8 Books to Read When You Want to Escape

There are a lot of difficult things going on in the world at the moment, and a lot of us have that feeling of needing to “escape”. Whether it’s world events or covid- a good book is a great place to escape. One of the best things about fiction is its ability to introduce us to worlds, people, and places completely new to us.

And while it’s not possible to travel, I love being able to dive into a new book and explore the world of books and stories.

Whether you love reading childhood books, or you always opt for a light romantic read- this list has some reading suggestions that are bound to keep you hooked, or make you laugh, or even help you escape into a world where nothing truly bad can ever happen.

So while things are a little difficult in the world outside, curl up inside with a great read- and briefly escape from reality with these book choices.

Below, find 8 books to read when you want to escape- and let me know your favourite reads if you’re feeling a bit down, or you need a good book to enjoy!

This is a romantic-comedy about two roommates, and it is about finding love in an unexpected way. I’ve actually never read this book before but I’ve heard so many good things about it- and it sounds like just the right kind of fun, light read to help me escape from reality.

‘Backpack’ by Emily Barr

Emily Barr is a brilliant author, and she writes books about realistic characters with fast-paced, gripping storylines that never fail to help me escape. ‘Backpack’ is about a young woman who goes travelling around Asia.

She wants to get away from her toxic relationship in London, and the book tells the story of her travels around Asia- chronicling the places she travels and the new friends she meets. Alongside this storyline there is a gripping “murder” mystery. I loved viewing Asia through her eyes, and I recommend this book as a light but very gripping read.

‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret’ by Judy Blume

I don’t know about you, but I always like to read childhood reads when I comfort read and Judy Blume really reminds me of my childhood reading habits!

I really recommend her books for honest discussions of female coming-of-age stories, sex and relationships. She’s a great author, and she stands for important ethics when it comes to censorship and openly discussing taboo subjects.

‘Harry Potter and The Philosopher’s Stone’ by J. K. Rowling

I’m not a big fan of Harry Potter- but I know this book is a comfort read for a lot of fans- and reading this childhood book is a great way to escape into a world that couldn’t be more different to our reality.

‘Harry Potter’ also opens us up to an engaging and colourful world, and I love that many adults read this childhood book in order to relax.

‘Exciting Times’ by Naoise Dolan

I recently read this book, and I recommend it as an interesting, realistic read about romance and love. It’s one of the most unusual books about romance that I’ve read, and it really kept me hooked to the end.

It’s about ordinary characters, but the exploration of the main character’s thoughts kept me interested, and I think this is a great choice to escape into.

‘The Bees’ by Laline Paull

I love ‘The Bees‘ by Laline Paull! It’s such a great read, all about a fictionalised tale of what happens in a hive. It’s so unusual, but I love the way Paull describes the world of bees.

If you need to escape reality, this is the perfect book to escape with. It discusses the class hierarchy of the hive, and this book creates a world that is surreal and strange.

‘One of Us is Lying’ by Karen M. McManus

I’ve heard a lot of of good things about ‘One of Us is Lying’ by Karen M. McManus- and so I really want to try it this March!

Focusing on a central mystery, this book sounds very gripping- and I love that it is from four different perspectives, which really builds the suspense. This book sounds brilliant for a thrilling read to help forget the realities of the world.

‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ by Jenny Han

Me and my sister have recently watched all three films in this trilogy over on Netflix, and I recommend this story for a storyline that makes you feel all warm and cosy inside. I’ve not read the book yet, but this story follows Lara-Jean and Peter Kavinsky, two unlikely teens who start a cute romance.

This is the perfect, light-hearted book if you want to escape, and I love that nothing particularly bad or dark happens in this tale of first love.

What book do you read when you need to escape? Do you prefer gripping reads, or light-hearted fiction? What books do you have on your list at the moment?

Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Happy reading x