We’re in unprecedented times, every single one of us.
Here in the UK there have been rumours of a lockdown in the coming days; some of you may already be in self-isolation. Across the world we’ve already seen the devastation caused, but let’s not forget – many people and nations HAVE recovered and are getting through this. An official lockdown is unlikely and isn’t something to fear. Just try to stay calm and be reassured that lockdown doesn’t mean, ‘you will be stopped from leaving your house at all,’ it actually alludes to the precaution of leaving your home unless it’s essential.
It’s important to remember that to get through this we need to stick together and push on. Respect the advice we’re being given and respect each other.
Being on lockdown isn’t a punishment, it’s an opportunity to slow the spread of the disease and protect vulnerable people. You don’t need to panic. Try to stay calm.
Stay safe, be careful and respect each other.
How will you pass the time in self-isolation?
Reading?
We’re all in the same boat here. There’s TV and films we can watch, but for how long before filming is suspended or there’s no one to operate the schedule.
But one thing that will last, books!
Here’s a retweet of mine recently that got me thinking:
A great idea from @LiteratusEdits to bring book recommendations to those in isolation from #COVID_19.
Books are a great way to pass the time and to get away from all this fear around the coronavirus. #Books #COVID_19uk #ukcoronavirus #WritingCommunity https://t.co/GRPtwNJWMc
— T. J. Blake (@TJBlake93) March 14, 2020
Books are a great way to pass the time. They’re also a nice way to detach yourself from your surroundings. That’s the key to this – ensure you aren’t stressing about the after effect of the Coronavirus (our economy and way of life), and to entertain yourself whilst keeping yourself and those around you safe.
By reading, you will have thousands, if not millions, of books available to you.
Money is tight for all of us I’m sure in light of Covid-19. But books are affordable, particularly eBooks.
I want to help
You may know or not, but I’ve written some books. you can see those books here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/T-J-Blake/e/B00C2TFFJ8/
This isn’t a sales pitch, but if you enjoy psychological thrillers then do take a look at my novels. I will be trying to make them available for free – to give you guys something to do whilst in isolation.
Also, I have been trawling back through previous book reviews. You can see some of my 3+* star reviews of books I’ve read previously – my recommendations for you below:
Top rated books I’ve read recently
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides = 5*
The Taking of Annie Thorne by C. J. Tudor = 4.8*
I am Watching You by Teresa Driscoll by = 3.7*
Have you got a book recommendation?
Then please do comment on this blog below. Hopefully we can put together a great list of books for us all to read.
T. J. Blake #Author 
I will definitely be checking out your books on Amazon. Here in the states (Michigan for me) we have not been put on lock-down, but I know it is a matter of time. I am fortunate enough to still be able to go to work every day, and hopefully that will not change. Stay well!
Thanks for your comment, Angela. I’m glad you’ll be checking out my books. I’ll be making them free in the next few days 🙂
Also do feel free to make your own book recommendations in the comments – I’m hoping others who come across this post can then see a huge range of recommendations to get a hold of.
There have been a lot of swirling rumours here in the UK today. Everyone is panicking about lockdown. But I don’t think it will happen, especially not at this stage. I think parts of London will be closed but not complete lockdown, it’s not possible.
Stay safe Angela 🙂
Here in the states we are not on a whole on lockdown, but in Michigan, all of the schools are closed until at least April, restaurants, gyms, movie theaters, etc are all closed right now as well. It is so surreal what is going on….
It is such a shock. It really makes you think about your life and how everything was before it. We just all took it for granted.
The UK is in lockdown now so I’ve made my books free for everyone. It’s only small but it’s the least I can do!
Michigan is now on lockdown, ordered to shelter in place. My job is covered under essential work so I can still go to work every day. I will only go to the grocery when absolutely necessary!
What is your role? Stay safe!