I had great intentions for the lockdown but, I admit, it’s not quite panned out the way I thought it would. I haven’t written a novel, learned to fishtail plait my hair or discovered a hidden talent. Ideally, I’d be floating from room to room, picking up every object and asking the question: “Does this give me joy?” (Despite his grumblings, my boyfriend would tell you that our new £15 eBay spice rack does give him great amount of joy) and decluttering my life. I’d meditate on my balcony and realign my chakras or listen to something educational as opposed to religiously tuning into Popmaster at 10:30 every morning.

Though I’d love to report that I’ve taken up the art of crocheting or have learned Edith Piaf’s Non, Je ne regrette rien on the keyboard and can now accompany it with a voice like, well Edith Piaf, I’d be lying. (However, I have started Spanish lessons again (Me gustaria beber mucho vino!) which is something). So, rather than providing you with a list of all the new things you can try at home, I’ve compiled some book, podcast and TV recommendations to keep you busy during lockdown instead.

Book recommendations

Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo – It won the Booker Prize for a reason and if anything, you should be inspired to read it because of that, rather than because a Copywriter living in Surrey told you too. Evaristo primarily explores the issues of race and gender through twelve characters. Each story is unique but conveys the black female experience in Britain across the last one hundred years.

The Runaways by Fatima Bhutto – After hearing Bhutto speak during the Southbank Literature Festival in 2019, I was inspired to read this book. Bhutto follows the stories of three Muslim teenagers, in Pakistan and the UK, delving into the complexities of how their sense of identity is connected to their decision to join a terrorist organisation.

Calypso – David Sedaris – Enjoy some light relief with Sedaris’ latest book. In his usual unique style, Sedaris covers weird and wonderful episodes from his life, including the time he tried to feed a tumour to a turtle (not recommended for when you’re tucking into your Sunday roast).

TV recommendations

Wanderlust – Great acting, unique storyline and a soundtrack that you’ll want to listen to for weeks afterwards. Wanderlust explores the issues of polygamy, sexuality and first love.

Tiger King – For all you cool cats and kittens, this is a binge-worthy series. You’ve definitely got your viewer hooked straight away if you wait until episode two to talk about a tiger cult.

Before the 90 Days: 90 Day Fiancé – A friend recommended this trashy series and now I can’t stop watching; I call it ‘TV crack’. Follow the stories of people who met their partners on the internet but are yet to see them in person. You’ll get to see the first meeting while making your own judgements about what everyone’s true intentions are.

Podcasts

Happy Place – Each week Fearne Cotton speaks to guests about anything from body image through to sex. Recently, Fearne welcomed Russell Brand back to the podcast to speak about his experiences of being in isolation. However, you don’t just have to listen to new releases each week, the older episodes are still relevant and touching. I recommend the conversations with Chessie King and Gok Wan as a starting point.

The High Low – Join Pandora Sykes, Dolly Alderton and DJ CJ every week (sometimes twice) during the ‘lock-in’ period. Along with giving you a rundown of the big topics of the week through interesting and comical discussions, Pandora and Dolly provide book and TV recommendations. (I keep my debit card far away when listening, otherwise I pre-order all the books!).

Where Should We Begin? – Want to have your heartbroken every week? Tinder and Hinge are probably deserted wastelands at the moment so try this podcast instead! Therapist Esther Perel records one of couples counselling sessions addressing some of the most intimate challenges of relationships.

Got book, podcast or TV recommendations? I’d love to hear them! Feel free to comment with your ideas.