Reading can be defined by so many things. For some, it's merely entertainment. For others, it's a means of furthering one's understanding of the world around them. For me, and for many, reading is an escape. It's an escape from the reality we live in when things get too overwhelming and we'd much rather run away to a distant land at least for a short while. This selection of books I've had the pleasure of reading have allowed me to do just that, and if any catch your eye then I implore you to pick up a copy and lose yourself in the fantastical world it contains as it unfolds with each word.

1. "Circe" by Madeline Miller is captivating.

Circe

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Everyone loves a good retelling of a mythological tale, and Madeline Miller has proven with this work that she is an expert at capturing and reinterpreting the myths we have all familiarized with. "Circe" follows the titular character as she discovers and learns to hone her magic in a world teeming with magic of its own. This gripping narrative is sure to cast a spell on you from the moment you start reading.

2. "The Ten Thousand Doors of January" by Alix E. Harrow is genius.

The Ten Thousand Doors of January

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This book is perfect for the escapist reader because it is, at its core, about escape. Within its pages, January Scaller's yearning for adventure leads her to uncovering Doors that will give her the escape she craves in pursuit of discovery both about the world around her and about herself. You will be sure to get lost within this story as you too weave your way from one door to the next.

3. "The Starless Sea" by Erin Morgenstern is wonderful.

The Starless Sea

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If you want to get lost in a fictional world, look no further than this stunning celebration of storytelling as a medium. Erin Morgenstern's enchanting tale is a masterclass in world-building as protagonist Zachary finds himself in pursuit of a mysterious library that is said to house an unending repertoire of books and knowledge just waiting to be perused. Each line of thoughtfully woven prose pulls you deeper and deeper into this whimsical realm as you experience it through Zachary's awestruck perspective, and as such I could not recommend this story more to anyone seeking a piece of literature to fully immerse themselves in.