BY IVANA RIHTER

 Photo courtesy of Unsplash

There is objectively a lot happening in the world right now. While it might feel tempting to turn on all your news alerts and descend into an internet-induced panic, may we suggest a pause? Now’s a chance, while we’re all social distancing, to decompress from the relentless media cycle and read a good book. It’ll do wonders for your mental health. If you are looking for something compelling to dive into, we have a few ideas that you can download instantly. Plus if you need to restock your cannabis, don’t worry — stay put, we’ll deliver to you.

The Read: On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

The Pairing: MedMen Purple Punch

This book will move you to your core. Vuong’s elegant musings on immigration, family and survival are deeply personal and absolutely urgent. Wrap yourself in a blanket, pack a bowl of this relaxing strain and be sure to have some tissues on hand. 

The Read: “Fleishman is in Trouble” By Taffy Brodesser Akner 

The Pairing: Selfies The Lime Minis 

This hilarious tale follows a recently divorced man as he navigates the world of dating and parenting (badly, i will add). You will undoubtedly laugh out loud while reading through Akner’s incisive prose — a giggly sativa strain to puff on pairs nicely.

The Read: “What We Talk about When We Talk about Love” by Raymond Carver 

The Pairing: Willie's Reserve - Golden Goat

Raymond Carver’s magic is his ability to turn normal people and ordinary places into something extraordinary. This collection of short stories, which pairs beautifully with one of these euphoric sativa cigarettes and a cup of coffee, will show you the quiet wonder of everyday life.

The Read: “Trust Exercise” by Susanna Choi 

The Pairing: Hybrid Pomegranate 1:1 Gummies WYLD

If you love a Gen-X coming-of-age story with a good twist, grab this book and get ready to be blown away. Pop a focus and creativity-inducing gummy and let this National Book Award-winning story transport you back to high school hallways and your hometown bars.

The Read: “The Nix” by Nathan Hill

The Pairing: MedMen RED Hybrid Pre Roll

For anyone looking for a modern day Great American Novel, The Nix tells a fascinating story about a mother and son. It is part satire and part epic and you’ll want a mellow hybrid as you navigate all the twists and turns of Hill’s work. 

The Read: “How To Do Nothing” by Jenny O'Dell

The Pairing: dosist calm 100 pen

This book is like a soothing salve for your brain. It is a stunning meditation on our obsession with productivity and how doing nothing can actually be a radical act of self care, activism and anarchy all at once. Let some fresh air into your apartment, grab this calming dosist pen and dig into this brilliant text while the birds chirp outside.

The Read: “Riot Baby” by Tochi Onyebuchi

The Pairing: Care by Design 8:1 CBD Rich Drops 

For all the science fiction fans out there, you’ll find yourself engrossed in this superhero story from the very beginning. This calming CBD tincture is ideal for diving into the dystopian version of Los Angeles that this story takes place in.