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Living with chronic illness means a lot of rest days, low-energy afternoons, and moments when I just need an escape. When my body forces me to slow down, books have always been my refuge—taking me to different worlds, introducing me to unforgettable characters, and reminding me that even on the hardest days, adventure is just a page away.
If you’re looking for books that will transport you somewhere far beyond the present moment, here are ten incredible reads to lose yourself in.
1. The Map of Salt and Stars by Zeyn Joukhadar (Historical Fiction, Magical Realism)
This beautifully written novel weaves together two timelines: the journey of a young girl, Nour, who flees war-torn Syria in 2011, and the legend of Rawiya, a mapmaker’s apprentice from centuries past. As Nour retraces Rawiya’s footsteps, their stories intertwine in a breathtaking way. The lyrical writing and deep emotional core make this book feel like stepping into a dream, perfect for when you need to be completely transported.
2. Little Bee by Chris Cleave (Contemporary Fiction)
This is one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve finished the last page. Little Bee follows the journey of a Nigerian refugee and a British woman whose lives become deeply connected after a traumatic event. Told with both heartbreak and humor, this book pulls you into an unforgettable story of resilience, identity, and human connection. It’s the kind of novel that makes you think about the world a little differently—and sometimes, that’s exactly the escape we need.
3. Penelope in Retrograde by Brooke Abrams (Rom-Com, Women’s Fiction)
If you love a witty, laugh-out-loud romance with plenty of heart, Penelope in Retrograde is for you. Penelope, a struggling screenwriter, finds herself in a creative (and personal) rut when she crashes her car into her ex-boyfriend’s place and has to stick around longer than expected. With sharp dialogue, relatable chaos, and swoon-worthy moments, this book is the perfect comfort read—like watching your favorite rom-com on a cozy day.
4. Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell (Historical Fiction, Music Fiction)
This novel follows the rise of a fictional 1960s British rock band, Utopia Avenue, as they navigate fame, personal struggles, and the ever-changing music industry. David Mitchell’s storytelling is immersive, with characters so well-developed that you’ll forget they aren’t real. If you love stories about music, art, and chasing dreams (with a touch of the surreal), this book will sweep you away into another era.
5. The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (Historical Fiction, Family Saga)
From the author of The Stationery Shop, this novel takes us to 1950s Tehran, following the lives of three women navigating love, tradition, and change in a time of political upheaval. Kamali’s writing is lush and deeply emotional, making this the perfect book to get lost in when you want a sweeping, immersive read. The way the characters’ lives unfold is both heartbreaking and beautiful, reminding us of the strength of women across generations.
6. My Darling Dreadful Thing by Johanna van Veen (Gothic Horror, Historical Fiction)
Sometimes, the best escape is a beautifully eerie gothic novel—and My Darling Dreadful Thing delivers just that. Set in a mysterious, decaying mansion with an unsettling history, this book follows a grieving woman who begins to experience ghostly occurrences that make her question reality. With its haunting atmosphere and slow-burning suspense, this is the perfect read for a cozy night when you’re in the mood for something dark and mesmerizing.
7. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (Classic Gothic Romance)
There’s a reason Jane Eyre has stood the test of time—it’s full of brooding romance, mystery, and a heroine who refuses to let life break her spirit. Jane’s journey from an orphaned girl to an independent woman is both inspiring and deeply emotional. If you love gothic mansions, moody love interests, and themes of resilience, this classic will pull you in and make you forget the world around you.
8. Strange Eden by Gina Giordano (Historical Fiction, Gothic Mystery)
This novel has everything I love in a gothic mystery: a woman escaping to an eerie new home, secrets lurking in the walls, and an atmosphere thick with tension. As the protagonist, Eliza, tries to uncover the truth behind her new surroundings, the novel unfolds like a slow, intoxicating spell. It’s one of those books where you can practically feel the setting come alive, making it an incredibly immersive escape.
9. The Good Left Undone by Adriana Trigiani (Historical Fiction, Family Drama)
Adriana Trigiani is a master of storytelling, and The Good Left Undone is no exception. Spanning generations and continents, this novel follows the Cabrelli family as they navigate love, loss, and the weight of family secrets. The rich details, sweeping historical backdrop, and deeply human characters make this a book to savor. If you love multi-generational family sagas with vivid storytelling, this one is a must-read.
10. Our Wives Under The Sea by Julia Armfield (Literary Fiction, Psychological Horror)
This book is eerie, emotional, and completely unique. It follows a woman whose wife returns from a deep-sea research mission… but something about her is different. As the protagonist tries to navigate their relationship in the aftermath, the story becomes a haunting exploration of love, grief, and the unknown. It’s unsettling in the best way and perfect for when you want something atmospheric and thought-provoking.
Escape Through Storytelling
Living with chronic illness means that sometimes, reality can feel overwhelming. But books remind me that there’s always another world waiting for me—a place to escape, a place to dream, and a place where anything is possible. Whether you need something lighthearted, deeply emotional, or a little eerie, I hope this list helps you find the perfect book to whisk you away, even just for a little while.
What books have helped you escape when you needed it most? Let’s swap recommendations in the comments! 💛📖
Little Hope Notes 
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