"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies." - George R. R. Martin
Ever feel like you need to get out of your own skin? As if the walls are closing in on you and all you want to do is just run wild and free? When I feel suffocated, I find myself wishing for an escape from the burdens and problems of this world and often, the only way to do so, is to pick up a good book and read into the night. So, Here is a list of three books for readers and non-readers alike, to enjoy when all you need is to kick back and relax for a while.
Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
If you’ve been following the latest books trending on social media, you know this is a fan favourite. For good reason, this has been my comfort read for almost a year now, from when I read it first, way back in March! ‘Red, White, and Royal Blue’ follows an alternate path in history, one where a woman wins the 2016 presidential elections in the US (shocking, I know!), paving the way for the first son- Alex, and the Prince of England- Henry, to tumble (quite literally, I might add) into a whirlwind friendship, which might be hiding something more, behind the cameras. Ah, witty banter, lovable characters, and an easy going plot which warms that cold, cold heart; this book has it all.
These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
These Violent Delights is a retelling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet… with a twist. The duology takes place in the 1920s, against the enigmatic and lush backdrop of a monster ridden Shanghai, amidst a war between two gangs fighting for control over the city. That’s not all folks, this series also has a jaw dropping plot, dangerous and cunning characters, tonnes and tonnes of action and if that wasn’t enough already, a sizzling enemies to lovers romance. Chloe Gong’s writing is so unique and compelling that you cannot help but be enraptured and transported into a world where she holds all the cards. If this hasn’t convinced you to read these two books, I don’t know what will!
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Now don’t come at me for recommending another popular book, it’s honestly just that good! The mouthful of a title hides the complexity of the story, which follows a lady who some might call a gold-digger, but in reality is a woman with ambition and power, and is someone who has the courage to take what she wants as opposed to waiting for it to be given. The subplots, the atmosphere created by a riveting description of old Hollywood and all of its scandals, these elements add up to a thrilling and inspiring read. This is a book with very colloquial language and structure, making it an easy read, even if you aren’t a regular when it comes to curling up with a book.
In the end, it boils down to this: rain or shine, summer or winter, there’s nothing a good book can’t solve. Sometimes, even the most put together, collected or organised of us all, need to escape the confines of our own reality. We all have those times in life when we feel burdened or overwhelmed, and in those moments, maybe we need a little imagination and let ourselves just be.
