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Books provide entertainment, education, comfort, and a sense of connection during uncertain times.

“We’re all so isolated in our little individual homes and whatnot, but reading offers me a sense of connection to a larger community than just myself,” book lover and Subtext Books manager Matt Kelliher said during a recent conversation on MPR News with Kerri Miller. “That’s what I’m gravitating to: stories that help me relate to others.”

Fellow book lover and Twin Cities-based editor and copy writer Anitra Budd has been giving books about disease outbreaks a second look. For example, Budd was recently reading a book about how the so-called “Z-bug” epidemic changed the lives of characters in the book “Jakarta,” by Rodrigo Márquez Tizano.

“I had started it before everything happened and then it was there and I was like, ‘I think I should finish it because, I don’t know, maybe this will help?’” she said. “It didn’t help.”

Budd clarified that it’s an amazing book. But she said while reading about pandemics and dystopia may be just the ticket for some readers, it didn’t work for her.

“I completely recommend it when we are past this. Maybe don’t read it now,” she said with a laugh.

Beyond that, she says, she’s drawn toward books to enjoy with her children, specifically the “Wayside School” series from Louis Sachar.

“I consider those classics,” Budd said. “I loved those books as a kid. ... I am just sort of like gobbling those down.”

Listeners called in and tweeted their recommendations:

Shows

Big Books & Bold Ideas with Kerri Miller

Arts and Culture

The Thread® - Books and Literary News

The Thread

Health

COVID-19

Breann  Schossow

Author

In a time of change and turmoil, many listeners are turning to books for entertainment and comfort. Listeners and book experts nominated their favorites during a recent conversation on MPR News with Kerri Miller.

MPR News with Kerri Miller - Books to keep you company during a time of isolation 

From Louis Erdrich to Kurt Vonnegut, a reading list for social distancing

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