Feature image credit: @booksandteashops

With social distancing still in full swing, we’re finding ourselves in need of some new books for quarantine. These picks provide a little escape, through juicy true confessions and exotic destinations. These books will definitely give you the break from reality you so desperately need and will take you on an elusive and tantalizing mental getaway.

Craigslist Confessional by Helena Dea Bala

Have you ever wanted to confess your deepest and darkest secret to a complete stranger? Helena Dea Bala takes you on a wild ride that chronicles her experiences of quitting a demanding job and deferring her student loan debt to listen to the stories of people willing to bear their souls. Craigslist Confessional allows readers to have a front row seat into the lives of 41 people who have taken this huge risk anonymously submitted through a Craigslist ad. Talk about letting it all hang out! This book definitely speaks to your inner nosey neighbor.

Wandering in Strange Lands by Morgan Jenkins

Have you ever wanted to take a trip to a strange land or a place that bridges your heritage and introduces you to your true ancestral roots? In Wandering in Strange Lands, Morgan Jenkins goes on a journey of self-discovery that will make you question your own upbringing and family heritage. If you are looking for a book that will give you a jumpstart in what it is like to delve deep into connecting the dots through autobiographical prose, this is the book for you.

Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory

Anyone else want to travel to a new place and leave all past relationships behind? In Party of Two, Jasmine Guillory introduces us to Olivia Monroe who moves to LA to start her own law firm. When she gets there, an opportunity she can’t resist lands her directly into the lap of Max Powell and into a whirlwind affair. (Might I add there’s chocolate cake involved and who can resist chocolate cake?)

The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta

In Black Flamingo we are whisked away to London. In this beautiful coming-of-age novel written in poetic verse, we meet Michael who is navigating his way to find himself. Through his story, we not only get to walk the beautiful streets of London but we also see Michael explore and uncover all the layers that mold him into the Black Flamingo.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

Take a trip visiting sisters Camino Rios and Yahaira Rios, that will instantly take a piece of each of them with them as you journey from the Dominican Republic to New York City. The Rios sisters are separated but joined by a tragic event that will shake you to your core. In this hauntingly beautiful novel written in poetic verse, Elizabeth Acevedo weaves the unforgettable story that will stick with you for days to come.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

This breathtaking book cover is popping up everywhere, and the story is just as dark and dramatic. Mexican Gothic takes us into the life of Noemi Taboada who finds herself on a journey to a distant house in the Mexican Countryside to save her cousin from certain doom. Noemi meets this challenge as a glamorous but tough heroine as she steps into a world of dark secrets from her cousin’s new husband and his family.

A Burning by Megha Majumdar

Is visiting India on your bucket list? Visiting India is definitely one of the places I would like to visit that is currently on my bucket list. Travel to India in this sizzling new release. A Burning takes place in India and involves characters that all have the same common goal of rising to fame for their own personal reasons. Although this is a debut, it is one that you will never forget that will leave you wanting more.

Home Before Dark by Riley Sager

Of course, finally, what would a true “Staycation” look like to you? I don’t know about you, but I love to stay home for a few days especially after a long trip away from home. In Home Before Dark, Maggie Holt goes back to her parents Victorian Estate in the Vermont Woods to a home that made her father famous. This really doesn’t sound like a bad place to visit from the outside looking in, but secrets lurk in this house and Maggie goes on a quest to uncover them.

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