With the COVID-19 virus keeping us all in our homes for days at a time, that stack of unread books beside the bed is beginning to look a little short. At NEMA Chicago, we want residents to live their best life, physically and intellectually. In fact, the NEMA Book Club kicked off this month with their newest read, Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. Self-proclaimed book lover Natalie Koberstein, NEMA Chicago’s Wellness Director, hosted this recent discussion with fellow residents. The second pick, for the residents of NEMA Boston is Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari, with a discussion planned for May 27th. Residents of both NEMA Boston and NEMA Chicago are invited to participate in the NEMA Book Club- the more the merrier!
Hungry for more? Devote some time to a few of our favorite books and emerge from your spacious South Loop rental a little better-read.
—Where the Crawdads Sing (Delia Owens)
After spending much of her life defending endangered animals from poachers in Africa, Delia Owens recently published her first novel, which took the literary world by storm. Use this downtime to catch up on this instant classic: set in the wilds of North Carolina in the 1950s, the book tells the story of Swamp Girl, an outcast who lives in nature but is slowly drawn to the civilized world when she falls in love. Owens combines details from her own biography with a deep appreciation of the natural world to create a portrait at once heartbreaking and beautiful that is sure to stick in your memory for years to come.
—The Silent Patient (Alex Michaelides)
Alex Michaelides has impressively made himself known with his first novel, The Silent Patient. Already purchased for its film rights, this novel is one you’ll definitely want to read before you watch it. Following the story of a famous artist who hasn’t spoken a word in years, combined with a criminal psychotherapist eager to get inside of her mind, this psychological thriller has a shocking twist that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Michaelides presents mystery and suspense, complete with an ending that will leave you speechless.
For additional exciting reads, check out Chicago Tribune’s list of the best books to read during quarantine. Curling up with a good book at NEMA Chicago—and pausing to gaze out the window at the gorgeous South Loop views—will certainly elevate your springtime routine this year. Schedule a virtual tour to experience NEMA without leaving your home!