roeder says
Why not escape with the “Flight Into The Unknown?” Dreaming of Life and Love in Canada. It’s still on Smashwords.com (e-book) for a few more days (end of May) for only $2.40. I received the first printed book from Amazon.ca yesterday, and even I was intrigued, started reading it and couldn’t put it down.
JPMcLean says
I’ve got it! Thanks, Giselle. Looking forward to reading it.
Debra Purdy Kong says
I’d forgotten about the Chrysalids until you mentioned it, but then images can flooding back. It was a book that stayed with me for a while during my school years. A Discovery of Witches is one of my favorite series. I haven’t watched the show yet, as I’d been fearful that they would have messed up the book. Glad to know that you find it good! My favorite escape reading these days has been to continue Sue Grafton’s alphabet series. I’m up to S now, and am astonished at the quality of work she maintained for so long. Simply amazing!
JPMcLean says
I MUST read more Sue Grafton. I only read the first (A is for Alibi) and then wandered off in a different direction. Thanks for the recommendation!
Elinor Florence says
And I hope people looking for an escape will also consider reading your own excellent series about Emelynn’s adventures. I can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
JPMcLean says
Thanks, Elinor 🙂