Quarantine Book Club: Navigating the Reading Material Maze

The ongoing pandemic has forced many of us to find new ways to spend our leisure time. One popular trend is forming book clubs within the confines of quarantine. Despite the challenges of balancing work and personal life, there are still ways to immerse yourself in captivating reading material. Let's explore how a professional in an essential industry can still find time for a book club and what reading material roundtable could look like for those who are still working long hours.

The Harsh Reality of Current Work Life

For many professionals, especially those in essential industries, finding time for reading material is a significant challenge. As the title suggests, the situation is frustrating, but the reality is that most days, the reading time is consumed by long work hours. The day starts early, often around 7 AM, and the work extends into evening hours, with mandatory weekends, leaving little or no extra time for leisure activities. Exemplified by the author's case, working about 10 hours daily, even on weekends when required, means returning home around 6 PM, followed by an immediate need for rest.

Amidst these challenging times, the conventional wisdom of earning a bonus seems lost, as the work commitment is relentless. This state of affairs calls for a lifestyle that prioritizes both profession and personal interests, which can be particularly difficult for those in essential sectors.

Exploring Personal Reading Preferences

If one does find some time for leisure reading, the options are seemingly endless. For the author, the reading choices hinge on personal moods. Often, amidst a hectic schedule, the task of selecting reading material can become a joyous exploration. This can include various genres and authors, from classics to contemporary sci-fi. On some days, the color pencils and a quiet afternoon dominate the leisure hours, while on others, an unending lawn could absorb the time.

Here are some titles that might appeal to those interested in exploring different genres and eras of literature:

Classical and Historical Novels

- Karlheinz Deschner: The Criminal History of Christianity - A profound look at the historical roots of Christianity with a critical lens.

- M.R. James: Ghost Stories of an Antiquary - Classic ghost stories that have stood the test of time and include the legendary scholar Andrews.

- Ovid: Transformations - A collection of metamorphoses stories that delve into transformative moments in mythology and literature.

Modern Sci-Fi and Speculative Fiction

- Nathaniel Hawthorne: The Blithedale Romance - A Gothic novel that explores themes of idealism and disillusionment in a Utopian setting.

- Μ.Καραγ?τση? / M.Karagatsis: Orestis Laskos - A modern Greek writer whose works often include political and social themes.

- Clive Barker: A Meditation - Explores the nature of evil and the human condition through supernatural horror.

- Jack London: Burning Daylight - This novel, set in the Klondike Gold Rush, is a Master's piece that showcases London's vivid storytelling.

- Steven Pressfield: Last of the Amazons - A historical fantasy that follows the adventures of a female warrior in ancient Greece.

Current Reading Picks: A Roundtable

Despite the busy schedule, the author has managed to keep up with a steady flow of reading materials. Recently, the titles 'The Grey Man: Generations' by J.L. Curtis, 'The Peripheral' by William Gibson, and 'Smoke Bitten' by Patricia Biggs, have captured their attention. Each of these novels offers a unique narrative style and setting, revealing the diverse cultural and historical contexts in which they are set.

Currently, the author is diving into Worlds 2: An Anthology, edited by Eric Flint. This anthology promises to explore multiple worlds and dimensions, making it an exciting read for fans of both sci-fi and speculative fiction.

Conclusion

While quarantine and ongoing work in essential industries might seem like a challenge to reading, the joy of a good book can still be cherished. Whether it's a historical novel, a sci-fi exploration, or a thought-provoking anthology, there are countless options to keep readers engaged during these times. By finding the right blend of work and relaxation, one can still partake in the enriching experience of a book club, even during the busiest of schedules.