Flower Among the Ruins

There seems to be not much light right now. So much so that I feel like I am fumbling around in the dark to find the right words.

They remain hidden from me.

I wish I had answers or at least pithy things to say to make you laugh, but I don't. I don't understand why there is so much hatred in the world and violence. I just know that whenever the world gets to be too much, I slip into the safe world of a book.

In hope to provide reprieve, here is a list of some of my favorite escapist books.

The Lunar Chroniclesby Marissa Meyer--I love this series more than I can say.  But I am going to try anyway in a later post. If you want the world to melt away and you enjoy fairytales, this is the series for you.

Lord of the Ringsby J.R.R. Tolkien-- There are battles between good and evil, but good triumphs. It is nice to know good triumphs. And eating multiple breakfasts is celebrated.

I Capture the Castleby Dodie Smith--A girl lives in a castle. There is a crazy love triangle. There is a much to do about a wireless. What's not to love?

Anne of Green Gablesby L.M. Montgomery--I want to live in a world with Anne and Gilbert. Do I need to say more?

Anna and the French Kissby Stephanie Perkins--I talked aboutLola and the Boy Next Doorbefore, but my best friend said this is the best of the series. So I am recommending it to you. I mean, it is set in Paris.

Fangirl/Carry on Simonby Rainbow Rowell--Okay, we can get really meta about this because the main character fromFangirlescapes into an imaginary world. Which became the book Carry on Simon. So way to make an equally awesome spinoff from an already fabulous book, Rainbow.

When you are done with your escape, please come back refreshed. I hope the books make you more compassionate and stronger. More willing to love and strive for justice. Because, despite all the dark, I believe the light can and will return.

I think a scene in theLord of the Ringstrilogy sums it up best. Our heroes pass a statue of a broken king, destroyed by evil forces. But a flower still grew from the rubble. There is still hope among destruction. Not to be too cheesy, but I think those flowers are us.

What are your favorite escapist books?