The Best Fiction Books to Read When You Want to Escape for a While

Some days you just want to unplug. Not scroll, not refresh, not think too hard—just pick up a book and let it carry you somewhere else. That’s where fiction comes in. The right story can make everything go quiet for a little while. It gives your brain a break, your heart something to hold onto, and sometimes—if you’re lucky—it even makes you feel like yourself again.

Here are my favorite books for escapism—stories that take you away, make you feel something, and stay with you in the best way.

1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

It’s like falling into someone else’s dream and forgetting your own reality for a while. A mysterious circus appears out of nowhere, only open at night, full of strange magic and impossible beauty. At the center are two illusionists in a lifelong contest—except things get complicated. The writing is lush and slow, in a good way. You’re not rushing through this; you’re living inside it. Ideal for when you want to get completely lost in a quiet, otherworldly story.

2. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Poppy and Alex are opposites who became best friends, then something happened that broke them apart. Now, they’re taking one last trip to try to fix things. This one’s got banter, chemistry, and real heart. It’s an easy, feel-good read that still manages to land some emotional punches. If you’re craving warmth and laughs with a side of romantic tension, it’s a perfect escape.

3. Circe by Madeline Miller

Circe isn’t your average goddess—she’s exiled, underestimated, and slowly becoming something entirely her own. This story reimagines her mythology with a quiet, powerful lens. The writing is elegant without being dense, and the emotions come through with honesty and depth. It’s the kind of book you sink into slowly and come out of feeling like you’ve lived a whole other life. Especially good when you want something reflective, mythic, and deeply human.

4. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Linus, a by-the-book employee, is assigned to inspect a secluded orphanage where the children possess unusual magical abilities. What he finds turns his world upside down—in the best way. This book is pure kindness. It’s funny, sweet, and full of soft moments that somehow manage to hit hard. If the world feels too harsh right now, this is the gentle, hopeful read that might put you back together.

5. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Evelyn Hugo, a glamorous Hollywood icon, is finally ready to tell the truth about her life and many loves. It starts out feeling like a celebrity memoir, but what you get is so much more—grief, ambition, identity, and heartbreak, all wrapped in stunning storytelling. It reads fast, but leaves you thinking. If you love juicy stories with a lot of heart, this one’s for you.

6. The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

Five women ride horses into the wild hills of Kentucky to deliver books to isolated homes. Sounds simple, but this story is rich and emotional in a quiet way. In this must-read fiction, the friendships are beautifully written, the landscape is vivid, and the sense of quiet rebellion runs deep. If you like stories about women finding strength in small, steady ways, this one will stick with you.

7. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

What starts as a failed robbery turns into a hostage situation—sort of. A group of strangers is trapped in an apartment, and the story that unfolds is weird, funny, and unexpectedly moving. Everyone here is carrying something, and by the end, you’ll want to hug most of them. If you need something that makes you laugh and maybe cry (in a good way), this book understands.

8. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

Addie makes a deal to live forever, but no one remembers her. For centuries she drifts through time, invisible and forgotten—until one person finally does remember. This book is slow, lyrical, and haunting. If you’re in the mood for something romantic, sad, and a little surreal, this story hits all the right notes.

9. Beach Read by Emily Henry

January and Gus are both writers stuck in creative ruts. They’re also neighbors—and opposites in every way. When they decide to swap genres for the summer, it leads to all kinds of emotional unraveling and unexpected connection. It’s a clever romance that’s not just sweet and funny—it has weight to it too. If you want something that’s easy to binge but still makes you feel things, grab this.

10. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

An orc opens a coffee shop. That’s literally the plot—and it’s perfect. There are cinnamon rolls, found family, and very low stakes. Nothing dramatic happens, and that’s the point. This is the book you read when your nervous system is fried and you just want to smile. Pure coziness from start to finish.

What Makes a Great Escape Read?

• The best easy fiction reads don’t all follow the same formula, but they do have a few things in common.
• They pull you into a place that feels real, even if it’s completely made up.
• The characters are so real, you care what happens.
• The pacing meets you where you are—slow if you need calm, fast if you want to forget everything.
• They give you space to feel without overwhelming you.

Not Sure Where to Start?

• Burned out? Start with Cerulean Sea or Legends & Lattes
• Need emotion and depth? Try Circe or Addie LaRue
• Want romance that hits? Go with Beach Read or People We Meet on Vacation
• Looking for drama with heart? Evelyn Hugo is your best bet

Whether you want to cry, laugh, or just not think about your inbox for a few hours, these are some of the best fiction books to reach for. Because every now and then, the best way to take care of yourself is to let a good story take over for a while.