books i'm reading while self-isolating 🌿📚

we're all in a crazy situation but thank goodness for books! here's a list of the (non-pandemic related) books i want to read!
☞ i'm trying to make lots of videos during this self-isolation period! join my patreon family to support my channel and to receive a handwritten postcard! / arielbissett
my podcast: www.booksunboundpodcast.com
Eric’s channel: / @erickarlanderson
books mentioned:
weather by jenny offill
department of speculation by jenny offill
death in her hands by ottessa moshfegh
constellations by sinead gleeson
the memory police by yoko ogawa
frida: a biography by hayden herrera
videos about staying home:
• The Coronavirus Explai...
• Why fighting the coron...
• Flattening The Curve o...
☞ Support my channel by joining my Patreon family: / arielbissett
☞ Instagram: / arielbissett
☞ Goodreads: / arielbissett
☞ Website: www.arielbissett.com
☞ My book podcast: www.booksunboundpodcast.com/
☞ Music by: cjbissett.com/
☞ My name is Ariel and I’m a Canadian writer, poet, and KZbinr. I organize my shelves by genre and then colour and my favourite book is Animal Farm. I've been making bookish content online for over 8 years and love spreading a love of reading through videos, panels, articles, and more! Think we could make something cool together? Send me an email!
☞ Thanks for watching! ☜

[@jessethereader]

reading books during this pandemic? as if, we all know all eyes will be on animal crossing. hahaha.

[@ArielBissett]

jessethereader I optimistically filmed this two days before it came out. I WAS NAIVE BACK THEN

[@oneworldonehome]

There are a lot of free books relevant to these times at *newmessage-org* and I would especially recommend The Great Waves of Change, as the Coronavirus is one of these Great Waves that begun crashing on our shore.

[@strawberryjpeg6000]

i wishhh

[@tylerl.2268]

I'm using this time to read the longest book on my shelf: a priory of the orange tree. It's amazing so far

[@CaitlinSewsSometimes]

I have that on my self too! Good to know it's as good as it looks

[@tylerl.2268]

@@CaitlinSewsSometimes omg it definately is!

[@hkguliani]

I'm reading that one too!

[@sexydoorframes]

I need to finish this. I've had 200 pages left of the book since 2019 February xD

[@SimplySaraReads]

I too am hoping to get to this one!

[@sarahogborn8024]

I work in a locally owned bookstore and we are really hurting from this! It’s a scary and overwhelming time. There is a quote from the Fellowship of The Ring that has been comforting to me and one that I keep coming back to: “The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places; but still there is much that is fair, and though in all lands love is now mingled with grief, it grows perhaps the greater.” I hope you stay safe and healthy, Ariel!

[@praalgraf]

tolkien and his works will always be there in dark times. thank you for reminding me of that gorgeous quote!

[@HenaLaul]

The bookstores in my island are currently doing online sales and deliveries. Perhaps that could be helpful!

[@f1content364]

You guys should sell the books online. That would be helpful

[@michellehall4502]

I was looking forward to go to 2nd charles with 3 bins full of books.

[@opheliawinfrey9501]

What a lovely quote from Tolkien, glad you put that here and that I came across it :)

[@savvasaam7644]

Covid-19 doesn't let Ariel go buy more books forcing her to read the ones she already has

[@ArielBissett]

Savvasaam ... I have been humbled

[@eva-gp6yf]

your jumper makes it seem like you’re a character in animal crossing and that is all I’ve ever wanted in my life

[@abbysorenson6108]

The framing of this video is IMPECCABLE Ariel (also your sweater is adorable).

[@DeeDee-vu9wy]

I’m having a reading slump but I just love hearing your voice and the sound of your laugh

[@emmibobable]

Dee Dee the best thing I’ve found for my reading slump is audiobooks. I get mine through my libraries app

[@Adrianaofficial]

I always watch her videos when I'm stuck in a reading slump. Definitely gives me the motivation to pick up a book

[@Lara-yv9pn]

I'm staying at my parents house, so I didn't bring a lot of books with me, but thankfully there is Libby, so e-books and audiobooks it is for me!

[@JacklynCunningham]

im so glad i decided a few weeks back to buy a used kobo! I prefer physical books but now i dont have to go anywhere to get the books

[@barbarabaker5552]

Station Eleven is wonderful, and it's actually not too depressing. It's got a lot of hope in it.

[@MsRobynmichelle]

I agree but it's also pretty scary in a lot of ways. I read it for the first time in January and I loved it. I couldn't stop thinking about it because of how beautiful it was, and now I can't stop thinking about it because everything is scary.

[@khadiisam26]

@@MsRobynmichelle yess I just remembered it recently and how it's not that farfetched considering what's happening in the world now

[@avacaza7851]

For some reason, I brought that book with me on a trip to see some family on the opposite coast. So I began reading it at the airport and finished reading it at the airport on the way home. The fact that the "apocalypse" began at an airport gave me a bit of anxiety. But it's GREAT!

[@ShannOliver]

I just finished Station Eleven! I agree, I loved it! I think the only thing that really got me was the girl who needed medication at the airport - but it’s probably super minor to anyone but me (her situation is my biggest fear). Other than that, it was a really clever weaving of stories.

[@springonion8124]

could you please make a room tour ariel? the last two vids had you filming through the mirror and i literally gasped the first time

[@AshleighForme]

I'll be honest, I thought the title said "shelf-isolation" and I feel like that would actually also be an excellent title hahaha. I'm using this time to fiiiinally finish series I only halfway completed AND dipping my toes into some classics that I've always been intimidated by!

[@ArielBissett]

Ashleigh HAH! Brilliant!

[@larissaprates1384]

My goal this quarantine has been reading the books on my shelf instead of buying more so that title IS FABULOUSLY ACCURATE!!!

[@Bookwormia]

genuinely thank you so much. for whatever reason i always find that your videos are able to calm me down and bring me joy the most. i hope you're doing well ♥️

[@ArielBissett]

HiyaItsTeagan I hope you’re doing well too 💕💕💕💕 thanks so much for the love!!

[@maxinesmith5174]

For self isolation, 1Q84 is the one!!!! I actually picked it up because of your big book video and it changed my life. I now own 10 murakami books and I’m so thankful I discovered your channel!!! Xx

[@madyyyyyyy]

if anyone's reading this comment just wana say that Scribd is offering a free month of their service

[@laxlovergirl9]

I'm having a hard time shutting down my mind to read physical books so I'm using the opportunity to listen to some long audiobooks while I'll play the switch instead. Currently listening to Peter Jackson and the Making of Middle Earth.

[@peach9265]

I work at a bookstore and we've closed to the public but we're still working at the moment, stocking up our shelves and doing curbside service for people who call and purchase books over the phone!

[@Grace-Grace-]

Kayla Hensley that seems like a lovely way to help people stay calm, and still make ends meet, sending good vibes to you all!

[@amyworley6221]

just emailed my boss today about staying home for the next 2 weeks bc a lot of our clients are very vulnerable and i’m so glad to have the privilege to do so!

[@ArielBissett]

This is awesome!!!!

[@RoisinsReading]

I'm self isolating as I'm also immunocompromised. I have Psoriatic Arthritis (connective tissue disorder havers unite!) and from what the UK government have said I could be stuck indoors for three months! Lucky I got so many books out from the library where I work on my last day! Also lucky my library are paying me full pay. I'm also really happy you and others are making so much extra content, it really helps with both the boredom and the anxiety. I've decided to try and make videos every other day, in part for other people to have something to watch, but it also feels like something productive I can do when I can't leave my house.

[@readernac13]

I'm also staying home and have Psoriatic arthritis as well as fibromyalgia, neuropathy and other stuff. Reading always helps but it's harder to really get into the story with your mind always jumping back to current events. Stay safe.📚

[@shan9202]

this virus has actually got me back into reading books again after about 5 years!!! i have currently read 19 books since february which i’m so proud of ☺️

[@isabellal724]

Ariel, your empathy and honesty towards us is so adorable and well-received, even more so during this time. For the past three weeks in self-isolation/social-distancing, I've been reading books that I believe will bring me joy and make me curious. I've never been a "mood reader", but at least for the time being, that's my tactic when picking something up to read, so I can decompress a little from the news and have a good time. Thanks for your recommendations. Cheers from Brazil! 😊📚

[@fallen_spoons83]

I'm on book 4 during this isolation period. I'm loving having time to really enjoy reading again!♡

[@Fortheloveofclassics]

fallen_spoons Any tips?

[@lacampanella2406]

@@Fortheloveofclassics up

[@gloria_2587]

Actually, I started listening to your podcast last week when the quarantine started for me and I'm already on episode 15! It's been helping me so much. I listen to it while I draw every day. Thanks so much for making it, I love it!!

[@MyMamasChild2]

I literally CANNOT read right now. My mind won't allow it. But these videos are very comforting.

[@everyone]

MyMamasChild2 - phew I thought I was the only one. My mind is consumed with coronavirus news. I know it’s best to stay away or put my phone down but I can’t just yet :/ I feel like I want to stay in the know... especially with new information coming out every couple hours. 😞

[@xocrazygurlx112]

I truly feel like we are all living in my year of rest and relaxation minus the drugs

[@victoria4]

i love your podcast! Im going to pick up the memory police soon, im glad you gave it a long reading time because i have so much to do! also love being a patron for the podcast too! Keep it up ariel and above all else stay safe!

[@kayjayjournalcrafts6772]

Ariel, omg I’ve just, thankfully, stumbled upon your videos and I have to say I have found you so refreshing and amazing to watch and I’ve not been able to stop 👀 I’ve always had a love of books but sort of lost it slightly just with life happening etc but after binge watching your videos I have now set up my good reads account and I’m currently dived into my first book 📚👍 all thanks to you so thank you so so much for all you do 💕

[@frannieforthoughts9527]

Thank you for all these videos you're filming these days. They're helping so much to calm down, especially right now. Virtual hugs from Italy

[@studyfolia842]

Thank you for making videos like this, it really helps me take my mind off of things and motivates me to read more books. I also really like the sound of your laugh. I'm currently reading Love in the Time of Cholera. Pandemic books, cause why not :D

[@darragh0000]

Honestly, seeing you post so many videos recently has done wonders for my mood. I'm here for the chill escapism! ❤️

[@AverySometimesReads]

Station Eleven was the best book I read last year. It’s less about the pandemic and more about how people continue to live on after. It’s very hopeful and beautiful. Highly recommend unless you’re trying to stay away from any pandemic or post-apocalyptic stuff.

[@enoughofyourbile]

The Memory Police was so gripping and yet so quiet. I really loved it and the ending was.... something else. I can't wait to hear Realeen and your thoughts in a few weeks!!

[@JoshsBookishVoyage]

I have been watching sooo many videos haha, and I have school work to do. I've gotten to the point where I rewatch some of the older content of a lot of my fav BookTubers. Thank you for more content!

[@TheJane1775]

You look so cozy! Just seeing you makes me feel so much better ❤❤❤

[@annac9534]

You’re my absolute favorite channel to watch- book wise or otherwise. You have very calming videos and I really do love listening to you speak your mind. Off topic- your eyebrows look phenomenal.

[@kyleybremer8324]

The memory police was my favorite book of 2019 and is one of my favorite books of all time😍😍 OMG I just got a fiddle leaf fig yesterday and I’m OBSESSED!!!🤣

[@overBookedd]

ughhhh your nails are always awesome! I've been wanting to read the Memory Police forever, I'll have to check it out soon!

[@elizabethjacobson883]

Thank you for making this video! I love reading but never have the time. This really motivated me and made me excited to start a new book!

[@olivia_vermast]

I’ve been binging your discussion videos, loving to listen to them while doing other stuff! You have such a calming voice😊

[@RamblingsOfAnElfpire]

Calming content is exactly what I need right now so thank you. I'm working from home and from next week will have to balance that with having a 3 year old to entertain so times are tough. But this is great! TBR's are good goals to have right now.

[@JumpSummer12]

I love the extra content. It is much needed!

[@ileanaaaaa]

Thank you Ariel for all your great content! Favourite booktuber ever! Stay safe and (completely out of topic): you and your hair look so pretty!

[@biseratashkova2175]

Been waiting for this ❤

[@SereneDancer]

Thanks for this video, both as a reminder to people and as a calming tool for people stressing out.

[@lydiarich4513]

I've been listening to the podcast since I started self isolation a week ago and I love it! I already read a book that was recommended on it :)

[@avengers-rule1032]

this might be weird but it’s nice to know that i’m not alone in having had pnuemonia many many times 😅 no idea why either 🤷‍♀️

[@ArielBissett]

Avengers-rule103 right?!!!! What the heck!!!

[@livinginsideabelljar6869]

I'm currently reading Wuthering Heights, Johnny Panic and the Bible of Dreams and other stories and then probably Dear Martin! Thank you for your content, it brightens my day and helps me focus on my essay on Sappho to Philaenis!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I'm so glad my workplace has finally allowed me to stay working from home since Friday. I felt very conflicted because they held out for a week after the PM advised people who could work from home to do so (even though all my work can easily be done from home.) So phew! Now I'm here in isolation too. 😅 I wonder how many book tubers are negotiating trying to film with their partners and families across the room from them now? I usually wait till I'm alone in my apartment before filming so making new videos during this time will make me self-conscious. 😂 And I have the same confusion about how you pronounce Offill! I've tried to find interviews where she or some authoritative figure pronounces her name but can't. So glad you've got a copy of Constellations. Hopefully you find it as beautifully written and inspiring as I did. 💕 Stay safe and healthy!

[@zeyneptuna4446]

I like this wall- with each different angle in different videos we can see a little more of it and I love it. Though I like the bookshelf as a background as well

[@thesecretreader]

this was the perfect video to watch a sunny late-afternoon! have a beautiful day Ariel and stay safe

[@LittleCanovas]

Your content is geniuenly helping me a lot through this! 8th day of this for me and my mental health is definetly noting the isolation, but at least I know I'm doing the right thing! Thanks again 😚💜🍜

[@emilyables5608]

i'm going to read the memory police next for the podcast bookclub and i'm so excited, i've been waiting so long!!! and i love your idea of reading books about brave and strong people right now, that reminds me that i have a new biography about carrie fisher that i've been anticipating for so long but haven't gotten into yet (aka, mashed potatoes) and this is probably the perfect time to read about my favorite woman:')

[@impastomusic]

I read The Memory Police after you mentioned it in your prediction video, and I absolutely loved it. Thank you for the blind rec! As for my self-isolation reads, I’ve got NK Jemison’s The Obelisk Gate and Elizabeth Gilbert’s City of Girls from the library, and physical copies of My Dark Vanessa and Neil Gaiman’s Sandman collection. A little bit of everything!

[@janesix85]

Your videos are so beautiful and refreshing, and thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings 🌿💚 You are wonderful!

[@sarahnano9487]

I’m reading My Year of Rest and Relaxation !! The writing is so good (idk why that almost surprised me) but thank you for the recommendation!

[@emmaf8264]

this book list 😍😍😍 memory police was shockingly depressing, so make sure your mental health is okay before you finish 🥰

[@wildcrackers4915]

Wish you health in this difficult time. I love you and it feels like you are my bookish fren❤️Your content is great and I always love your enthusiasm when u talk about books!!! 📚📚

[@QueenCNow]

I am part of a readathons, so it feels like im not reading alone, and together with people, but i have been interesting in reading more book about isolation, or people who are trap somewhere, only because everything thats happing right now. I am also in the risk group, because of my disability, and throught this i have been hit buy anxiety a lot more then im used to, and im just keep tell me self, that is okay to be afraid, but for now im am fine, thank you for the video and good luck with books and keeping you self safe❤️

[@estercamilacarneiro]

Thank you so much for doing this! The situation here in Europe is getting really bad! The morgues in Italy are getting full and there is talk of mass graves in some countries. I cannot stress enough the importance of staying at home! It doesn't hurt, and will save a lot of lives!

[@89hamilton]

Thank you for posting this Ariel, I am definitely checking out a few books on your list! Stay Safe!

[@rf1206]

Thank you for the video 💜 it's very helpful during this time

[@StoriesForCoffee]

Thank you for this video, Ariel! You’re right! We do need entertaining, soft content, so I’ve been clinging onto books and KZbin a lot lately to escape reality for a bit. Stay safe 🤍

[@cinephial]

i love your sweater so much!!!

[@taylahslibrary]

hi Ariel! I am also immunocompromised (i'm 12 months into a clinical trial on immune-suppressants), suffer from chronic pain and scared! but we're in this together, and we have books and booktubers and more books to get us through! my thoughts are with you, stay safe xx

[@vanessabarreto94]

Aww I'm already a patreon but those postcards are so cute! Great vid, thanks for the distraction 💕

[@chocolaterain2601]

I’m tackling the name of the wind💕thanks to your podcast! Escaping into fantasy was exactly what I needed

[@TheBookishMom]

I will be working from home for a month, and my kids are out of school so I will have a lot more time for reading! I am trying to knock out some books that have been on my shelf for a while this month, some longer books like the Great Hunt for sure!

[@colleencorbett8002]

Loved Dept of Speculation, very unique writing style but it worked! Will buy her new book for sure. Also loved Otessa’s My Year of Rest & Relaxation.

[@lindseyknits]

I am right there with you with the fear! It feels like we're alone in our choice to self isolate, but it feels like the only right decision. Also your hair is doing absolutely amazing things!

[@BeckReadsBooks]

I've been loving reading Death in Her Hands! Something about the way Ottessa Moshfegh writes feel really perfect right now. Just getting sucked into the main character's thought process gives me a little break from thinking about what's going on in the world. I work in an indie bookstore and we've been doing what we can to adapt to the current situation. The store I work at is no longer open to the public but instead we're open virtually/over the phone, and honestly I'm so happy to see the huge amount of support from our customers lately

[@sophiemae100]

i'm writing a thesis at the moment, so wish i had time to plough though my TBR! Great video! Stay Healthy!

[@tovaportmann]

Thank you for listing more non-pandemic books. As someone with GAD, this time is also terrifying, and I'm just trying to breath.

[@trasslaren]

Haha,I joined the patreon before I saw the bit about the postcards and now I'm so exited to get a postcard for you! XD

[@maryammahmoudigharaie]

The post cards are sooo cute 😍 I'm trying to reread both my former favorite ones as well as those that didn't quite click with me!

[@nataliegrace4887]

this video was so calming! i also love your sweater- do you know where you got it from? i'm trying to find brighter and cozy clothes!

[@ciinthiamk]

Yes. Really needed content from you❤️

[@lesmilingangel1764]

Using this time to finally get back into crocheting while listening to audiobooks! Just finished reading “Coraline” and now I’m reading the pick for Kayla’s book club. I literally have 100 books on scribd so I have PLENTY of options lol.

[@NovelNanny]

Thank you Ariel! Thanks so much for posting videos! I am one of those people who want videos! Thanks for everything and please stay safe and healthy!

[@TwinkTwinkle]

I love love love that sweater!

[@n0skies]

this is the first video of yours that I have come across! i love your whole vibe, personality, and the books you recommended! "I made it sound like I own this house hahaha... I do not" LOL I died when you said that. I'm definitely going to get The Memory Police!! you definitely sold me on that one- thank you for the recommendation! also, I love your laugh!

[@Maoziissues]

You´re my favourite booktuber - heck, maybe ever my favourite youtuber. Thanks for all the hard work of putting out content for us fangirls and fanboys! Stay safe. Just ordered some books to calm my mind. Love from Sweden.

[@Reading_Tamishly]

When the boyfriend shouted 'Hellooooo!' 😅

[@conorbarnes9785]

hellooooo!

[@Reading_Tamishly]

😆😆😆😅

[@alenemarie1726]

Your hair looks amazing! I read an entire romance novel in a day. So thats how I'm handling this whole thing. Im trying to focus on reading fantasy because I cannot read anything pandemic or end of the worldy right now, like I cannot do it.

[@alliecity]

THANK YOU for all your recent content, it has been a light in the dark.

[@nickjimenez2568]

Thank you for this amazing video. Stay safe, definitely using this time to read read read 😊

[@iamlaurenhannah]

I love your room so much!!

[@alaskaless6836]

thanks for doing more videos during this time, we really need it

[@bonpops]

You are so sweet. Thank you for your lovely videos. They are so much fun. Take care of yourself and your family. I have subscribed to your podcast and am looking forward to enjoying it.

[@vailvarone4075]

Ariel! Stay safe and healthy. Can you do a video about your favorite short stories/short story collections?

[@praalgraf]

love the framing of this video!!! very calm and very here for it. currently reading spqr by mary beard during self isolation (in between working at a grocery store,, very isolated work)

[@EstantedeSorrisos]

Getting your content really calms me, and right now I really need it. I can't see my partner during this isolation period and my mom has an auto immune condition, to it's really a hard time. Thank you so much for your amazing content! Love your channel

[@parkerrose3590]

Keep making videos. I love it and look forward to hearing from all my "friends" on BookTube when I need them most.

[@kantui525]

Thank you so much for making videos! I'm taking this opportunity to just delve into all the hobbies I've been neglecting

[@ArielBissett]

Snail I’m on the edge of starting a quilt so I FEEL YOU

[@danii6633]

Usually I come for the fun and excellent content, but this time I find myself totally distracted by the beautiful and soothing pictures on your wall, all the cute plants and your lovely sweater. Also, I wondered if your books were purposely colour-cordinated until you mentioned it yourself. Going to rewatch the video now and actually pay attention to what you said haha. ♥

[@jasmijnverhoef9225]

I'm currently reading The count of monte cristo, which I am excited about but have been putting off because of the length. Since I now have all the time in the world, I can finally get through those pages!

[@madyyyyyyy]

I am so completely grateful for books right now

[@marinemmmj]

Thank you for this video, it was strangely really soothing! I love listening to you! Stay safe ✨

[@3fishfishfish]

Thanks so much for the content while self isolation!

[@karlijn9669]

Thank you for this video Ariel! I am also immunocompromised as I have diabetes type 1, so self-isolation WOOP WOOP! And thank you for sharing your fears with us, I think it really helps people to see that they are not alone in this weird situation in the world and the feelings they have about it. So, THANK YOU!

[@saraaahk6942]

Thank you so much for speaking up and trying to make sure that people stay home! It makes me really sad that so many people dont really care about this and dont take it serious. I finished The Memory Police a few days ago (got it from your 5 star guesses) and it was GREAT, loved it and cant wait for your opinion on it. I'm currently reading A Catcher In The Rye, but got a lot more books waiting for me. (Starless Sea, Mistborn, Educated, On The Come Up, ...). Cant wait for more videos! Greetings from Germany, stay safe ❤️

[@winterflowerreads]

the memory police sounds super interesting !! i'm def gonna check it out ^o^