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13 Books That’ll Help You Escape Reality During Lockdown!

13 Books That’ll Help You Escape Reality During Lockdown!
Emily Cotton
Beauty Editor4 years ago
View Emily Cotton's profile

Stuck at home and looking for an escape from reality? What better way to forget about what’s going on in the world for an hour or two, than to bury your head in a good book 

Whether you prefer girly chick-lit or something darker and more mysterious, we asked Team Glossy to share the books they’ve been loving over the last couple of months. And the ones they think you’d love reading too!

PLUS, if you want to get reading more yourself make sure you enter our competition at the bottom of the post to get your hands on yet another book we can't wait to read ourselves!

The Flatshare - Beth O'Leary 

A will-they won’t-they romance between two residents of the same flat. But plot twist, they’ve never actually met! A fantastically heart-warming story of friendship, love and starting over we can all relate to. 

Loved By Emily H, Senior PR Executive - “It’s just really heart-warming, a bit romantic and with the ex-boyfriend part of the story, (potentially) very relatable!

Ghosts - Dolly Alderton 

A heartfelt novel that unravela seemingly successful life. In this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, you’ll disappear into a story of ex-boyfriends, imperfect parents, friends with kids, and a man who disappears the moment he says "I love you - Dolly’s wise words will resonate with women of all ages! 

Loved By Cassie, Social Media & Influencer - “It's a really great insight into the new online way of dating. It also really portrays that feeling people get when the people around them are getting married/having babies and they're not at that same place. Without giving too much away, it really outlines the importance of self-love and how you are your core of happiness. I would 100% recommend!” 

How Do You Like Me Now - Holly Bourne

Another honestly funny and moving exploration of love, friendship and navigating the emotional rollercoaster of your thirties. Sharply observant about the issues young women face today, - feminism, relationships, mental health and motherhood - this story addresses them all, but in a light hearted and relatable nature.

Loved By Emily C, Senior Content Executive - “This read was hilarious, and whilst I'm not quite at 30 yet, it was still painfully true!” 

The Cows - Dawn O'Porter 

The bold, brilliant and hilarious Sunday Times Top Ten Bestseller. This powerful novel is about three women who are all battling the noise of modern life to find their own voice. It's about friendship and being female – and it’s beautifully bold! 

Loved By Emilia, Partnerships Executive I couldn't put this down, it's super gripping. It focuses on friendship and being female in the current day and age, but it's definitely not for the fainthearted! It tackles some tricky topics such as grieving, cancer and sex amongst others, all in an interesting way!” 

Women Don't Owe You Pretty - Florence Given 

Florence Given is here to remind you that you owe men nothing, least of all ‘pretty’. The ultimate book for anyone who wants to challenge the outdated narratives created by the patriarchy. Open this book to delve into a feminist discussion covering topics such as body image, toxic beauty and more. 

Loved By Lucy, Social Media Outreach Executive - “It was very impowering and great for self-confidence!

The Wife Between Us - Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen 

With this psychological thriller, the novel is halfway over before the first big reveal. But it’s so worth the wait! From here on, the twists come fast and furious and you'll not be able to put this story down. The Wife Between Us exposes the secret complexities of an enviable marriage - and the dangerous truths we ignore in the name of love.

Loved By Emily C, Senior Content Executive - “I adored this book. And the twists and turns, well I never saw them coming! So well written and a story you'll become engrossed in!"

The Interview With The Vampire - Anne Rice 

For something a little darker and gripping in a totally different way, this novel centres around vampire Louis de Pointe du Lac, who tells his epic life story: love, betrayal, loneliness, and hunger, to a reporter. 

Loved By Meg H, Campaign Executive “I loved this! It was also made into a film of the same name in 1994, starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt.” 

Three Amazing Things About You by Jill Mansell 

A touching romantic novel about a young woman whose time is running out. This wonderful tale of friendship, love, loss and the miracles of life will have you glued to its pages. And after readingyou’ll be ready to seize life with both hands and make the most of every minute! 

Loved By Meg R, Senior Partnerships Executive It's a bit of a romance but also touches on health, and makes you literally want to seize every opportunity you can - super uplifting!” 

Beekeeper of Aleppo - Christy Lefteri

Nuri is a beekeeper and lives a simple life with his artist wife, in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo. Rich in family and friends, their life is wonderful - until the unthinkable happensMoving, powerful and beautifully written, this story is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit. 

Loved By Emilia, Partnerships Executive This is a little different to my usual reads, but it stuck with me! It tackles issues such as war and loss and got me out of my reading slump that I was in!” 

Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari 

In this bold and provocative book, Professor Yuval Noah Harari explores who we are, how we got here and where we're going as humankind. One hundred thousand years ago, at least six different species of humans inhabited Earth. Yet today there is only one--homo sapiens. From these very first humans to walk the earth to the radical--and sometimes devastating- realisations of the modern day, this eye-opening book will blow your mind on multiple occasions. 

Loved By Kit, eCommerce Manager - “It’s a brief history of the world and how humans lived in the olden days and the struggles they faced. It really puts our life now into perspective!” 

This Is Me – Mrs Hinch 

Discover the true story of Sophie Hinchliffe – the woman behind Instagram sensation Mrs Hinch - for the very first time, in her extraordinarily candid memoir. From motherhood to cleaning myths and misconceptions, this book is a must-read for all Hinchers! 

Loved By Emily H, Senior PR Executive - “I think Glossies will love this one! It’s super easy to read and of course, who doesn’t want to know a bit more about the person they watch on Instagram every single day - I’m totally guilty!” 

Good Vibes Good Life - Vex King 

Join the much-needed self-love revolution with Instagram visionary Vex King. Inside this book you’ll discover inspirational messages and universal wisdom to help you manifest positive vibes. 

Loved By Lucy, Social Media Outreach Executive “It’s full of amazing steps that’ll help you have a more positive outlook on life!” 

Skincare - Caroline Hirons 

One of the most authority in skincare, in this book Caroline Hirons shares her knowledge with the world! Skincare will become your go-to book, no matter your agesskin type or budget. If you want to look and feel fantastic, get comfy with this book that explains the facts, the myths and the best way to get great skin. 

Loved By Emilia, Partnerships Executive “This book is amazing for learning the basics around skincare and getting to grips with all the products that are out there. It's really informative but explained, in a way that's really easy to digest. And it’s changed my skin for the better, plus it also looks super cute on my coffee table!”

WIN! 10 Lucky Book Loving Winners

Want to delve into another of our favourite books? Why not enter our competition below to be in with a chance of winning just that!

if-i-cant-have-you-charlotte-levin-glossybox-competition-january-2021
If I Can't Have You - Charlotte Levin

By author Charlotte Levin, If I Can't Have You is an all-consuming novel about loneliness, obsession and how far we go for the ones we love. Follow main character Constance Little as she flees Manchester for London, attempting to put past tragedies behind her and make a fresh start. But as we all know, this doesn't always go to plan. After a failed romance however, Constance is reminded of what life has previously taught her - that if you love someone, you should never let them go. Which is when her obsession begins...

Enter To Win One Of 10 FREE Copies!!

We have 10 copies of Manchester based author Charlotte Levin's debut novel If I Can't Have You to give away. Want to win? Simply fill in the entry form below and we'll choose 10 lucky winners at random. Entries close February 4th, 2021.

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Emily Cotton
Beauty Editor
View Emily Cotton's profile
I'm someone who loves getting glammed up, but I feel like I never have enough time. Frequently running between work, the gym and seeing friends means my makeup routine is quick and often touched up on the go. Therefore, beauty products that serve as multi-purpose are perfect for me - a blush that works for cheeks and lips is a must in my makeup bag!
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