This archive report was first published on 22 May 2020.
Quarantine Reading Habits Amidst the Pandemic ¶
Friday, May 22, 2020, 16:51
As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are finding solace in books. We spoke to several individuals about their current reading lists, favorite genres, and how books help them cope with the challenges of this unprecedented time.
Phyllis Wakiaga, CEO of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, shared her current reading list, which includes 'Letter to My Daughter' by Maya Angelou, 'Leader Shift' by John Maxwell, and 'About My Mother' by Taha Jelloun. She prefers listening to audiobooks at night and uses Scribd.
Ms. Wakiaga loves reading autobiographies and books on leadership, finding them inspirational and easy to relate to. She reads widely for leisure, work, and education, and believes that reading helps her unwind and spend time constructively during the pandemic.
Ms. Mary Anne Waithaka, Admissions, Marketing, and Communications manager at Rusinga Schools, is currently reading 'Americanah' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She has always admired the author and is inspired by her TED talk, 'The Danger of a Single Story.' Ms. Waithaka's favorite go-to book is 'Daring Faith' by Rick Warren, a bible study guide that she finds helpful during times of uncertainty.
Ms. Daki Mohamed, Operations Department Compliance Officer at First Community Bank, is reading 'Outliers' by Malcolm Gladwell and 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood. She also enjoys reading autobiographies, particularly 'Becoming' by Michelle Obama. Ms. Mohamed believes that reading helps her escape the challenges of the pandemic and relaxes her mind.
Ms. Mohamed also appreciates the benefits of reading during Ramadan, when she can earn rewards for every word she reads from the Quran. She finds that reading helps her stay focused and calm, and she is grateful for the opportunity to delve inward and explore her faith.
