06 Apr 2020

Five perfect books to read while self-isolating

Indoors getting you down? We reckon these self-isolation reads might help.
Five perfect books to read while self-isolating
Are you a book-lover? Have you ever thought, “I wish I had more time to read”? Yeah, us too. And while the current situation isn’t quite what we meant, there’s no denying this is a good time to pick up a book. After all, books provide us with a window to the world, and we have never needed that more than now, when the windows of our homes are as far as we can go.
 
The MCA Store is one of Sydney’s best book stores, with a gorgeous and unique collection of books, perfect for time spent indoors. (And, of course, they deliver.) Whether you want to use self-isolation as an opportunity for self improvement, to broaden your horizons, or just to escape reality for a while, there’s a book for you. Here are some of our top picks for great books to read while self-isolating. 

PROCRASTINATION: HOW TO DO IT WELL by THE SCHOOL OF LIFE

Working from home can mean procrastination overload, but it turns out that isn’t necessarily a problem. According to Procrastination: How To Do It Well, procrastination isn’t a weird affliction we alone have been cursed with: it’s a fascinating and solvable design flaw of the human animal. This is a book about managing that procrastination, getting the most out of our afternoons on the sofa, and then sometimes daring to get on with the most important tasks in our lives. Let’s face it, with the amount of extra time we now have on the sofa, this is a pretty great self-isolation read.

SLAM YOUR POETRY: WRITE A REVOLUTION by MILES MERRIL and NARCISA NOZICA

"No props. No music. No costumes. Just you, your words and a mic — you've got two minutes to make the crowd scream your name." Why not use this time to ignite your inner poet? You’ll be ready to hit the stage as soon as self-isolation ends. Part how-to guide, part masterclass and part manifesto, Slam Poetry: Write A Revolution  is a book that will help you learn how to slam like a pro. Miles Merrill, spoken word artist and founder of Australian Poetry Slam, and award-winning teacher Narcisa Nozica will take you from novice to spoken word superstar in no time, with tips from stars of the Australian poetry slam scene, including bestselling author Maxine Beneba Clarke. 

AUSTRALIANA TO ZEITGEIST: AN A-Z OF CONTEMPORARY AUSTRALIAN ART by MELISSA LOUGHNAN

Like contemporary art but don’t know where to start? Australiana to Zeitgeist: An A-Z of Contemporary Australian Art is a fun A-Z guide to the here and now, offering insight into a selection of early career Australian artists and the various themes shaping their work. From Australiana to Zeitgeist with Kitsch, Land Art and Xerox in between, this stylish scrapbook style book showcases 78 dynamic Australian artists working across a variety of styles and mediums. It’s like a guided gallery visit from the comfort of your home. You’ll be an Aussie art pro in no time.

THE DO SERIES

An independent publishing house, the Do Book Company is responsible for a series of inspirational pocket guides for creative entrepreneurs, makers and ‘Doers’. The idea is a simple one: that people who Do things can inspire the rest of us to go and Do amazing things too. Whether that’s the mastery of a new skill or craft, a simple mindshift, or a shot of inspiration to help you get started or work smarter, there’s a Do book for everyone. Our two top-pick Do books to read while self-isolating are Do Pause: You Are Not A To Do List by Robert Poynton and Do Breathe: Calm Your mind. Find Focus. Get Stuff Done by Michael Townsend Williams, because who doesn’t need that kind of reminder right now? You can find the rest of the Do Series in the MCA Store here.

FASHION WANKERS by MARCUS JAYE

“It’s called fashion, look it up.” Now this one is a lot of fun, perfect to pick up when being stuck inside feels just a bit too much. Guided by unashamed fashion wanker and style blogger Marcus Jaye (The Chic Geek), and featuring Oscar Mitchell's unique illustrations, Fashion Wankers offers a crash course in the dos and don'ts of making your way in the confusing world of style. You will discover the fundamentals of fads and fashions, learn about the essentials of shopping and blagging, the catwalk through a spotter's guide, 16 distinctive style tribes and their accessories, and master the art of #FashionWanker Bingo. Once you learn to recognise your fellow Fashion Wankers, you will discover the fun of creating a Fashion Wanker look all of your own. Whether you are one, know one, love one or want to be one, this is your essential handbook. Get ready to step out in style — whenever that may be.