Reality has not been the best so far in 2020 (understatement of the century) and I do not know about you all but aside from getting important updates, I have been trying to avoid the news/social media/etc for my own mental health. So most of my days have been spent reading books that totally absorb me into new worlds where I can escape without setting foot outside. Here are just a few that I have been loving!

1.) The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling

Okay, so I know not everyone grew up reading Harry Potter or that they even think this series is for them. However, I grew up reading and LOVING these books. They are my comfort blanket and take me back to late nights staying up late with a flashlight under the covers reading well after my bedtime. J.K. Rowling created a world filled with magic, friendship, adventure, and so much more. I highly recommend giving them a go during this time whether you have never read them once or it will be your 50th reread. Just do it, you won’t regret it!

2.) The Princess Bride by William Goldman

Have you ever seen the movie The Princess Bride? Your only answer should be “YES!”  If you have not seen it, well then...add it to your movie list ASAP! But even better, you need to read this book. The story reads like a classic fairytale but it is chock full of humour and is so eccentric that you won’t be able to stop laughing. In times like these, who doesn’t want a healthy dose of both fairytales and laughter?

3.) Faithful by Alice Hoffman

So when you read the description of this book, it sounds like it is going to be gut-wrenching and tragic. But don’t worry, the tragedy is pulled off like a band-aid and is over with before the narration even really starts off. Instead, the story follows the main character and how she learns to truly live again. It is a tale of preservation, faith, and self-devotion. Some things we could all use right about now.

4.) Poison Princess by Kresley Cole

This series is very Young Adult and very Fantasy, which makes it the perfect escapist read. It is equal parts Hunger Games and Mad Max. It follows a group of teens in a post-apocalyptic Louisiana that were chosen by gods to fight each other to death while they are empowered with gifts from their respective gods based on the major Arcana from Tarot cards. Doesn’t it just sound absolutely insane? Well, it is. But you will absolutely want to devour these books.

5.) The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory

Who doesn’t want to get lost in some fantastical Historical Fiction? Philippa Gregory knows how to write a series that reads like a soap opera but all of the characters are based off of real-life historical figures. You will be so wrapped up in the drama and theatrics of it all that you will just want to keep reading and reading to see what happens next. Also, this series has since been turned into several TV Shows such as The White Queen on Starz. So you are getting a two for one here: a wonderful book series as well as some new TV Shows to watch!

So, have you read any of these books? Let us know what your favourite “escape” reads are in the comments below!

By guest editor,
Alicia  (IG: @thebookishpuff) 

About the guest editor: 

Alicia is currently the resident blogger over at The Bookish Puff and aspiring author. Raised under the southern sun she is a true eternal optimist with a deep love of history, stories, and a shameless addiction to caffeine. When she’s not on the internet writing about books, you can find her baking up a storm in her kitchen, watching true crime documentaries, sipping on coffee while chatting with friends, or getting lost in nature. She currently lives with her boyfriend and two crazy cats in Charleston, South Carolina in the United States.