I am so grateful for tons of new books that have been a much-needed escape from reality! Sure, I like to keep up on the latest news (which hasn’t slowed down a single second since last year), and there’s a million things to do, but any chance I have, I crack open a good book and enjoy a mental vacation.
These books range from romance to thrillers, so there’s something for any mood. If you’re looking for a great book that’ll sweep you away, at least for a few hours, then maybe there’s something for you on this list. Enjoy!
9 Great Books for an Escape From Reality:
1.Happy Wife by Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores –
I happened to snag this one at Costco and started it at 7pm. I stayed up until 2am to finish it. No way I was going to sleep. It’s mostly a mystery/thriller, that gave me a lot of Laura Dave vibes, but then it keeps twisting and turning. I did guess who the villain was before the end, but it took me most of the book, and the ride there was very entertaining. So good if you want a pretty clean mystery. There are a lot of thrillers that get too graphic for my taste and this was not one of them. I think it’ll be made into a movie or show, and I will be watching.
2. Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez –
I love Abby and read everything by her. This was a great book. She got a little bit of pushback from readers for it being a little divergent from her most recent work, but I disagree. This has everything I love about Abby – an unlikely romance between imperfect people that totally makes sense, an irreverent sense of humor, and an animal you wish was yours. It was great to see her also take on a subject that was slightly less dark than her last one (which frankly, hit too close to home for me).
3. My Friends by Fredrik Backman –
This was my first read by Backman. His books are more literary fiction, which I don’t read a ton of, but I saw a hilarious video going viral of him giving a speech and shortly after, I saw his new book at the store. Let me tell you, this is SO SO SO good. His writing style is incredibly unique and powerful. He has a way of putting words to things I’ve felt my whole life and never been able to explain. There is a really sad backstory for a few of the characters, so be aware of that if you avoid heavier topics like child abuse. I am usually extremely sensitive to those things and avoid them like the plague, but in this case, in the greater whole of the story, I was able to get through it. Immediately after finishing this, I ordered another one of his books and I am still currently reading it. Will report back soon.
4. Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry –
I’ve loved Em Hem for a long time. She has been open about this book taking a different approach and it does. It’s a dual POV with the FMC and another FMC who is older and being interviewed by the FMC and MMC. It’s a much slower start than some of her other ones. I mean, Book Lovers just launches you from a rocket in the very first chapter and this one does not. It took me a bit to get into a groove with this one, but once I did, I was hooked on the story and needed to know what was going to happen. The ending is gasp-worthy. I really didn’t see it coming until it was right in front of my face. So good.
5. Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner –
I picked this up on my birthday because I loved the cover and that the story is set on the Amalfi coast. I mean, sometimes that’s all it takes to buy a book, am I right? This is historical fiction at its finest. It has a very powerful story about women protecting each other, their loved ones, and their towns with all that they have inside them, and then it spirals into madness. I loved this so much, I immediately went and read everything else Penner has published. While this one still is my favorite, they are all very good and excellent choices for an escape from reality.
6. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King –
I read this a long time ago, but couldn’t find my copy. I wanted to refresh on some of his tips, so I bought this 50th anniversary edition and didn’t regret it one bit. Reading the story of how Stephen King became one of the most successful novelists of all time is incredible. Truly incredible. Did you know that he was raised by a single mom and his brother? Did you know that he was an English teacher for a little while? Did you know his wife is also a published author? Such a sweet love story in there, too. It’s a great book on the craft of writing, but also on the making of one of the top authors of our generation.
7. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt –
This has been on the bestseller lists for a long time. Originally, I wasn’t planning on reading it, because there’s a POV from an octopus and that felt like a bit too much for me. But, I kept seeing it everywhere and hearing how amazing it was, so I grabbed this gorgeous edition with the sprayed edges and settled in for a (hopefully) good time. It has a very different tone, sort of detached and morose, and the story comes in waves, while hopping from character to character. I will be honest and say that none of them are likable. However, it’s one of those stories that you keep reading because you’re in it. You need to know what happens. The blurb is not entirely accurate though, one of the main characters of the book is not featured in the blurb at all, so that was a bit of a surprise. Even still, when a book takes off like this one did, I like to know what all the fuss is about. Sally Fields is starring in the movie, so I’ll definitely be watching that when it comes out.
8. The Guest List by Lucy Foley –
My first Lucy Foley book and not a disappointment in the slightest. Holy moly can that woman tell a story! This is dark though, much more so than other mysteries that I read. Still, the writing style and narrative control is spectacular. I had absolutely no idea who committed the crime because everyone hates the person so much! The final reveal is an amazing payoff. So worth it. I’ll be reading more by her, for sure.
9. Count My Lies by Sophie Stava –
This is a debut novel by this author and I first heard about this from a Reddit group I follow called Pubtips. When I saw the blurb, that this was about a compulsive liar who is an unreliable narrator, and she takes on the lives of the people she nannies for, I knew I had to read it. It’s very entertaining. Sure, all the characters are horrible people, but sometimes that can be a lot of fun. The POV does switch, but I won’t tell you who tells the story, because that will ruin some of the fun. This definitely qualifies as a cozy mystery verging on thriller. Not as dark as Lucy Foley.
*Affiliate links are used for these books, which I bought with my own money and recommend. If you make a purchase through my link, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. Cheers!
More Book Posts:
I’ve gotten very big into reading over the last few years. I was an avid reader growing up and then life got in the way (as it often does) and there was a very long decade where I did minimal reading for fun. Now, I’m back baby, and back in a big way. I read all the time and love picking out new books. My kids have gotten in on the joy of it, too, and I love seeing them find their own favorite books and authors.
If you’re into books, too, let me know in the comments below. I’d really like to share more about books and writing if anyone is interested. Here are some of the other book posts I’ve shared already.
- 9 engrossing books I’ve read this month
- 20 best books you’ll want to binge read
- 11 ultimate gifts for the book lover in your life
- 9 Great YA books even adults will love
- 9 best Halloween picture books for kids
- 9 beautiful coffee table books you’ll actually want to read
- 10 must-have books for the makeup lover
- 40 best book club questions for fiction novels
And more coming soon!
Thanks for being here,
E
