Need literally anything to help me escape reality for a bit. So much of what I’m reading recently has been filled with themes of real world issues (mysoginy, racism, sexual violence, ect) which is fine and all, fiction is the ultimate processing tool. But I need a break desperately.
I accept any genre. fantasy, sci-fi, horror, whatever you think fits fits what I’m looking for. Historically I’ve read books like what moved the dead and the Patricia cornwell series and enjoyed those but they’re very much not “escapism” books, so to speak so please take it with a grain of salt!
I’m excited to see what y’all might recommend!
by Icy_Standard2838
5 Comments
If you’re open to very long books, I recommend [The Hands of the Emperor](https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/af2bba9c-8f41-4a3e-b87a-8532a44ccb67) by Victoria Goddard! It’s a beautifully written slice of life book about the personal secretary to the emperor of the world, with a heavy focus on platonic relationships. It’s feel-good from start to finish, while still feeling earned.
A few classic recs for this need: (EDITED: I do not mean that these books are considered classics – I mean that these books get recommended every time this question gets posted. Bad choice of words I guess.)
*Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine*, *The Rosie Project*, *A Gentleman in Moscow*, *A Man Called Ove*.
I realize none of these are sci-fi or horror, but the thing about those genres is … there kind of needs to be a really depressing problem in order for there to be a story. So …
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot
The Emily Wilde trilogy might be a good distraction for you! And academic, trying to prove herself in her chosen field: Faery.
A Psalm for the Wild Built and its sequel A Prayer for the Crown Shy. It’s about a monk and a forgotten robot in a very happy, idealistic future.