This month has been chaotic with all that’s been going on with Covid-19; so many people are either directly or indirectly affected by it. To those risking their lives to help, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. You are all heroes! As for the rest of us, we can help them by staying home and practice social distancing. Annnddd….WASH WASH WASH YOUR HANDS!

During stressful times like this, I usually go for light, entertaining reads and/or inspiring ones. So here are some of my recommendations!

FUNNY

‘The Hike‘ came highly recommended. Ben goes on a business trip in Pennsylvania, checks into a hotel, then he decides to take a short hike, which leads him into the woods behind his hotel. And that’s when his hike took a bizarre turn, one that he’ll never forget. In his journey, we meet man-eating giants, bizarre demons, colossal insects and one very unforgettable Crab. Or maybe two? And a witch (I think she is) too *wink* Sounds crazy? Because it is! If you love stories like this, you might enjoy this too!

My full review here.

‘Calypso’ is a collection of 21 semi-autobiographical essays, mostly centered around Sedaris’ family and partner, Hugh. This collection is frank, funny, and as his dad would say, fan-tastic! I love reading his relationship with Hugh. They’re both are as different as day and night, and they’re hilarious together! The essays in this collection will give you something to laugh about, for sure, but they’ll also leave you something to mull over…I believe this is Sedaris magic. And I’m charmed by it.

My full review here.

I came across ‘The Gentleman’, while reading this. “A funny, fantastically entertaining debut novel, in the spirit of Wodehouse and Monty Python, about a famous poet who inadvertently sells his wife to the devil–then recruits a band of adventurers to rescue her.” It has been described as funny, fast-paced, and snarky. Just the way I like it! KQED.org also mentioned that it’s for fans of Lemony Snicket! *Me!*

I’m really looking forward to reading this! Just waiting for my order from BookOutlet to arrive! Woot Woot!

INSPIRING

Wow. This book. Not only does it have beautiful, gorgeous illustrations, but it was also filled with uplifting, inspiring messages. And they aren’t those typical ones you often read in other self-help books. This has got really simple, heartwarming, tender, yet thought-provoking quotes about love, friendship, kindness that will lift your soul. My husband, a non-reader, was so blown away by it that he couldn’t stop talking about it after reading and re-reading it. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

My full review here.

Reading ‘How To Be A Good Creature‘ is like watching a NatGeo documentary on TV, only this one, you’ll feel the author’s love, passion and emotions. It’s about lessons these wonderful creatures taught her. They were her teachers and mentors, and most of all, the most loyal of friends. Told in 10 heartfelt chapters, the stories of these animals showed me how much more animals can offer us besides companionship. They showed me how we can be better humans, the importance of opening our hearts and loving all that inhabit this earth. They reminded me that beauty is everywhere, if only we use our hearts to see. My full review here.

ONE FROM HOME

‘Marriage and Mutton Curry‘ is written by a Malaysian. Came across it as I was book-browsing at an indie bookstore back in Malaysia. “A kimono-clad Tamil woman greets Japanese soldiers at the door while her Anglophile husband cowers in his Jaguar. Two sisters share a husband when one fails to produce a child for the longest time. An American diplomat’s urgent inquires about the Malaysian treasury’s facilities are hilariously misunderstood. A daring civil servant proposes to a lady in his Ceylonese hometown mere minutes after meeting her, breaking a thousand years of marriage protocol.” It felt like it was a short story compilation but each story is connected to another, although I do have some favorite chapters like ‘Victoria And Her Kimono’, ‘Rahman’s American Visitor’ (this was hilarious!), and ‘Marriage And Mutton Curry’ (touching). I loved how witty, funny and entertaining this book was! Some stories are really relatable too, especially if you’re Asian. Do give this a gander!

Have you read any of the books above? Did you enjoy them? What do you read during times like this? Do you have any books you’d like to recommend? Please leave them in the comments below. Meanwhile, stay safe & well! Read on, my friends!