Waiting is Hard

“Waiting is hard” was a saying we used when my daughter was impatiently waiting for Christmas one year. Now, it seems like the right words whenever we’re anxiously awaiting something. In this case, the whole world seems to be holding its breath in anticipation of the outcome of Tuesday’s presidential election. If you’re in need of a distraction from the news coverage and the waiting, here are some bookish recommendations.  

Re-read a Favorite

This is a good time to re-read something you’ve already enjoyed. You’ve already read it, so your brain already knows what to expect! I don’t know about you, but during the pandemic, I’ve found myself drawn to game shows and episodes of reality TV shows I’ve seen multiple times. These shows are soothing to me, in the same way a well-loved book is. I re-read Graceling by Kristin Cashore during the pandemic. It’s a YA fantasy book that has swoony romance, adventure, and clever banter. It was just what I needed before moving on to a dense adult book. Which book would you choose to re-read?

Read a Children’s Book

Children’s books are the perfect length for short attention spans! Plus, so many new picture books have the most amazing illustrations and witty, clever storylines. Some personal favorites include:

• The Wolf in Underpants and The Wolf in Underpants Freezes His Buns Off by Lupano Wilfrid
• Monster and Mouse Go Camping by Deborah Underwood 
• Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang
• Sparky! by Jenna Offill 

Read a Graphic Novel

Graphic novels are also shorter reads, sometimes requiring only a few hours to complete. The stunning artwork makes reading them a unique experience. They also require concentration because you’re inferring a lot of the story from what is said between the lines and the artwork. I’ve really come to adore graphic novels, but these are my top picks for escaping election stress:

• This Was Our Pact by Ryan Andrews: a group of boys set off on an adventure, but as the journey becomes more fantastical and magical, only two boys will press on 
• Bloom by Kevin Panetta: a sweet book about a family bakery and queer love
• The Crossover by Kwame Alexander: told in verse, this graphic novel version of Alexander’s novel details a teen who just wants to play basketball but gets caught up in growing pains 
• Sanity and Tallulah by Molly Brooks: two teen BFFS who live on a space station have a mystery to solve 
• The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang: a prince enlists the help of a dressmaker to design fabulous dresses for the prince to wear; a lesson on loving yourself – even when it’s hard

Read Fantasy

Whoa, did I read a lot of fantasy novels during the pandemic. It was a genre I had already enjoyed before, but during the last few months, I took on several lengthy fantasies. These books provide much-needed escapism. I can travel to another world where there are different rules and worries and follow along as the protagonist seeks justice! While there are lots of different types of fantasy novels, a few of my favorites include:

• Graceling (and Fire) by Kristin Cashore: some people are born with graces, which give them unique abilities. These abilities are often exploited by the Kings, but Katsa has other plans in mind…
• Every book Sarah J. Maas has written: the coolest characters, like assassins, fae warriors, shape-shifters, pirates, wyverns, witches, plus magic and good overcoming evil  
• The All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness: vampires and witches in present day, seeking a mysterious book that could hold the answers to their power 
• Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor: absolute magic – a dreamy librarian travels to a forgotten city and attempts to right the wrongs of an old tragedy  
• The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison: all but forgotten by the royal court, Maia suddenly becomes emperor of the Elflands after the sudden death of his father and brothers. Unaccustomed to power or court intrigue, Maia has to determine what kind of ruler he will be. 

Read a Genre You Don’t Normally Read

I have my go-to genres and authors – titles that I know I’ll enjoy and appreciate. And then I’ll read something outside of my comfort zone and I’ll be blown away. I’ll be reminded that there are so many great things out there to read! I’ve read several new-to-me genres this year, including novels in verse, nonfiction about journalism, and a gothic horror story. 

• Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga: novel in verse about a 7th-grade Syrian girl who moves to America
• The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo: novel in verse; a teen in Harlem uses poetry to escape the confines of her mother’s religious beliefs   
• She Said by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey: a nonfiction book detailing how the authors exposed Harvey Weinsteins’s history of sexual harassment and assault
• Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia: a disturbing story about a creepy English manor and its inhabitants

What books help you get through anxious times?