People are turning to books to cope with coronavirus anxiety.

Here, we reached out to bestselling authors and book-lovers alike about what books to read in these difficult times.

As social distancing has caused many small businesses to shutter, authors encourage readers to also consider purchasing from independent bookstores: "Every sale counts," A.N. Devers, owner of the Second Shelf, tells OprahMag.com.

In the era of social distancing, many of us have found our world shrunk down to the size of our home.

Given the circumstances, there's never been a better, or more urgent, time to pick up a book. Within its pages, you can slip into another reality. For the price of a book, you can find a time machine to the distant past; portals to alternate dimensions; airplanes to faraway lands.

That's why we launched "The Book Break," a new Instagram Story series on our Instagram account, @oprahmagazine. We're proposing that, if possible, everyone take at least a few hours a week to put down the news and pick up a book. Each week, we have a different author or book lover offering up five suggestions for books to read during this period of quarantine.

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While each "Book Break" differs in taste and genre, the picks are all chosen with the same spirit: Books to escape into, if only for a little while. Below, we've summarized each author's pick for a compilation of the best books to read while social distancing during the quarantine.

And if you're wondering how to get new books as Amazon has deprioritzed shipments of non-essential items—including books—now is a fantastic time to support local independent bookstores. For more info about supporting the book industry during the pandemic, check out our guide.



Kiley Reid

Kiley Reid's debut novel, , had a buzzy debut in January 2020–and for good reason. In the book, Reid grounds incisive observations about class, gender, race, and their intersections in excellently wrought characters. It's a page-turner that will make you feel smarter for having read it.

The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett

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Reid confessed that she "loves reading anything about twins," and honestly? Same. , Brit Bennett's follow-up to The Mothers, is set in a small Black community in Louisiana, where the Vignes twin sisters are born, and where their diverging paths begin.

"They have very different paths. Particularly one, who starts the practice of passing as white. I don't think I've read a book that covers passing in the way that this one does," Reid says, adding that the multi-generational book has an "epic" quality.

The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

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When reading , expect a surprise on every page. Krause takes an inventive approach to unspooling the 60-year-long story, intertwining the perspective of a 14-year-old girl with the pages of an epic, but unpublished, novel.

"I think it takes a really talented author to have so many kind of narration within a story," Reid said.

The Heads of the Colored People by Nafissa Thompson-Spires



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When recommending Nafissa Thompson-Spires' acclaimed short story collection, Reid turned to the cover description: "It shines a light on the shimmer tensions and precariousness of Black citizenship."

"These are ordinary Black people living their lives and having extraordinary feelings and emotions as they do it," Reid added. "It's really sweet and dark."

The New Me by Halle Butler

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Seeking a novel you can read in a day? This "funny and honest" book do it for you—it did for Reid.

"I love anything that focuses on the bleakness of work life, and this one does it really well. It has sneering commentary on the world that we live in," Reid said of .

Nevers by Megan Martin

Caketrain Journal and Press

Reid credits Nevers by Megan Martin with her own growth as an author. "A lot of writers have a book that they read and it was a game-changer," Reid said. For her, Nevers was it.

A hidden gem from an indie publisher, Nevers will transport you to another reality, where more things are possible. "It's so courageous and biting on the page. There are talking foxes. Poets. Cowboys. It's a little bit absurdist, and might be great for a time like this," Reid said.

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Taylor Jenkins-Reid

If you're looking for a page-turner, start with Taylor Jenkins-Reid's immersive historical novels. Her novel follows a '70s rock band, from peak popularity to their decades-long dissolution. We're already excited for the movie adaptation.

Roar by Cecelia Ahearn

Cecelia Ahern wrote the movie P.S. I Love You, a clear indication that her short story collection with be both heartfelt and enjoyable. Ranging in genre and tone, each of the book's 30 stories is a portrait of a woman at a defining moment.

"Some are whimsical, some are out-there, and some are more grounded—but all of them are incredibly insightful," Jenkins-Reid said.

The Idea of You by Robinne Lee

An actress, Robinne Lee applies her insider knowledge to this riveting romance about the perils (and delights) of dating an uber-famous person.

"This slayed me," Jenkins-Read said. "It's the story of a single mom who starts an affair with a rock star in a boy band. She takes that premise and turns it into this incredible effective, moving, honest, human love story."



The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang and Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

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Jenkins-Reid gave shout-outs to two of her favorite rom-coms of late. "They're light and fun, but so well written," Jenkins-Reid said.

She was especially drawn to the books because of their protagonists. focuses on a woman with autism trying to date for the first time—and is written by an author on the autism spectrum herself. Chloe Brown, the titular character in Talia Hibbert's novel (also recommended below), struggles with chronic pain. "You'll be rooting for these woman," Jenkins-Reid said.



Anna K by Jenny Lee

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Not quite up to reading Tolstoy while in quarantine? No problem. Read , a sparkling YA novel, instead.

"It's a retelling of Anna Karenina but it's set in New York with a bunch of boarding school students," Jenkins-Reid says.

Christina Lauren

Christina Lauren is the pen name for writing duo Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings. Together, Billings and Hobbs make novel magic—they've co-written 15 bestselling novels. Their most recent book, , came out in March.

Educated by Tara Westover

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"This book lives up to the hype," Billings said. In the bestselling memoir, Tara Westover recounts her experiences growing up in a Mormon fundamentalist family, and home-schooled by her survivalist parents. Despite lacking a formal education, she managed to be admitted into Brigham Young University, and launched a career that took her to Harvard, Cambridge, and beyond.

"Her experience and her childhood leading up to where she is now is unlike anything that you will find out there. This book is fantastic," Billings said.

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

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Hobbs and Billings recommended getting lost in an entire series—it'll last longer. They raved about Sarah J. Maas' adult fantasy novels, .

"The first book is an adult retelling of Beauty and the Beast. "The minute you finish it you'll wish you had the second one right away," Hobbs said.

I'll Give You the Sun and The Sky Is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

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"We're cheating a little bit by recommending an author, not just books," Billings said. Jandy Nelson is an award-winning YA author whose books will appeal to adults as well as teenagers.

Billings describes Nelson's novels as nothing short of beautiful. "The characters are so richly drawn. They'll have you feeling so good about the world and life," Billings said.

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

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Robert Galbraith is a pen name for an author better known as J.K. Rowling. The Cuckoo's Calling is a classic detective novel. Cormoran Strike, a veteran who becomes a private investigator after returning from Afghanistan, is a character as memorable as Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot.

"It's beautiful and atmospheric. You'll immediately order the second," Hobbs said.

Graceling by Kristin Cashore



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"If you loved Hunger Games and Maze Runner, you'll absolutely love this book," Billings promised. Graceling is a YA fantasy novel centered around an interesting premise.

Katsa is among the special people in her world given a gift—or a "grace," as they're called in the book. Hers is the ability to kill. Naturally, this means people are afraid of her. How does Katsa use her power? How does she live with using it? Read on to find out.

Jasmine Guillory

Looking to escape into a warm, witty book? First, check out Jasmine Guillory's delightful set: , , , and , a story inspired by Meghan Markle's mom, Doria Ragland. check out her recommendations for OprahMag.com. Guillory added a reminder to shop from independent bookstores. "Anything you buy helps," she said.

It's Not All Downhill from Here by Terry McMillan

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The latest book by Terry McMillan, the author of How Stella Got Her Groove Back, is about a tight-knit friend group in their 60's.

"They're dealing with hard things—death, sickness, children. But their friendship stays together through all of it. It's perfect for this time," Guillory said.

Wow, No Thank You: Essays by Samantha Irby

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Samantha Irby is one of the funniest, most original essayists working today, and her latest collection has arrived at just the right moment.

"Samantha Irby's books are all really funny," Guillory said. "She turns her life into the funniest stories. They make me laugh, but they make me feel a lot of emotion."

Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin

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Jane Austen fanatics, this one's for you. is a modern-day retelling of Pride and Prejudice, with a twist: It's set in Toronto, and features a Muslim couple.

"It's unpredictable, even if you've read Pride and Prejudice. And I love how they came together in the end," Guillory said.

So We Can Glow by Leesa Cross-Smith

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Can't focus on a novel? Guillory recommended trying a short story collection. "I'm having a hard time concentrating on things right now. It's great to read a story or two and be able to come back to it later," Guillory said.

Guillory raved about , a collection by Leesa Cross-Smith. "The stories are full of emotion, and about women and the things that we struggle with."

Salt Fat Acid Heat by Samin Nosrat

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Finally, Guillory recommended a cookbook—because she gets the struggle of cooking during the age of coronavirus. is a bestselling cookbook by Samin Nosrat, host of the Netflix show of the same name.

"I know a lot of us are trying hard not to go to the grocery store often. It gives you ideas for how you can use ingredients. I find it useful going through my pantry and figuring out what to do," Guillory said. Nosrat also hosted a cooking-themed podcast in March.

Carmen Maria Machado

The author of the short story collection , Carmen Maria Machado is known for writing exquisite and innovative speculative fiction. Her most recent book is In the Dream House, a memoir about a harrowing romantic relationship. Here are four books that Machado says have "comforted [her] in difficult times."

The Baron in the Trees by Italo Calvino

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Machado raved about The Baron in the Trees, a "very sweet" novel by the Italian writer Italo Calvino. "It’s a magical book and it makes me laugh out loud every time I read it."

The premise reads like a fable: "It’s about a young baron who, as a young boy, gets into an argument with his parents and then lives in the trees. Then for the rest of his life, he lives in the trees. There's a very good dog character named Otimo Massimo, who becomes his dog and helps him hunt from the ground because he’s in the trees for the rest of his life," Machado said.

Bel Canto by Ann Patchett

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“This novel is one of those books that underlines the beauty of people and human connection," Machado said of Ann Patchett's acclaimed novel, Bel Canto.

However, she left the book's inner mysteries for readers to discover themselves. "It’s about a hostage incident that grows into something more. I don’t want to over explain or explain too much. But it’s a magical book.

Woodcutters by Thomas Bernhard

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Thomas Bernhard's 1984 novel is a satire of Vienna's artistic elite, but is oh-so relatable. “This is another novel that makes me laugh so much," Machado said.

"It’s basically a man sitting in a chair at a party. They’re waiting for this actor to show up. Most of the novel is him sitting at the party thinking mean thoughts about everyone. It's very relatable if you’ve been feeling cranky, or have ever been cranky at a party,” she explained.

The Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Brockmeier

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This "grim" book about a pandemic may not appeal to everyone in this moment, Machado warned.

The Brief History of the Dead is centered around a very particular conception of heaven: All of the inhabitants of heaven are people who are still remembered on Earth. So when a pandemic strikes, it changes the entire population of heaven. "Soon the only person alive is a woman in Antarctica who’s on an expedition. So the city of the dead is populated only with people who knew her," Machado said.

“It’s affirming of humanity in a way that might be really exciting,” she contined.

Veronica Roth

Veronica Roth is the author of the bestselling YA series Divergent, which was made into a movie series starring Shailene Woodley. Roth's latest book, , is out April 7, a satisfying and labyrinthine fantasy novel. Here are her picks.

Magic for Liars by Sarah Gailey

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is like Harry Potter, but for adults who now crave juicy mysteries and teen dramas. The sophisticated and fun novel follows Ivy Gamble, a private investigator who is summoned to her sister's boarding school where people with magical abilities–like her twin—hone their skills. Ivy contends with long-buried jealousy for her sister, Tabitha, and with a villain whose powers exceed her own.

"I almost missed dinner with my family!" Roth said of the reading experience for this one.



All the Birds in the Sky by Charlie Jane Anders



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All the Birds in the Sky has something for everyone. The book combines elements of YA and adult literature, as well as sci-fi and fantasy.

"It's a star-crossed lovers story about a really brilliant witch and a really genius engineer who find themselves on opposite sides of a battle between science and magic in San Francisco," Roth explains. "It's a really inventive and playful book. I missed it when it was over."



Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik

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"This book is warm and lovely," Roth says of this New York Times-bestselling fantasy novel, which was also a finalist for the Hugo and Nebula awards.

Spinning Silver is set in a world inspired by Eastern Europe. "It's about an intelligent and scrappy woman who gets kidnapped into a magical kingdom," Roth says. Miryem finds herself ensconced among fey creatures whose hearts are colder than stone. Think an even scary version of the Rumpelstiltskin fairy tale.



Mirage by Somaiya Daud

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Roth also recommends , a YA fantasy novel set on a far-off planet, yet influenced by Moroccan mythology. (We did tell you this would include escapist reads!) "The world is lush and beautiful," Roth says.

Amani, the book's protagonist, is kidnapped from her family home because she looks exactly like her home planet's princess—and she's chosen to be a body double. "That's a dangerous thing for her to do. And in the process she falls in love, which is also a dangerous thing to do!" Roth says, citing that she also loved the poetry-based romance, featuring poetry translated from Arabic by the author herself.

The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa

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This inventive and "Kafkaesque" novel is perfect for our current times. "It's about the winnowing down of the things that make your life rich and beautiful," Roth explains.

is set on an island where objects keep mysteriously disappearing. Even stranger, people's memories of those objects disappear, too. A finalist for the National Book Award and the Booker Prize, this work of speculative fiction is unforgettable, even if the "memory police" would hope otherwise.



Elena Nicolaou

Yep, that's me—the Culture Editor of OprahMag.com! For the first installment of The Book Break, I took viewers on a tour of my bookshelf and recommended some of my own favorite escapist novels, ranging from new releases to soul-nourishing classics to total hidden gems.

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

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is a hopeful book about how relationships can help us become our best selves. Sparks fly when Chloe Brown, a no-nonsense woman with fibromyalgia, and Red, her rugged repairman with an artistic spirit, meet in their London apartment building. And they aren't good sparks, at first–more like combative. But the more Chloe and Red exchange witty remarks, the more their barriers melt. You can guess what happens next.

If you're a fan of London-set rom-coms (yes, that is a genre), then this is an especially good pick for you.

Here For It by R. Eric Thomas

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R. Eric Thomas' daily humor column for Elle summarizes the news with madcap, specific hilarity. It's a daily must-read, and so is his debut collection of essays.

In , Thomas infuses his characteristic humor with poignant wisdom. Thomas tackles race, sexuality, and the joys and challenges of being "very online." It's the kind of book that might have you laughing and crying at once. Just go with it!

Little, Big by John Crowley

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This cult classic came to me as it does, I suspect, to most people: By chance. And it stayed with me forever.

It's hard to put into words, frankly, because the plot summary hardly scratches at what makes it special. Smokey Barnstable marries Alice Drinkwater, without quite knowing what he's getting into. Alice comes from a mystical family who live, all together, in an ever-expanding, labyrinthine house off any known map. So begins a generations-long epic.

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles



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Amor Towles' bestseller is perhaps the ultimate quarantine read. begins when Count Alexander Rostov, a Russian nobleman, is sentenced to spending the rest of his life in Moscow's Metropol Hotel, in 1922. Sure, the Metropol is grand and historic—but for Alexander, it's a prison sentence.

After a period of moping, Alexander turns his attitude around. How does he turn his circumstances into a fruitful life? A Gentleman in Moscow is about thriving in captivity; the importance of community; the distance of a kind act; and resilience. It's a manual for getting through the days to come.

The Lone Pilgrim by Laurie Colwin

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If I could choose one author to read over and over again, it would most certainly be Laurie Colwin. With her eye for idiosyncrasies, each of her characters leaps off the page as a wholly realized and clever being—someone you can get to know as intimately as a friend.



Her books are set in warm worlds, where characters are uniformly lovable and utterly themselves. Simply put, is a short story collection about women navigating romantic relationships.

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