“Sometimes it’s in the breaking that the light can finally shine through.”
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, and during tough times, it’s important to find ways to escape and recharge. One of the best ways to do this is through books that offer a much-needed break from reality. Whether you’re looking for feel-good stories, comforting reads, or novels that provide an emotional escape, there are countless books perfect for lifting your spirits and helping you unwind. From heartwarming tales to immersive fiction, the right book can take your mind off stress and whisk you to a world where you can relax and recharge. Today at What We Reading, we’re rounding up some of the best escape reality books, offering comfort and solace when you need it most. These books aren’t just great for tough times – they’re perfect for anyone looking to find a little peace in the pages of a book.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine – Gail Honeyman
Kicking off our list of books to escape reality is Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine. The story follows the life of Eleanor Oliphant, a socially awkward, introverted woman in her thirties, who lives a routine and emotionally distant life in Glasgow. She works at an office doing data entry and keeps herself to herself, rarely interacting with anyone outside work. Eleanor’s rigid routine is upended; however, when she falls for a musician, she is prompted to begin improving her social skills and personal life.
Her journey to break free from her isolation begins after she begins connecting with her coworkers, namely Raymond, a kind and compassionate colleague who becomes her first true friend. Together, they help an elderly man named Sammy, who gradually peels away the hidden parts of Eleanor’s past. As humorous as it is heart-wrenching, Eleanor’s unique perspective helps to make Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine a poignant and uplifting story about healing, self-acceptance, and the possibility of starting anew.
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Good Company – Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney
Good Company by Cynthia Sweeney explores the complexities of friendship, love, and marriage through the lives of two couples in Southern California. The story revolves around Flora, an actor whose career has begun to slow, and her husband, Julian, a successful television producer. Their apparently idyllic life starts to unravel when a secret from Julian’s past comes to light, involving his longtime friendship with their neighbour and Flora’s best friend, Margot. This revelation forces all the friends to reevaluate their relationships and confront the lies, regrets, and emotional baggage they’ve been carrying.
With sharp humour and insight, Good Company examines the ways in which personal choices shape not just individuals, but entire families and friendships. Through its rich, multilayered characters, the book wrestles with the intricacies of modern life and the emotional costs of keeping up appearances, offering an intimate look at the pursuit of happiness and the reality of growing older.
The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo – Taylor Jenkins Reid
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo takes readers on a tour through the life of Evelyn Hugo, an infamous Hollywood icon renowned for her beauty, talent, and scandalous love life. The novel is framed as an interview between Evelyn and Monique Grant, an unknown journalist who is selected to write Evelyn’s long-anticipated memoir. As Evelyn recounts the story of her seven different marriages, Monique discovers a web of secrets, including the true love of her life, her struggles with identity, and the sacrifices she made in pursuit of fame and fortune.
Through Evelyn’s narrative, the book explores themes of love, ambition, sexuality, and the price of success. As Monique learns more about Evelyn’s story, she grapples with her own personal issues and a deepening connection to the iconic star. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a rich immersion that offers both glamour and unflinching honesty. One of the best books to escape reality, it is an emotional tale of a woman’s search for herself amid the glittering and sometimes painful world of Hollywood.
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The Pursuit Of Happyness – Chris Gardner
The Pursuit of Happyness is the inspiring memoir of Chris Gardner, a man who overcame extraordinary adversity to build a successful life for himself and his son. Gardner’s story opens with his struggles in San Francisco, where he faces homelessness, financial difficulties, and the challenges that come with being a single parent. Despite these obstacles, Gardner never gives up on his dream of becoming a successful stockbroker.
The memoir charts his journey from living on the streets, relying on shelters and public resources, to eventually securing a position as a stockbroker at a prestigious firm. Through his unwavering determination and grit, he navigates the competitive world of finance, all while caring for his young son, Christopher. The Pursuit of Happyness is a powerful and emotional testament to the strength of the human spirit, reminding readers that, no matter the challenge, the pursuit of a better life is always worth fighting for.
The Universe Has Your Back – Gabrielle Bernstein
In her book, The Universe Has Your Back, NYT bestselling author Gabrielle Bernstein teaches readers how to transform their fears into faith and learn how to stop chasing life and truly live. Drawing on her own experiences, Bernstein explores how individuals can move beyond fear and uncertainty by trusting in the universe’s plan for them. Through personal stories, motivations, and practice tools, this comforting book encourages readers to cultivate faith, embrace self-love, and align with their true purpose.
Bernstein conveys ways to relinquish the need for control and trust that the universe will provide everything needed for personal growth and success. Fundamental to the book’s philosophy is the concept that fear is the primary barrier to happiness, and, by changing our relationships with fear, we can create a more fulfilling and peaceful life. Delivered with an uplifting tone and powerful messages, The Universe Has Your Back offers a guide to overcoming challenges, achieving inner peace, and escaping the realities and worries of everyday life, trusting that the universe is always on your side.
The Paper Palace – Miranda Cowley Heller
The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller is a gripping, emotionally charged novel about family secrets, love, and betrayal. Set over the span of a single day, the story unfolds at the family’s summer home in Cape Cod known as the ‘Paper Palace’. There, Elle, our protagonist, is forced to confront a life-altering decision. She has just spent the night with her childhood sweetheart, Jonas, a man she has always loved, despite being married to Peter, a man she has raised three children.
As Elle looks back on her past, the novel switches between the present and flashbacks, revealing pivotal moments from her youth, her complex relationships with her family, and the tragic events that defined her life. Throughout the narrative, Elle grapples with her conflicting feelings for both Jonas and Peter, ultimately uncovering buried truths about her family and herself, and making for one of the most poignant books to escape reality with.
The Magic Of Lemon Drop Pie – Rachel Linden
Rachel Linden’s The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie is a heartwarming magical realism story about second chances, family, and healing. The story orbits around Juliette, a young woman whose life takes an unexpected turn when she inherits her grandmother’s charming but struggling pie shop in Seattle. As Juliette takes over the business, she learns of her grandmother’s secret past, and the magical significance of a special recipe – the Lemon Drop Pie – said to bring about life-changing changes.
As she delves into the mystery behind the pie’s magic, Juliette also finds herself grappling with her own emotional wounds, including a broken heart and unresolved family issues. Through the support of new friends and the rediscovering of old dreams, Juliette starts to find the strength to move forward, embracing love and forgiveness. With its blend of whimsy, charm and a sprinkling of magic, The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie is one of the best feel-good books for anyone looking to escape into a sweet and comforting world.
Oona Out Of Order – Margarita Montimore
Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore introduces Oona, a young woman who unexpectedly begins jumping through time on her nineteenth birthday, unable to control where or when she lands. One moment, she’s in 1982, and the next, she’s in 2022, experiencing her life all out of order.
As Oona navigates this unpredictable journey through time, she faces the challenges of losing and finding love, dealing with family dynamics, and figuring out how to make the most of her years, even when they’re scattered across different decades. During the course, Oona learns how to embrace the present moment, even as she attempts to reconcile with her past and future selves. With its blend of humour and deep reflection, Oona Out of Order is a heartfelt exploration of the choices we make and the idea that life doesn’t always go to plan – but that’s often where the magic happens.
Circe – Madeline Miller
Madeline Miller’s Circe is a captivating retelling of the myth of Circe, the powerful sorceress from Homer’s Odyssey. The novel reimagines Circe’s life, exploring her transformation from a misunderstood nymph to a formidable and independent woman. Banished to the island of Aiaia, Circe discovers her powers and starts to refine her craft in magic, all while grappling with her identity and the decisions she has made.
The book immerses readers deeply into Circe’s emotions and relationships with gods, mortals, and mythological creatures. It explores themes of power, loneliness, love, and revenge, as Circe challenges the roles assigned to her by both her family and society. Her interactions with characters like Odysseus and Hermes bring new lenses to their mythological tales, offering fresh takes on familiar legends. With lush, lyrical prose, Circe is a stunning book to escape reality with, blending elements of fantasy, self-discovery and ancient history. It is a bold and empowering story about a woman carving her own destiny, making it an unforgettable read for fans of mythology, feminism, and beautifully written fiction.
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
