Read and Recommend During Social Distancing

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By Jennifer Sorrell, MD

While these two books are at total opposite ends of the spectrum from each other, they are both fantastic reads. What do they share in common? Well, both were complete “stabs in the dark” when I picked them and both hooked me within just a few pages. 


The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris

It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book that has left such an impression on me. The Tattooist of Auschwitz is the true story of a young man’s surprising survival during one of the world’s most horrifying times in history. This book was both at times hard to put down and hard to read, but it was captivating. 

Lale Sokolov was Slovakian and was 16 years old when he entered Auschwitz. He was imprisoned there for more than 2.5 years and was a master of languages, which likely saved his life on several occasions. After narrowly escaping an early death from typhus, he was given the job of “Tatowierer”. He was responsible for tattooing the identification numbers onto the forearms of the prisoners during the Holocaust.

A love story unfolds as he meets his soul mate, Gita, after tattooing her number on her arm. His bravery in obtaining and exchanging jewels from the dead for food for starving prisoners is awe-inspiring. While sticklers for historical accuracy may point out some irregularities in Lale’s story, this book is definitely a must read. I read this on the plane, and tissues are a must have to get through this spell-binding novel.


Ghosted by Rosie Walsh

If you are looking for a book to get completely engrossed in, Ghosted by Rosie Walsh is a great pick. While some reviews were dismissive of the plot, I actually enjoyed this marriage of romance and suspense, so be forewarned. It’s the type of book where you start reading and have trouble putting it down and before you know it, several hours have flown by.

Imagine what seems like the perfect relationship and then your Prince Charming vanishes into thin air. Sarah has met Eddie, and thinks he is truly the love of her life. While they only connected for 7 days, this felt like kismet, but then he didn’t call. How could someone who seemed so perfect have pulled the wool over her eyes? One might just think that Eddie was dishonest or disingenuous, until Sarah discovers that his friends haven’t seen him recently either. As we learn more about Sarah, the plot twist never dawns on me until it’s revealed. Have a quarantini and enjoy this easy read.




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