8 most popular lockdown books with Libraries NI
Is your favourite read there?
Last updated 10th Mar 2021
We’ve been encouraged to stay in our homes for a year now, and it's interesting to see how everyone has been battling boredom. Some have turned to TikTok, while others have opted to freshen up their interior décor skills with some home improvements.
But a recent survey suggests one of Northern Ireland’s most popular lockdown activities is now reading. With many of us choosing to immerse ourselves in feel-good, comforting fiction that reminds us of happier times.
2020's Most Popular Books
- Normal People, Sally Rooney
- Blood Orange, Harriet Tyce
- The Silent Patient, Alexander Michaelides
- Slime, David Walliams
- Mrs Hinch: The Little Book of Lists, Mrs Hinch
- The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, Charlie Mackesy
- The Mirror and the Light, Hilary Mantel
Popular books you should be reading right now:
We've pieced together some of the hottest books for 2021.
The following award-winning novels are all available from Libraries NI - as they continue to provide access to their Book and Collect Service and eBooks, audiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers through online platforms.
Conversations with Friends from Sally Rooney
Sally Rooney took 2020 by storm with her novel Normal People, which was swiftly adapted into the record-breaking Hulu/BBC Three show. Instead of torturing us emotionally with a second series of Normal People, Hulu adapted Rooney's 2017 debut novel Conversations with Friends, due to start filming later this year.
This story is definitely juicier than Normal People - it follows two best friends who happen to be ex-girlfriends. A tale of modern love and jealousy.
The Viscount Who Loved Me from Julia Quinn
If you've been clued to Netflix's most watched series Bridgerton, like so many of us, why not get ahead of the game start reading the next book in Julia Quinn's addictive collection. The second follows eldest son and head of the family, Anthony Bridgerton on his quest to find his sweetheart.
Where The Crawdads Sing from Delia Owens
You might have spotted this on social media during lockdown - this moving bestseller is partly a murder mystery and partly about growing up and deals with abandonment, isolation and survival all against a uniquely natural backdrop.
This Is Going To Hurt from Adam Kay
After reading this book, you'll discover just how hard the NHS work each day.
Kay offers readers an insight into what really goes on behind the scenes at hospitals, toeing the line between hilarious and heart-breaking.
The Flatshare from Beth O’Leary
This novel will leave you smiling, a warm and light read that offers laughs and giggles throughout. O'Leary's offers an endearing romance between two residents of the same flat who have never met.
Harry Potter Collection from J.K. Rowling
You might have grown up watching the blockbuster movies, but why not enjoy an old-school classic and imagine Harry Potter come to life through J.K. Rowling's enchanting words. It's widely known that much of the books are left out of the movies, so you'll definitely learn a thing or two when reading.
Big Girl Small Town from Michelle Gallen
Meet local writer Michelle Gallen from County Tyrone, who's first novel Big Girl, Small Town has been shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award. Her debut novel introduces Majella O'Neill, a heroine like no other. You'll get serious Derry Girls vibes with this one.
Code Name Bananas from David Walliams
Kids will love this one - David Walliams and Tony Ross strike gold again with a wildly entertaining wartime romp featuring Nazi plots, escaped gorillas and a plucky young boy and his zookeeper uncle.
Read these books and more for free with Libraries NI - sign up now!
Libraries NI offers opportunities for all members of the community to access a range of free services.
You can join online in a matter of minutes, get a membership number and start to download eBooks, eMagazines, audiobooks and eNewspapers straightaway.
Check out these simple steps to get started and take the first step now by visiting librariesni.org.uk