I fell in love with two books when I was young- Ida B and Horn & Wrinkles. Especially Horns & Wrinkles. It captivated me and allowed me to escape a difficult childhood and enter a magical world. I am now in my late 20’s and after years of studying psychology in college I am craving magically whimsical books that I can just enjoy and envelop myself in. I want to be completely swept away by a magical world. I really haven’t read many non fiction books in my adulthood. I read The Road and devoured it in two days. Although I wept into a puddle of my own tears, it was so captivating. I don’t want something to dark, however.
A little about me: my favorite movies are Spirited Away, Lord of the Rings, and Avatar. If I could live in a completely different world it would be Pandora, hands down. I love mysticism and growing up believed I could see fairies lol. I love whimsy, I love the fantastical. I always love beautiful writing and feeling moved by characters and their world. I want to be taken away by something so magical and beautiful.
by nightofthedove
3 Comments
I have two suggestions- the first would be the Pern series by Anne McCaffrey. I started reading them (much too young 😅) to escape my also awful childhood. An unexplored planet and genetically engineered dragons on a mission were 100% effective. I’m re-reading them for the first time as an adult & they are equally as fantastic at 35 as they were at 10.
My second suggestion is The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. It is the first book that I’ve read as an adult that gave me the same escapism & vivid imagery. It has some sad/dramatic elements but it’s an incredible mental exercise in the fantastical.
The Night Circus or Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell should captivate thy soul and tingle thy senses. Best of luck in your reading.
More whimsy:
Fablehaven by Branden Mull if you don’t mind middle grade. Plenty of fairies and other magical creatures.
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Branden Sanderson.
Mr Penumbra’s 24-hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune