So, this Coronavirus lockdown thing has been interesting. For me, it’s been lonely and stressful, even though I’m stuck inside with my family. Being trapped with other people is challenging for a hardcore introvert like me. It’s bizarre to miss Target and burrito restaurants while simultaneously feeling overwhelmed by my fellow humans. Since I use books to understand the world, I thought I’d make a list of stories that capture the “isolated with others” experience.
When I first came up with this idea, I was tempted to fill my list with dystopias, cults, wars, prisons, and The Shining, but the world probably doesn’t need that list right now. I tried to think outside the apocalypse box. I chose books about remote communities or people who have to lean on their friends or family to survive. All of these characters are alone, but they’re not really alone. They’re alone, together.
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