My Favorite Escape from Reality
Thank you for all your kind words on yesterday’s post. It’s comforting knowing that I’m not alone in having these feelings of uncertainty. I called my mom last night to share the feelings I’ve been having. The first thing she asked me was what was wrong, and I realized I couldn’t answer that question. Nothing is wrong. She asked me what I thought would make me happier. I couldn’t answer that question either. I don’t know what will make me happier when I can’t even identify what is making me feel this way.
I started to panic, thinking this was a bad thing. Thinking something was wrong with me. Thinking I was destined to be a lonely, bitter person. My mom laughed at me and said “The fact that you can’t find anything wrong with your life, that you can’t find anything that is making you unhappy – Honey, that’s a good thing.”
My mom’s a brilliant woman, y’all.
Life is full of ups and downs. You have your good days and bad. Sometimes it just takes a little insight and words of wisdom from an outsider to realize that. However, your kind words honestly meant the WORLD to me. I cannot thank you guys enough!
Sometimes when I find myself down and out, or having a rough day – I like to curl up with a good book and escape reality. Growing up I was the girl whose parents stopped buying her books because she would read them too fast. I would get in trouble in elementary school because I would read my book under my desk instead of listening to lectures. There was nothing I loved more than those Sweet Valley Twins 
As I grew older, my taste in books expanded. I was grabbing my mom’s books off the shelves to read, and soon after that I was finished with those too. Reading was an outlet that would bring me to another world, and for a couple hours, I could escape reality.
Lately I’ve received more emails and tweets about books I recommend more than anything else! (You mean I don’t get questions about what type of beers to drink or how to eat Chipotle 6 times a week? I know, I was surprised too.)
I decided to compile a list and summary of some of my favorite books of all-time (that I can think of off the top of my head.), that way if you ever need a time out from life, you too can have a little vacation from the real world! 
Let’s start with some of the classic series that have received quite a bit of attention over the years: Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and Twilight. What did they all have in common? I COULD NOT PUT ANY OF THESE BOOKS DOWN! They were like a drug and boy was I addicted! These books made my heart race. They made me laugh, cry, and stay up til 4 in the morning because I had to know what happened next. And although they’re made (or being made) into movies, no matter how hard you try, it’s never as good as the book.
These next few are not as well known, but, in my opinion, just as great! I’ll try to summarize each book without giving away any spoilers.
- Divergent by Veronica Roth – If you’re a fan of The Hunger Games or Harry Potter, you’ll fall madly in love with this book. Divergent is the first book in the trilogy of dystopian novels about a 16 year old named Beatrice who must make a choice between staying true to her family or to who she is inside. Divergent has endless twists and turns, and will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book. I started the book in the Orlando airport waiting for my flight to Boston. By the time I landed 3 hours later, I was done. It was, by far, one of the best and most thrilling books I’ve ever read.
- The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown – Symbologist Robert Langdon follows clues to, at first, solve a murder – but stumbles upon an even greater mystery in which the clues lead them to the biggest revelation of their lives. If you like mystery novels, this is a perfect book for you!
- The Mitch Rapp series by Vince Flynn – If you’re one of those people who likes CIA spy mystery novels, this series is a goldmine. Mitch Rapp is a CIA dark cover agent who travels the world thwarting terrorist attacks left and right, all while receiving criticism from some of the most important political leaders in America. There are close to 15 books in this series, each one has been better than the last. It was also just brought to my attention that they’ll be making a movie out of one of the books in the series, American Assassin, with Bruce Willis playing the surly Stan Hurley. I CAN’T WAIT!
- This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen – This isn’t your typical love story. The book is about a girl named Remy who’s turned cynical about love after watching nearly every relationship surrounding her crumble. She has an emotionally scarred past which makes it difficult for her to get close or trust anyone, until Dexter comes into the picture. Remy’s cool, calm, and collected world is turned upside down by this carefree clumsy boy who, literally, bumped into her to introduce himself. Although this book isn’t a murder mystery page turner, it’s beautiful. And emotional. And I think my highlighter bled dry with all the passages I found to highlight that I could relate to my life.
I just realized I have about 20 more books I could talk on and on about, but I think that’s enough for today. Although I would love nothing more than to talk about my favorite books all day, there’s this little thing called work that needs to get done. I’ll catch you guys tomorrow!
Let’s Talk – Name one of your favorite books that’s not listed here. I’m always looking for a new book to dive into!
I'm a twenty something with restless feet and a wanderlust filled heart. I currently live in Boston, but that doesn't stop me from traveling the world. I'm a lover of spontaneity, smiling, adventure, and beer. Follow along on my journey on living a life full of laughter. 
Sarah Dessen is my favorite author I think. Oh my gosh she’s amazing! I’ve read The Truth About forever so many times the cover of it is falling off!
Ohhh I’ll have to read that one! I’ve been looking for new books to read on my Kindle
I’m the exact same way Sara. I used to hoard books as a kid too. I couldn’t put them down! I find now that reading a really good book is a great way to unwind and escape. I meant to comment on your post yesterday. I can 1000000% relate to how you’re feeling. The early 20′s are tough. We get thrown into life and expect to adjust and roll with the punches. Fact of the matter is, we’re all trying to figure out our place in the world, and we don’t have the answers now. Your mom sounds like a very wise woman. Hang in there and remember to stay positive and thankful for the blessings you do have. Your passions will guide you.
Thanks so much Sarah! I hope you’re doing better, I was thinking about you the past two days!! <3
I’m glad to know I wasn’t the only weirdo getting in trouble for hiding books under my desk during class! Dan Brown is one of my favorite authors, if you love the Da Vinci Code you will love The Lost Symbol!
I LOVED The Lost Symbol! That was just one of the many books I didn’t have time to include. Ahhh I wish he would come out with another book!
Ha! Sweet Valley Teens!! Gosh I totally forgot about those books and box car children, did you read those?! I really like the Jack Daniels murder mystery series!
I never did, I was all about Sweet Valley Twins and The Babysitter’s Club. I tried to make my own Babysitters club after reading the books… it didn’t work. Hahaha
Your mom spoke words of wisdom
She’s very wise
I loooooved Divergent. I may have loved Insurgent (book 2) even more though- can’t wait for the third book to come out! Also, I’m writing down the last 2 as we speak.. thanks for sharing!
Have you read the 13 page manuscript she released from Four’s perspective? It’s called Four Tells All. It was .99 cents so I bought it for my Kindle. I hope she writes all three books from Four’s perspective, it would be AMAZING!
I have tons of books and am only gathering more on my Kindle these days. I am truly loving the Mitch Rapp series. Thank you for sharing that picture on Twitter I don’t know how many weeks ago now and answering my questions about it! Can’t wait to see the movie!
I really enjoy the Pretty Little Liars books. The show is based on them but there are still so many differences that you can read the books and NOT know what is coming next. I also really enjoyed Something Borrowed (I read it before seeing the movie) and One For The Money (read it before seeing the movie) and I loved both books and movies. One For The Money is the first in a lengthy series that I have yet to read another book in but seriously want to!
Ahhhh thank you so much for all the book recommendations!! I’m always dying to read new books – you can bet I’m downloading these to my Kindle ASAP
I have a serious love affair with books! I was the same as you when I was a child…bookstores were my absolute favorite type of “shopping” and I zoomed through all the books I bought. Nowadays I have less time to read but it’s still my favorite escape from reality. There is nothing, NOTHING, like being sucked into an incredible story plot for a few hours (or days!). Harry Potter is my ultimate favorite, I could read those books over and over with the same effect every time.
I love going through different series that I love and starting from the beginning. I’ve done it with Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, Twilight, and Divergent. I love reading!