“Outside has everything. Whenever I think of a thing now like skis or fireworks or islands or elevators or yo-yos, I have to remember they’re real, they’re actually happening in Outside all together. It makes my head tired. And people too, firefighters, teachers, burglars, babies, saints, soccer players and all sorts, they’re all really in Outside. I’m not there, though, me and Ma, we’re the only ones not there. Are we still real?”

― Emma Donoghue, Room.

Let me tell you, I am privileged. While the world has come to a standstill during this global pandemic, many are fighting for their lives, or working hard to save lives. I, on the other hand, have had it easy. I’ve been in self-isolation for five weeks in the comfort of my home with food on the table and a supportive community just a phone call away.

And while I make those phone calls more frequently now to friends and family around the world, I hear stories about how people are coping with the situation and trying to keep sane. It’s difficult to live in fear. The fear of losing your life, but more of losing your loved ones. So the bigger player here for a nervous breakdown is not being locked up in your house for long, but not knowing what the future will bring.

Most people feel claustrophobic and simply bored too. We always want peace and quiet in our busy schedules, but once we have it, we are not equipped to be happily isolated. Nonetheless, I do like movement and adventure and collaboration. I love the part of my work that puts me in contact with new places and people. Also, spring seems like a particularly strange time to be told to sit still indoors.

So what did come to my rescue in a challenging time like this? — Books.

Reading is a daily practice for me, almost like sleeping or eating. I have had my nose in a book all through school and college. So I’ve seen the world and traveled to different places in different eras through the lenses of brilliant authors.

Stories have a powerful way of giving you new experiences within the confines of your mind and your seat.

I have been winning my self-isolation so far by relying on my old friends as I do in good and bad times. Many non-readers have also now turned to pick up a book and start flipping through pages. This makes me very happy as I think it’s always a good investment of your time. So here I am presenting my Quarantine Reading list which I have divided into three sections as I traverse through the stories they tell. May they take you places like they have taken me, too.