As we make our way into the second week of NY Pause, we feel restless. In this unprecedented time of business closures and social distancing, New Yorkers understandably feel anxious about our new normal and uncertain of what the future holds. If you already ran out of shows to binge, turn off the TV and check out RoGallery's recommendation of incredible art books to get you through this quarantine.

Originally a collaboration between BBC Radio 4 and the British Museum, this book discusses the evolution of our society through 100 artworks and objects from the museum’s collection. The broadcasting series began in 2010, and was subsequently turned into a book and a traveling exhibition in 2016. Written and presented by museum director Neil MacGregor, he breaks down human history into 20 digestible chapters, each featuring 5 objects that made a lasting impact on our world.

This book teaches the history of our world in a different, more engaging format than your standard textbook. MacGregor's object studies help answer questions about our shared human history in a way that is thoughtful, humorous, and well-researched. You will feel like you toured the British Museum without leaving your couch!

The mystery-suspense novel by Dan Brown follows Harvard art history professor Robert Langdon through Rome’s most iconic sites in a thrilling journey to save the Vatican. The Illuminati, an old enemy of the Catholic Church, steals dangerous technology from CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research) that threatens mass destruction. Luckily, they left behind a map of clues in artwork across Rome, and it’s up to Professor Langdon to save the day.

This is Brown’s first book in the Langdon series, which also includes The Da Vinci Code and Inferno, and is a great way to travel to Rome from the comfort and safety of your own home. He introduces us to the sculpture of Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598 - 1680) and uses the master’s artwork to help solve the mystery and save Rome. If you are looking for a fast-paced read filled with murder, art, and intrigue, this is the book for you.