Feeling pretty bummed out by real life lately, and I want to immerse myself completely in a book world. Any suggestions for books that will help me take a vacation from reality? Doesn’t have to be fantasy or sci-fi (tho I love those genres), just has to be absorbing! Thank you!!
Edit: These are such amazing suggestions!! So many books I’m excited to read. Thank you ❤️
by gyrecarlin
32 Comments
I’ve recommended all three of these series to people who need to escape their regular life and be transported to another world, depending on the specifics of what they’re looking for.
I recommend the **Monk and Robot series** by Becky Chambers. It’s a light read that’s inclusive, short, and cozy. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a gentle, heartwarming story that explores themes of companionship and finding one’s purpose in a beautifully crafted, utopian world.
**Wandering Inn** by pirateaba is much longer, but you get whisked away to another world. I listened to the audiobook while going through a tough time, and it allowed me to escape for a while. This series is ideal for readers who enjoy detailed world-building, complex characters, and a story that evolves and deepens over time, offering a profound sense of immersion and adventure.
**Dungeon Crawler Carl** by Matt Dinniman, especially in audiobook form, was an absolute escape and kept me laughing, crying, and constantly wondering what would happen next. This series is great for those who love a mix of humor, emotional depth, and unpredictable plot twists, all set within a unique and engaging fantasy setting.
I’ve been there and sometimes a good book can get you out of a funk, sometimes not so much – just be sure to take care of yourself.
Any of Naomi Novik’s work, started with Uprooted but I’m getting into her Temeraire series. Her word choice makes you feel like you’re really there. I hope things get better for you soon, I understand the struggle.
Circe by Madeline Miller. It will make u feel like you’re in Greece with her
Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin is the best one I’ve read this year! Finishing it felt like I was letting go of friends. Characters are so real, so tender, it really is a masterpiece.
As a historical fiction-lover, Atonement by Ian McEwan completely swallowed me whole – a masterpiece
Remarkably Bright Creatures
The Count of Monte Cristo! I cannot name a more absorbing book.
I read Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese for the first time this year and I loved it. I was so sad when I finished it
Project Hail Mary! It is exactly what you need.
11/22/63, not everyone likes Stephen King, but the world he built in this book is pretty dang immersive and fun.
Shantaram
Demon Copperhead !!
To me going postal followed by men at arms helped last time. Terry Pratchett
Start the Rain Wild Chronicles by Robin Hobb.
Beautifully crafted fantasy universe with many twists and turns. The books are quite long but a digestible size. There are lots to read and you get to explore this world from many different angles.
Turkey has had its hooks into me and any of my fantasy loving friends.
I recommend Piranesi! Really interesting world, thoughtful, and suspenseful
I’m about halfway through Legends and Lattes – this was completely out of my comfort zone, but I have to say I am thoroughly enjoying it. It is so cozy and calming.
Come join us in the Cosmere. Read Brandon Sanderson!!
A psalm for the wild-built
A Simple Plan by Scott Smith. The movie is very good. Election and Tracy Flick Can’t Win by Tom Perrotta. The film adaptation of the first novel is very funny. There are plans to make the second book into a movie starring Reese Witherspoon. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. I have seen the play based on this novel. I also highly recommend the science fiction mystery trilogy called The Last Policeman Trilogy Series by Ben H. Winters. There has been much discussion of making these novels into a television series or movie. Ruth Rendell, Barbara Vine and Patricia Highsmith wrote superb novels. You may enjoy reading short story anthologies. I love reading stories by Roald Dahl and Richard Matheson.
Edit: I forgot Enduring Love by Ian McEwan.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
The red rising series. Also the passage trilogy. Both series were incredible
Assassins apprentice by Robin hobb
How bout Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke? There’s so many interesting minutiae to get lost in!
An ornate, Victorian Wilkie Collins mystery might also do the trick- how bout The Moonstone or The Woman in White?
All long, fascinating and gripping.
I’m reading Anna Karenina right now and i have so many opinions and no one to talk to about it, definitely got lost in their world.
Cloud Cuckoo Land. Don’t want to give any spoilers, and I think it is best read (as I did) knowing nothing at all about it, but the scope of the book is broader than any other book I’ve read.
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Read anything by Haruki Murakami.
Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy is also a book you get lost in but perhaps not a pleasant subject. The prose is masterful though and it will keep you turning pages.
But to fight depression, Murakami’s stories might be more uplifting than McCarthy’s. Something like Norwegian Wood, The Windup Bird Chronicle, or Kafka on the Shore.
I might also recommend F. Scott Fitzgerald. Try The Great Gatsby or Tender is the Night.
Hemingway is also a great choice.
Something more recent might be Madeline Miller. Try Circe. It’s her best work so far but Song of Achilles is also great.
Shogun. Seems like an easy answer now, but has been my answer for 30 years.
About ten years ago I read “The Godfather” for the first time. It was the last book (since Harry Potter 7) that I read all in one sitting, because I just couldn’t put it down.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.
100 years of solitude
The descent
Howl’s Moving Castle is a charming, light read with a great world and fun characters. Great distraction.