In a time of quarantine, books provide connection and escape

Although we’re apart, books can still bring us together.
By Kate Pritchard, MS/HS Librarian

Reading can be a way to travel beyond the confines of your current situation: to 18th-century Cairo or to Mars 300 years in the future; into a world entirely made up by the author, or into the history of your own city. Reading can offer a glimpse into someone else’s mind, perhaps connecting you to someone whose perspective you’ve never considered before. Several studies have even suggested that reading about someone else’s experiences can make us more empathetic.

And, as anyone who’s ever joined a book club or gone to a Harry Potter convention knows, reading connects us to each other as well. There’s a special joy in talking with someone about a book you both loved (or hated). Books can help us start a difficult conversation or forge a new friendship. Reading to someone can be an act of love — and if your children won’t let you do this anymore, reading together side by side is also a lovely way to create memories.

Now that so many of us have to stay home and limit our interactions with other people, it’s a great time to pick up a book and immerse yourself in another time, another place, or another life. If you’re looking for some ideas to build your To Be Read stack, visit our What Should I Read? LibGuide or request a personalized recommendation. And if you’ve read something wonderful lately, please reach out and share. We always love to hear from you.
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More USN News

List of 3 news stories.

  • Henry Knowles ’26 delivers the Commencement address on Sunday, May 17 on the Back Lawn.

    USN graduates 98 plus 1 during Commencement

    Seniors turned their tassels and graduated from University School of Nashville on Sunday, May 17, on the Back Lawn. Visit usn.org/classof2026 for more highlights from their last year on Edgehill and to learn what they will do next.
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    The girls lacrosse team ended its season in overtime to become state runner-up. Tennis players Carter Kojetin '29 finished as a state quarterfinalist, Sophie Oliver '26 and Mary Kate Adler '28 finished as state semifinalists, and Veer Kodali '29 and Max Parker '29 finished as state champions. Meanwhile, eight runners competed at the state track and field meet in Knoxville, where Griffin Davidson '27, Caleb Freifeld '28, Drew Zwerner '28, and Jack Fruin '27, sprinted to first in the 4x800m relay and Jack also placed first in the 800m dash.
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  • Interim Director Juliet Douglas roars with laughter as students hold photos of her on sticks during the High School Awards Assembly on Friday, May 8 in Durnan Auditorium.

    USN creates the Juliet Douglas Endowed Fund for Student Success

    For the entire USN community: an invitation to give in gratitude, in celebration, and in honor of the woman who has given so much to our school. Make a gift at usn.org/giving to support students with needs beyond tuition and honor Interim Director Juliet Douglas.
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USN Mission: 
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.