This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
Staying Informed and Entertained During Quarantine ¶
June 26, 2020
As the world continues to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have turned to reading as a way to stay informed, entertained, and connected. In this article, we speak with two avid readers, Sameera Nanji and Mouline Atieno, about their reading habits and preferences during this time.
Sameera Nanji, Head of Operations at Jubilee Life Insurance, shares her experience of working from home and how it has affected her reading habits. 'Yes, it has been difficult working from home,' she says. 'My work-life balance has been affected, and I tend to work well into the night, which affects my life with the children.'
Despite the challenges, Nanji finds solace in reading and has been able to explore new genres and authors. 'I have been reading a lot of fiction, especially novels,' she says. 'I enjoy novels because they are a form of escapism.'
Mouline Atieno, an avid reader, shares her love for reading multiple books at once. 'I am a multiple-books-at-once kind of reader,' she says. 'My mind wanders a lot, and I have the attention span of a toddler, so I can never settle on one book.'
Atieno's favorite genres include biographies and history books. 'I am reading Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson and I honestly want to understand his courage in depth,' she says. 'As for history books, I didn't study history in school, so I am just compensating!'
Both Nanji and Atieno find comfort in reading during this challenging time. 'Reading has been a great way for me to escape the reality of the pandemic,' says Nanji. 'It helps me forget about the madness out there.'
Atieno agrees, saying, 'Reading has been a great way for me to pass the time during this season. I have been trying new recipes, failing, and trying again to perfection.'
As the world continues to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, reading remains a vital source of comfort, entertainment, and connection for many people. Whether it's exploring new genres, authors, or simply finding solace in a good book, reading has the power to transport us to new worlds and provide a sense of calm in uncertain times.
