If you are part of the ‘work-from-home’ crowd that has been practising self-isolation and with a further extension of the Restriction of Movement Order (RMO) to 14 April 2020, chances are you are in a rather demoralised state. This is probably due to the endless Covid-19 memes that are rampant in social media feeds and the constant dispiriting news updates about the rise of cases globally. Some have taken to pass time during this period by cleaning their houses, making group video calls to friends and family or even making ‘Dalgona Coffee’, a creamy drink that has been going viral.
During this period of anxiety and ambiguity, a valuable habit that some of us may have side-lined over the years or have never picked up, is the simple habit of reading. In contemporary times, many people have dropped off reading due to busy work schedules or from too many distractions. With the current pandemic, however, reading and books in general has only become more valuable with the extra time in hand. This is because it is a great way to tune off all of the negative noise, to improve yourself to brace for a new ‘normal’ and to truly immerse yourself in a good, old-fashioned book. Here is a list of five titles with affordable prices to add to your bookshelf to heal you through the power of books:
With 365 Ways to Live Happy: Simple Ways to Find Joy Every Day by Meera Lester, learn how to turn your pessimism to optimism, one day at a time! This book is a great example of how reading can keep you calm, with tips about finding the meaning in each moment and how to lighten up – once and for all. Complete in every aspect of life – physical, emotional, mental, social, religious that will transform you to becoming a more positive being for the benefit of yourself and those around you. The book includes fresh and tangible ideas you may not have thought of and simple ideas that you needed reminding on. If you ever feel down, just pick up this book again.
As the world steps into an unprecedented era, many individuals may be taking another look at their lives and reconsidering the choices that they have made. How Soon is Now? From Personal Initiation to Global Transformation by Daniel Pinchbeck discusses essential transformations needed at both a personal and global level to solve problems posed by climate change as well as other imperative environmental issues. The book even proposes solutions to these issues by covering thoughts by different thinkers including Carl Jung and Jack Kerouac. Pinchbeck poses a very real question of: Can the human race survive? The author further explores subjects such as spirituality in this all-encompassing book.
The title of Move Fast and Break Things: How Facebook, Google, and Amazon Cornered Culture and Undermined Democracy by Jonathan Taplin is based off of Mark Zuckerberg’s now famous motto which captures how entrepreneurs regard disruption: that more is always better. The book allows a better understanding of the business models, ideologies and personalities such as Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos behind the rise of the internet and the impact it has had on culture. The author is also a proponent of re-decentralizing the web which is monopolised by companies such as Google, Facebook and Amazon that determine the future of the music, film, television, publishing and news industries.
In recent years, adult colouring has exploded in popularity. In many bookstores, there are even designated shelves to cater to this phenomenon. Those who find the simple activity nostalgic are actually turning to it to while away time as it is a great way to focus on the present to achieve mindfulness. Anxious working adults will find the activity therapeutic and calming. There are many themed books available such as those of flowers, animals, cities and even ones on specific books such as Alice in Wonderland. These colouring books typically have intricate designs printed on high quality paper such as this one: Inspiring Animals that features 88 pages and includes six colouring pencils. You do not have to have the skills of Claude Monet or be particularly creative to colour in a page. The feeling when you complete a page will be that of gratification!
Reading fantasy novels is a great form of escapism and what is better than one fantasy book, is a gripping, six title series. The Mortal Instruments Box Set Book 1- 6 by Cassandra Clare will keep readers busy for a week or more, depending on how fast you are able to devour the pages. It features all six books in the series: City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels, City of Lost Souls and City of Heavenly Fire. The series revolves around Clary, who is no ordinary fifteen-year-old. She gets caught up in the world of Shadowhunters, who are warriors dedicated to eliminating demons from the world. She is soon drawn to Jace, a mysterious boy with golden-blond hair and pale scars from years of applying various magical runes. Supernatural creatures, romance and betrayal make the series an absolute page-turner.
Books should not be seen as a luxury, but rather as a necessity for self-enhancement and knowledge. This is the best period for those are at home to pick up a book and start reading. With BookXcess offering access to affordable books, you do not have to think twice! Head over to bookxcessonline.com for a range of books at 50% – 80% off recommended retail price. A wide variety of genres are available consisting of science fiction, thriller, literature, young adult, business, cooking, art and design, children’s books and many other sought-after books. Enjoy free shipping within Malaysia with a minimum purchase of RM60. Terms and conditions apply.