Parenting

10 Books To Escape Reality And Beat The Winter Blues

by Melissa L. Fenton

You’re snowed in, you’ve binged-watched every season of every show, and you’re social media feed is nonstop political angst and depressing current events. Now what? Remember when escaping reality was as easy as picking up some Judy Blume and forgetting about life for a while?

Well, guess what? It’s still just that easy. Whether you wanna get away in a hot romance, a heart-warming memoir, a psychological thriller, some young adult dystopian fiction, or the latest in contemporary brain food fiction, there’s a title here sure to help you plan your next escape route — right to your favorite reading chair.

The Dry by Jane Harper

You know what they say, “small towns have the biggest secrets,” and thus begins the story of a federal agent’s return to his hometown and to his not so innocent past. Suspenseful and shocking, Harper’s debut novel is an Amazon top pick of January.

Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

In true Picoult style, this book has everything: family drama, deeply developed characters, and thought-provoking paragraphs that beg to be re-read because of their striking depth. This title dares to tackle race, prejudice, and is based loosely on the true story of a labor/delivery nurse who was prohibited from taking care of a new baby because she was black and the baby was white. A must read for Jodi fans, this one will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly

Historical fiction junkies looking for a follow-up to The Nightingale or Sarah’s Keys, look no further. Be instantly transported back to World War II and be inspired by this powerful story that is based on actual events, and the amazing heroism and wartime triumphs of three young women.

Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris

Buckle up and be ready to pull the sheets over your head because things (and by things, I mean the next-door neighbors) are not at all what they seem. This twisting and turning spine tingler on level with Girl on the Train will keep you guessing (and doubting) what you really know about people. Library Journal deemed it “a can’t-put-down psychological thriller.”

Lola by Melissa Scrivner Love

If Lisbeth Salander (Girl With the Dragon Tattoo) and Walter White (Breaking Bad) had a daughter, it would be Lola. It’s a dark but riveting story of a relentless LA gang and the powerful leader behind it. Hint: Nobody guesses it’s a female. This debut thriller will leave you breathless and fist-pumping for the feminine heroine.

My Not So Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella

Nobody does escapist chick lit like Sophie, and her latest is no exception. Fun, quirky, and at times a stark reflection on the falsehoods of our social media culture, this novel will grab you from page one with its honesty and humor.

The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son on Life, Love, and Loss by Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt

There is nothing like the love between a mother and her son, and this collection of a year’s correspondence between Cooper and his mother proves that with eloquence and tenderness. Reading their personal letters gives us a glimpse into just how special a mother-son relationship can be. Cooper fans, don’t miss this one.

Everything We Keep by Kerry Lonsdale

You’re gonna need your tissues out for this one because it’s got all the feels: love, loss, redemption, and heartbreak. Beautifully suspenseful and a great pick for readers wanting a romantic getaway.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Young adult lit lovers, this is one not to be missed. The first in a gripping series, Red Queen is fast-paced and imaginative blend of fantasy and dystopian fiction with a little love tossed in.

Forever Is the Worst Long Time by Camille Pagán

Complicated but hopeful, his is a bittersweet story of love that we thought was once lost but now is found. You’ll love these flawed characters and the twists, both good and bad, that this novel takes.

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