How do you describe the state that you sometimes enter while reading?

I can never really (ironically!) find the words to describe it for myself.

Like sometimes I read and I have a nice time and I enjoy the book, but ultimately I’m still just reading.

But other times, more rarely, I’m transformed and feel totally inside what is happening. Like I’m not here anymore, not consciously reading, I’m just being carried on the tide of this story.

I guess some people may call it flow state, but you can get into a flow state at work, or while cleaning, and it doesn’t feel like this.

I just wondered what it feels like for others – how would you describe it? How often does it happen for you?

Do you think it’s more to do with the book (and how it grabs you), your own environment and state of mind, or a bit of both?