On behalf of all of us, I'd like to thank the Great British Bake-Off for single-handedly making the COVID-19 shutdown livable. There is no sense of isolation that wholesome British television cannot eradicate, and I will always stand firm in that belief. 

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My least favorite episode of every season is the finale. Partially because everyone who goes on that show is inevitably a winner, with their adorable accents, incredible kindness, and affinity for cardamom. The finale also means that the season is over, and we won't get more Paul and Prue for many months. 

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Once the cookbooks are all tucked away, here are the books I turn to in order to fill the hole in my heart: 

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This is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay

Don't let the title fool you - the only risk here is hurting your stomach with laughter. Kay's diary from his times as an NHS doctor is absolutely riveting, filled with British wit and funny anecdotes like the ones we love from GBBO contestants. It offers poignant life lessons and a bit of sweetness - much like any good sausage roll - and will have you absolutely flying through its pages. You'll probably finish it in one sitting, so turn to... 

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Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

This debut absolutely dominated the book charts in 2019, so if you haven't read it yet there's no better time than in between baking seasons. This romance follows the son of the U.S. president and a prince in England. It's absolutely heart-melting (like chocolate sculptures on a 90-degree day heart-melting) and, after all that GBBO-watching you've been doing, you should get the accents spot-on in your head. 

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Everyone's an Aliebn When Ur an Aliebn Too by Jomny Sun 

Sun's book is the perfect mix between a fever dream, a graphic novel, and an inspirational poster... and I know you've been looking for that combo. The story follows an alien who lands on Earth and begins conversing with other wildlife, trying to find his place. Its rife with the weird but wholesome humor we've come to expect from the likes of Noel Fielding, and also perfectly mimics the feeling of acceptance you get within the bake-off tent. 

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The wait is hard, but now you've got some reading to do! I'll be here refreshing Netflix, so off you pop. 

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