5 Simple Books to Read + Some Fun Boredom Busters

Hello!

It seems as if the world has come to a stop, or at least slowed down. Most buisnessnes are closed. Schools are closed. Everyone is staying at home. During all of this, we all suddenly have a lot of extra time on our hands. And that, of course, results in boredom.I have noticed that when I’m bored, I have a ridiculously short attention span, especially with books. To help combat this, I’m sharing with you 5 short, sweet, and simple books plus 5 more things to do when your bored.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

At birth, Ella is inadvertently cursed by an imprudent young fairy named Lucinda, who bestows on her the “gift” of obedience. Anything anyone tells her to do, Ella must obey. Another girl might have been cowed by this affliction, but not feisty Ella: “Instead of making me docile, Lucinda’s curse made a rebel of me. Or perhaps I was that way naturally.” When her beloved mother dies, leaving her in the care of a mostly absent and avaricious father, and later, a loathsome stepmother and two treacherous stepsisters, Ella’s life and well-being seem to be in grave peril. But her intelligence and saucy nature keep her in good stead as she sets out on a quest for freedom and self-discovery as she tries to track down Lucinda to undo the curse, fending off ogres, befriending elves, and falling in love with a prince along the way. Yes, there is a pumpkin coach, a glass slipper, and a happily ever after, but this is the most remarkable, delightful, and profound version of Cinderella you’ll ever read.

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte’s Web, high up in Zuckerman’s barn. Charlotte’s spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, who simply wants a friend. They also express the love of a girl named Fern, who saved Wilbur’s life when he was born the runt of his litter.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

“Someone will come for you, but first you must open your heart. . . .”

Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. The rabbit was very pleased with himself, and for good reason: he was owned by a girl named Abilene, who treated him with the utmost care and adored him completely.

And then, one day, he was lost.

Kate DiCamillo takes us on an extraordinary journey, from the depths of the ocean to the net of a fisherman, from the top of a garbage heap to the fireside of a hoboes’ camp, from the bedside of an ailing child to the bustling streets of Memphis. And along the way, we are shown a true miracle — that even a heart of the most breakable kind can learn to love, to lose, and to love again.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Narnia…the land beyond the wardrobe door, a secret place frozen in eternal winter, a magical country waiting to be set free.

Lucy is the first to find the secret of the wardrobe in the professor’s mysterious old house. At first her brothers and sister don’t believe her when she tells of her visit to the land of Narnia. But soon Edmund, then Peter and Susan step through the wardrobe themselves. In Narnia they find a country buried under the evil enchantment of the White Witch. When they meet the Lion Aslan, they realize they’ve been called to a great adventure and bravely join the battle to free Narnia from the Witch’s sinister spell.

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

A brave mouse, a covetous rat, a wishful serving girl, and a princess named Pea come together in Kate DiCamillo’s Newbery Medal–winning tale.

Welcome to the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who is in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in the darkness and covets a world filled with light. And it is the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl who harbors a simple, impossible wish. These three characters are about to embark on a journey that will lead them down into a horrible dungeon, up into a glittering castle, and, ultimately, into each other’s lives. What happens then? As Kate DiCamillo would say: Reader, it is your destiny to find out.

Boredom Busters:

Learn a new skill or language

What better thing to do when you have a lot of time on your hands? Wanted to learn a new language? BAM! Time to do it. Wanted to learn to sew? BAM! Time to do it. Depending on the activity/ skill, it will be relatively easy to learn. There are helpful and free resources like Youtube and other blogs.

Soak up Sun

Springtime is here! You can still socially distance yourself if you have a yard or porch. Sunlight and being outdoors is so relaxing, especially if you have a hammock.

Video Calls

One of the interesting side effects of quarantine is how used to video calls I’ve gotten. Before, I barely did any and I was so nervous every time. Now, I’ve gotten used to it. It’s so nice to just talk to someone, even if it’s over video.

Baking

My kitchen has been occupied with someone baking something for about 80% of the time. Baking is enjoyable and it results in a yummy treat afterword!

Puzzles

I. Love. Puzzles. Are they tedious? Yes. Do they take a lot of time and patience? Yes. Are they relaxing? Yes. One of the best ways to spend a rainy or snowy afternoon is doing a puzzle while listening to music or a podcast. Plus, when the puzzle is complete, you have a beautiful picture and very satisfying feeling cardboard.

Until next time!

-Hannah

2 comments