Books to Help Escape Reality in Tough Times
Explore these captivating stories that transport readers to different worlds, providing a much-needed escape from the harshness of reality. Each book offers a unique journey, allowing your brother to immerse himself in adventure, fantasy, or profound narratives. These selections are perfect for anyone seeking solace and distraction during difficult times.
The First Discworld Novels
The Discworld series is a delightful blend of fun and fantasy, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys imaginative storytelling.
The Mind Illuminated
675 pages
This book is a detailed guidebook for meditation that helped me during my most difficult times. It's nonreligious yet insightful, making it a perfect read for anyone, especially those in tough situations.
The Lord Of The Rings
1267 pages
The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a timeless classic that transports readers to a beautifully crafted world of adventure and heroism, perfect for anyone looking to get lost in a fantastical tale.
George R. R. Martin's A Game of Thrones 5-Book Boxed Set (Song of Ice and Fire Series)
2794 pages
The Game of Thrones series offers a richly woven narrative filled with political intrigue and complex characters, making it a captivating read for those who love epic fantasy.
The Colour Of Magic
211 pages
Pratchett's books are incredibly insightful, especially for those who have faced struggles like addiction and incarceration. They reveal the truth that the world often doesn't align with our societal rules, providing well-written characters who navigate these complexities.
Lost Connections
337 pages
From the New York Times bestselling author of Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs, a radical new way of thinking about depression and anxiety.
The Cellist of Sarajevo
274 pages
This book garnered a lot of great discussion and was very much liked by all.
The Princess Bride
405 pages
A writer's views on life and art are revealed in his effort to edit the children's classic that shaped his literary ambitions.
Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging
100 pages
Explores the need for community and belonging, especially among men, and cites the experiences of Veterans returning from combat.
Crime and Punishment
545 pages
Russian existentialist novels like this one delve deep into the human psyche, making them a compelling read for those in prison.
The Count of Monte Cristo
546 pages
Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read A popular bestseller since its publication in 1844, The Count of Monte Cristo is one of the great page-turning thrillers of all time. Set against the tumultuous years of the post-Napoleonic era, Alexandre Dumas’s grand historical romance recounts the swashbuckling adventures of Edmond Dantès, a dashing young sailor falsely accused of treason. The story of his long imprisonment, dramatic escape, and carefully wrought revenge offers up a vision of France that has become immortal. As Robert Louis Stevenson declared, “I do not believe there is another volume extant where you can breathe the same unmingled atmosphere of romance.”
Brothers Karamazov
1074 pages
These profound narratives explore complex moral questions, which can resonate deeply with readers in confinement.
A Game of Thrones (HBO Tie-in Edition)
722 pages
It's quite big but bloody interesting! I loved it, hope he will as well.
The Way of Kings
1008 pages
This book offers a fantastic escape with themes of redemption and hope, making it a great read for anyone looking to overcome struggles. It has positively impacted many readers, though it does touch on sensitive topics like mental illness, so it's worth considering for those who might be triggered.
Infinite Jest
1524 pages
This book is long and entertaining, and it rewards multiple reads. It delves into the emotional and material consequences of addiction, making it a profound experience.
The Count of Monte Cristo
532 pages
In his rousing adventure story, Alexandre Dumas employs all the elements of compelling drama—suspense, intrigue, love, vengeance, and the triumph of good over evil—that contribute to this classic novel’s irresistible and timeless appeal. In the post-Napoleonic era, a young sailor from Marseilles is poised to become captain of his own ship and marry his beloved. But jealous enemies provoke his arrest, condemning Edmond Dantès to lifelong imprisonment in the infamous Château d’If. There, his sole companion reveals his secret plan to escape, as well as the location of a trove of riches hidden on a remote island. Determined to avenge himself against the men that conspired to destroy him, the newly free Edmond uses the treasure to forge a mysterious and powerful new identity: the Count of Monte Cristo.
Crusoe
355 pages
It is January 1719 and Daniel Defoe, almost sixty, sits at a table, writing. He is troubled with gout and debt, but for now is preoccupied with a younger man on a barren shore – Robinson Crusoe, for which he will principally be remembered. Several miles south, an old man, Robert Knox, is bent over a heavy volume. It is Historical Relation, his account of being held captive on Ceylon, published forty years ago after he escaped and returned to England. It has long been out of print, but a copy perhaps sits on the desk of Daniel Defoe as he writes. Where did Crusoe come from? And what is the secret of his endurance? Crusoe explores the intertwined lives of two real men – Daniel Defoe and Robert Knox – and the character and book that emerged from their peculiar conjunction. It is the biography of a book and its hero, the story of Defoe, the man who wrote Robinson Crusoe, and of Robert Knox, the man who was Crusoe.
On the Far Side of the Mountain
Sam's peaceful existence in his wilderness home is disrupted when his sister runs away and his pet falcon is confiscated by a conservation officer
Shantaram
788 pages
A novel of high adventure, great storytelling and moral purpose, based on an extraordinary true story of eight years in the Bombay underworld 'A literary masterpiece... at once erudite and intimate, reflective and funny... it has the grit and pace of a thriller' Daily Telegraph 'A publishing phenomenon' Sunday Times 'A gigantic, jaw-dropping, grittily authentic saga' Daily Mail 'In the early 80s, Gregory David Roberts, an armed robber and heroin addict, escaped from an Australian prison to India, where he lived in a Bombay slum. There, he established a free health clinic and also joined the mafia, working as a money launderer, forger and street soldier. He found time to learn Hindi and Marathi, fall in love, and spend time being worked over in an Indian jail. Then, in case anyone thought he was slacking, he acted in Bollywood and fought with the Mujahedeen in Afghanistan... Amazingly, Roberts wrote Shantaram three times after prison guards trashed the first two versions. It's a profound tribute to his willpower... At once a high-kicking, eye-gouging adventure, a love saga and a savage yet tenderly lyrical fugitive vision.' Time Out
Papillon
564 pages
It's a gripping tale that shows how much worse things could be, and it might just inspire some bold escape ideas.
East of Eden
612 pages
A masterpiece of Biblical scope, and the magnum opus of one of America’s most enduring authors, in a commemorative hardcover edition In his journal, Nobel Prize winner John Steinbeck called East of Eden "the first book," and indeed it has the primordial power and simplicity of myth. Set in the rich farmland of California's Salinas Valley, this sprawling and often brutal novel follows the intertwined destinies of two families—the Trasks and the Hamiltons—whose generations helplessly reenact the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Abel. The masterpiece of Steinbeck’s later years, East of Eden is a work in which Steinbeck created his most mesmerizing characters and explored his most enduring themes: the mystery of identity, the inexplicability of love, and the murderous consequences of love's absence. Adapted for the 1955 film directed by Elia Kazan introducing James Dean, and read by thousands as the book that brought Oprah’s Book Club back, East of Eden has remained vitally present in American culture for over half a century.
Red Rising
440 pages
Red Rising is an exhilarating series that combines thrilling action with deep social commentary, perfect for those who enjoy a gripping narrative.
Writing My Wrongs
290 pages
This memoir is fascinating as it chronicles the journey of a man who, after committing serious crimes and spending 15 years in prison, ultimately transforms his life by confronting his past and embracing empathy.
Niccolo Rising
764 pages
These intense historical fiction series are highly recommended, even for those without a background in history, as they have captivated readers, including inmate firefighters.
هيرى پوٹر اور رازوں کا کمره :
314 pages
Harry Potter is a beloved series that enchants readers with its magical world and relatable characters, making it a great choice for readers of all ages.
The Game Of Kings
683 pages
These intense historical fiction series are highly recommended, even for those without a background in history, as they have captivated readers, including inmate firefighters.
Queen's Hope
222 pages
With a vast universe and countless stories, Star Wars books offer endless adventures for readers, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to dive into a rich and expansive world.
Harry Potter und die Kammer des Schreckens
394 pages
The *Harry Potter* series is a great way to stay occupied inside, and it helped me bond with my dad during his struggles with addiction and recovery.
Needful Things
960 pages
Stephen King's books offer great escapism and are engaging without being too challenging, making them perfect for those on the inside.
Unknown Pleasures
557 pages
This biography about Joy Division offers escapism while providing insights into the music scene, making it a compelling read.
Requiem for a Dream
324 pages
This book can be a hit or miss, but when it hits, it really resonates. It's best for introspective readers due to its unique writing style.
The Book of Liz
60 pages
David Sedaris is incredibly funny and captivating, providing a temporary escape with stories that you can return to over and over again.
Scar Tissue
449 pages
This memoir provides a deep dive into the life of a rock star, offering both escapism and learning opportunities.
Shame on You
289 pages
I've heard great things about this book, which explores how trauma affects our bodies and actions, making it a valuable read for those with a trauma history.
Creatures of Empire
340 pages
Despite its terrible title, this book offers a decent look into the life of the band, making it an interesting read for fans.
The Stormlight Archive, Books 1-3
3829 pages
The Stormlight Archive features characters grappling with addiction and depression in a realistic and compassionate manner, making it a profound read that resonates deeply.
The Dragon Reborn
608 pages
The Dragon Reborn--the leader long prophesied who will save the world, but in the saving destroy it; the savior who will run mad and kill all those dearest to him--is on the run from his destiny. Able to touch the One Power, but unable to control it, and with no one to teach him how--for no man has done it in three thousand years--Rand al'Thor knows only that he must face the Dark One. But how? Winter has stopped the war-almost-yet men are dying, calling out for the Dragon. But where is he? Perrin Aybara is in pursuit with Moiraine Sedai, her Warder Lan, and the Loial the Ogier. Bedeviled by dreams, Perrin is grappling with another deadly problem--how is her to escape the loss of his own humanity. Egwene, Elayne and Nynaeve are approaching Tar Valon, where Mat will be healed--if he lives until they arrive. But who will tell the Amyrlin their news--that the Black Ajah, long thought only a hideous rumor, is all too real? They cannot know that in Tar Valon far worse awaits... Ahead, for all of them, in the Heart of the Stone, lies the next great test of the Dragon reborn....
Die Abenteuer von Sherlock Holmes
Die Abenteuer von Sherlock Holmes spielen im viktorianischen London und sind Sir Arthur Conan Doyles kultige Sammlung von Detektivgeschichten mit dem brillanten Sherlock Holmes und seinem treuen Begleiter Dr. Watson.
Das Lied von Eis und Feuer 01
480 pages
Der Einstieg in die größte Fantasy-Saga unserer Zeit in vollständig überarbeiteter Neuausgabe! Eddard Stark, der Herr von Winterfell, wird an den Hof seines Königs gerufen, um diesem als Berater und Vertrauter zur Seite zu stehen. Doch Intriganten, Meuchler und skrupellose Adlige scharen sich um den Thron, deren Einflüsterungen der schwache König nichts entgegenzusetzen hat. Während Eddard sich von mächtigen Feinden umringt sieht, steht sein Sohn, der zukünftige Herrscher des Nordens, einer uralten finsteren Macht gegenüber. Die Zukunft des Reiches hängt von den Herren von Winterfell ab. Der erste Band zur Serien-Sensation GAME OF THRONES! Alle Bände von »Das Lied von Eis und Feuer«: Band 1: Die Herren von Winterfell Band 2: Das Erbe von Winterfell Band 3: Der Thron der Sieben Königreiche Band 4: Die Saat des goldenen Löwen Band 5: Sturm der Schwerter Band 6: Die Königin der Drachen Band 7: Zeit der Krähen Band 8: Die dunkle Königin Band 9: Der Sohn des Greifen Band 10: Ein Tanz mit Drachen
American Gods Volume 1: Shadows (Graphic Novel)
268 pages
This supernatural American road trip fantasy tells the story of a war between the ancient and modern gods. The Hugo, Bram Stoker, Locus, World Fantasy, and Nebula award-winning novel and new Starz television series by Neil Gaiman is adapted as a graphic novel for the first time! The first in a three-volume adaptation of Neil Gaiman's modern classic! Shadow Moon gets out of jail only to discover his wife is dead. Defeated, broke, and uncertain where to go from here, he meets the mysterious Mr. Wednesday, who employs him to serve as his bodyguard--thrusting Shadow into a deadly world where ghosts of the past come back from the dead, and a god war is imminent. Collecting the first nine issues of the American Gods comic book series, along with art process features, high res scans of original art, layouts, character designs, and variant covers by BECKY CLOONAN, SKOTTIE YOUNG, FÁBIO MOON, DAVE MCKEAN, and MORE!
The Wise Man's Fear
1010 pages
Discover book two of Patrick Rothfuss’ #1 New York Times-bestselling epic fantasy series, The Kingkiller Chronicle. “I just love the world of Patrick Rothfuss.” —Lin-Manuel Miranda DAY TWO: THE WISE MAN’S FEAR “There are three things all wise men fear: the sea in storm, a night with no moon, and the anger of a gentle man.” My name is Kvothe. You may have heard of me. So begins a tale told from his own point of view—a story unequaled in fantasy literature. Now in The Wise Man’s Fear, Day Two of The Kingkiller Chronicle, an escalating rivalry with a powerful member of the nobility forces Kvothe to leave the University and seek his fortune abroad. Adrift, penniless, and alone, he travels to Vintas, where he quickly becomes entangled in the politics of courtly society. While attempting to curry favor with a powerful noble, Kvothe uncovers an assassination attempt, comes into conflict with a rival arcanist, and leads a group of mercenaries into the wild, in an attempt to solve the mystery of who (or what) is waylaying travelers on the King's Road. All the while, Kvothe searches for answers, attempting to uncover the truth about the mysterious Amyr, the Chandrian, and the death of his parents. In The Wise Man's Fear, Kvothe takes his first steps on the path of the hero and learns how difficult life can be when a man becomes a legend in his own time.
The Shades of Magic Series
1282 pages
This series offers a captivating world and deeply engaging characters, making it a perfect escape for anyone looking to get lost in a story.
The Name of the Wind
674 pages
Kvothe spends his life fighting hidden and familiar foes while struggling to master his magical powers and battle ancient evils that threaten his world.
Home Before Dark
260 pages
Susan Cheever uses previously unpublished letters, journals, and her own precious memories to create an insightful and candid tribute to her father, John Cheever.
Into the Wild
241 pages
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • In April 1992 a young man from a well-to-do family hitchhiked to Alaska and walked alone into the wilderness north of Mt. McKinley. Four months later, his decomposed body was found by a moose hunter. This is the unforgettable story of how Christopher Johnson McCandless came to die. "It may be nonfiction, but Into the Wild is a mystery of the highest order." —Entertainment Weekly McCandess had given $25,000 in savings to charity, abandoned his car and most of his possessions, burned all the cash in his wallet, and invented a new life for himself. Not long after, he was dead. Into the Wild is the mesmerizing, heartbreaking tale of an enigmatic young man who goes missing in the wild and whose story captured the world’s attention. Immediately after graduating from college in 1991, McCandless had roamed through the West and Southwest on a vision quest like those made by his heroes Jack London and John Muir. In the Mojave Desert he abandoned his car, stripped it of its license plates, and burned all of his cash. He would give himself a new name, Alexander Supertramp, and, unencumbered by money and belongings, he would be free to wallow in the raw, unfiltered experiences that nature presented. Craving a blank spot on the map, McCandless simply threw the maps away. Leaving behind his desperate parents and sister, he vanished into the wild. Jon Krakauer constructs a clarifying prism through which he reassembles the disquieting facts of McCandless's short life. Admitting an interest that borders on obsession, he searches for the clues to the drives and desires that propelled McCandless. When McCandless's innocent mistakes turn out to be irreversible and fatal, he becomes the stuff of tabloid headlines and is dismissed for his naiveté, pretensions, and hubris. He is said to have had a death wish but wanting to die is a very different thing from being compelled to look over the edge. Krakauer brings McCandless's uncompromising pilgrimage out of the shadows, and the peril, adversity, and renunciation sought by this enigmatic young man are illuminated with a rare understanding—and not an ounce of sentimentality. Into the Wild is a tour de force. The power and luminosity of Jon Krakauer's stoytelling blaze through every page.
You Get So Alone at Times
324 pages
This poetry book by Charles Bukowski is deeply relatable, as it reflects his struggles with addiction and homelessness, making it a poignant read for anyone feeling alone.
Neverwhere
402 pages
“Neil Gaiman is undoubtedly one of the modern masters of fantasy writing....For those who have not read Neverwhere, the new edition is the one to read, and is a fitting introduction to Gaiman’s adult fiction....American readers can experience this spellbinding, magical world the way that Neil Gaiman wanted us to all along.” —Huffington Post The #1 New York Times bestselling author’s ultimate edition of his wildly successful first novel featuring his “preferred text”—and including his special Neverwhere tale, “How the Marquis Got His Coat Back”. Published in 1997, Neil Gaiman’s darkly hypnotic first novel, Neverwhere, heralded the arrival of a major talent and became a touchstone of urban fantasy. It is the story of Richard Mayhew, a young London businessman with a good heart and an ordinary life, which is changed forever when he discovers a girl bleeding on the sidewalk. He stops to help her—an act of kindness that plunges him into a world he never dreamed existed. Slipping through the cracks of reality, Richard lands in Neverwhere—a London of shadows and darkness, monsters and saints, murderers and angels that exists entirely in a subterranean labyrinth. Neverwhere is home to Door, the mysterious girl Richard helped in the London Above. Here in Neverwhere, Door is a powerful noblewoman who has vowed to find the evil agent of her family’s slaughter and thwart the destruction of this strange underworld kingdom. If Richard is ever to return to his former life and home, he must join Lady Door’s quest to save her world—and may well die trying.
