6 of the Best Sick Day Reads

Sorry, friends, cold and flu season is here. Stock up on your Vitamin C and wash your hands frequently. On the chance you do end up sick, try one of these books for a bit of entertainment while you rest and recover.

Of Kisses and Curses by Sandhya Menon

Princess Jaya is attending the same isolated boarding school as Grey Emerson, whose family has been feuding with hers longer than she can remember. After a humiliating incident involving Jaya’s sister, Jaya plans to make Grey fall in love her with her so she can break his heart! Jaya’s plan might be too perfect and definitely doesn’t include with falling for Grey herself.

Of Kisses and Curses is out February 18, 2020.

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell you She’s Sorry by Fredrick Bachman

Admittedly, this one made me cry, but I’m a bit of a weepy sap. Elsa’s best friend in the whole world was her 77-year-old grandmother, who told the best bedtime stories and got into an awful lot of trouble. When her grandmother dies, Elsa is sent on a mission, delivering letters to all of her grandmother’s “friends.” This sweet and sentimental book is dreamy enough to read as you drift in and out of naps on sick days.

This Time Will be Different by Misa Sugiura

All CJ Katsuyama wants is to keep working at her family’s flower shop with her romantically minded Aunt Hannah, who believes in flower magic. CJ might not totally buy the flower magic, but floral arrangement might be the first thing ever she’s actually good at. The shop isn’t making enough money to stay afloat. CJ’s mom decides to sell it, to the same family who swindled the Katsuyamas and other Japanese American families out of their property during WWII. Enough is enough and besides, Katsuyamas never quit. The audiobook version of This Time Will be Different is an absolute delight.

Manga Classics Les Miserables by Victor Hugo (Original), Stacy King (English Script) and Crystal Chan (Adaptation)

The Manga Classics series is a perfect way to relax with old favorites in graphic novel form. Les Misérables is less daunting in Manga form, with detailed illustrations that capture each moment beautifully. The charming  and funny character design tells much of the story, perfect for when your headaches too much to read long sentences about the Paris sewers.

Never Grow Up by Jackie Chan with Zhu Mo, Jeremy Tiang (translator)

Celebrity memoirs are a go-to for me when I want to read something quick yet fascinating. Jackie Chan’s life has been nothing short of fascinating, with his early years spent at the China Drama Academy, leading up to over 200 film appearances. Chan’s signature humor is present is his memoir as he shares triumphs, setbacks, and imperfections with honesty and grace. Your chest cold will probably feel better after reading about all of Jackie Chan’s broken bones.

Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs? by Caitlin Doughty

Doughty’s book is the perfect sick day read, but is not for the squeamish (or currently nauseated.) Doughty, host of the popular YouTube channel Ask a Mortician, answers the questions her youngest fans have about death, dying, and decomposition. While based on kids’ questions, it is not a kid’s book. Doughty answers each  graphic question thoroughly in an entertaining manner. Who says you can’t learn anything while fighting off this year’s round of rhinovirus?

I hope these books help you feel better soon. In the meantime, check out these Book Recommendations for Sick Days  to help you pick out reads from your own shelves. Get cozy with the Essential Items for a Bookish Sick Day.