As we barrel through another week of remote work, layoffs, social isolation, and a purveying sense of stumbling through the unknown, books prove to be an increasingly welcome respite from the dizzying and disheartening news cycle. A couple weeks ago we presented a list of pandemic reads for those looking to order their understanding of a strange new world with the help of fiction; here, we put forth all the things we’re reading that have nothing to do with pandemics. We’re linking to Bookshop, which Poets & Writers calls “an indie alternative to Amazon”—chances are your favorite local bookseller is still shipping out orders too. Be well, read lots.

Laura Regensdorf, Beauty Director, Vanity Fair

Donald Judd Spaces by Donald Judd; edited by Flavin Judd, Rainer Judd, and Judd Foundation

If you didn’t catch the wonderful Judd retrospective at MoMA before the museum’s temporary closure due to coronavirus, the new Donald Judd Spaces is a worthy stand-in. Those nostalgic for old New York (whether that’s 1970s SoHo or Manhattan two weeks ago) will relish the archival photos of 101 Spring Street, Judd’s work-from-home haven filled with his own art and that of friends: Stella, Flavin, Oldenburg, Chamberlain. And Judd’s sprawling Texas buildings are a breath of fresh air. The monastic interiors, spare with idiosyncratic touches, might lead you to summon another titan of minimalism: Marie Kondo.

Taylor Smith, Research Manager, Vanity Fair

Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid

Kiley Reid’s witty debut follows babysitter Emira Tucker through mid-20s doldrums and racism both subtle and overt. Along with some much-needed laughs, the characters’ foibles offer a timely warning against swapping facts for “the narrative that suits [us] best.”

Buy

Caryn Prime, Director of Editorial Operations, Vanity Fair

Deacon King Kong by James McBride

This book is so beautifully written, I can clearly envision what the movie version of the story would be while I’m reading. Because I was born and raised in Brooklyn, and currently still live there, this story—about 1960s New York, and the fallout from a shooting in the neighborhood—resonates so much with me. I also just love James McBride; The Color of Water is one of my all-time favorites.

Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff

I read this when it first came out. Now, knowing how the story ends, I am sure I will notice and appreciate different things this time around. It was such an engrossing page-turner, and I feel like enough time has passed since the first time I read it that I will gladly welcome that desire to not stop reading, again!

Claire Howorth, Executive Editor, Vanity Fair

The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak

This crisis is allowing me to engage deeply with one of my favorite literary genres: children’s books! It’s wonderful for my kids, who are one and five, and transportive for me. In true kid fashion, of course, we do a lot of rereading a mutable cast of favorites. Right now the rotation includes: The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak. This book is so ridiculous and fun to read out loud, though it confounds the baby when I shout “BLORK!” (Though “a hippo named BOOBOOBUTT” gets universal laughter). Extra love from me if you’re shopping indie—my family’s store is among the many that have closed and are going to suffer, along with most small businesses, in this crisis. So let’s try to help who we can, how we can!

Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman

Baby’s favorite. At the end, we cheer for the “dog party.” Here’s hoping the world gets back to dog-partying sometime soon…

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed with illustrations by Stasia Burrington

This is the wonderful, inspiring story of astronaut Mae Jemison, but we also love it because my daughter’s name is Mae.

Eloise and Eloise Takes a Bawth by Kay Thompson with illustrations by Hilary Knight

These are delightful for grown-ups—lots of subtle adult humor in them—and long reads for little kids, so perfect for bedtime.