Books & Entertainment
9 Books We’re Reading to Escape Reality
You’ve checked social media about a thousand times today, gotten through a Zoom meeting, spent hours at your desk working on a spreadsheet, and the last thing you know you should be doing is looking at yet another screen to unwind for the day. The good news is that immersing yourself in a book is a perfectly socially acceptable way to escape reality. I’ve gathered a bookshelf for all kinds of appetites, and they’re all best devoured whole. Unplug for an evening, get out of your head and dive into an escapist fiction book.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
If you haven’t heard of Outlander by now, you’re probably living under a rock. Maybe you didn’t even know how much you loved Scotland (or Scots), but this is the kind of undying romance mixed with time travel everyone needs right now.
The Awkward Thoughts of Kamau Bell by W. Kamau Bell
W. Kamau Bell’s stand up comedy and award winning television series “The United Shades of America” is a good backdrop into his fiercely entertaining and intelligent mind. This book of essays covers everything from being a Black Nerd (Blerd) to politics and racism.
The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
A story in lyric that you’ll never want to end. Xiomara is growing up and learning to navigate herself and her family in Harlem when she discovers her voice in slam poetry.
The Islands at the End of the World by Austin Aslan
Hawaii’s paradise becomes a treacherous place in this novel of apocalyptic survival. Normally we go to Hawaii to relax, but Aslan brings us into a world of Hawaiian ecology and storytelling that will spook you.
Everything Is Under Control by Phyllis Grant
More memoir than cookbook, the root of her relationship with cooking and food will draw you in. You can make the recipes, or not, and just enjoy their artistic addition.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Doyle’s story doesn’t follow the most traveled path, but her experience seems to be speaking to women everywhere. How do you trust yourself enough to make a change? Her empowerment becomes yours in her memoir.
The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
We never seem to get tired of vampires, do we? Our fascination and horror of them is exactly what seems to fuel the plot of this book. If you are interested in the gothic and dramatically awful family tales, this is your book.
A Very Punchable Face by Colin Jost
The Saturday Night Live writer’s memoir, just released, is getting great mileage out of self deprecation.
One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus
The first of the mystery trilogy was at the top of several best book of the year lists. Several have likened it to Pretty Little Liars, but with more twists. Take it to the beach with you and you’ll probably forget you went there to do anything else.
Find your next favorite book on Rakuten, where you can compare prices before you purchase and get Cash Back every time you shop. Happy ready, bookworms!
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