Have you felt your imagination being drained out and replaced with Excel spreadsheets as you sit cramped in a corner on the first floor of Cooper? Are you feeling your sense of adventure pushed away in place of adult logic? Has the magic you wanted so badly to exist been steamrolled by the crushing boredom of reality? Your brain may be long overdue for a vacation. Let this list be your guide to escapism.
“The Lies of Locke Lamora” by Scott Lynch
“The Lies of Locke Lamora” is one of the most enjoyable books you’ll ever read. It’s a heist novel set in a fantasy world. You follow Locke Lamora and his gang of thieves known as the Gentleman Bastards as they attempt to pull off the heist of their lifetimes. All of this is alongside some of the snappiest dialog you’ll read will leave you with a newfound appreciation for cursing.
For fans of:”Mistborn”, or movies such as “Goodfellas,” “The Departed,” “Baby Driver” and “Pulp Fiction”
“Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
“Mistborn” is one of the most creative spins I’ve seen on fantasy. It’s also a heist novel, but the protagonists are trying to defeat an evil ruler. They also have powers activated by drinking bits of metal. For example, someone who drinks steel can push anything metal. This allows for coins to be used as brutal weapons, or a row of metal poles to be used as a means to fly. It’s an interesting concept that stays fun the whole way through.
For fans of: “The Lies of Locke Lamora”or“The Hunger Games”
“The Name of the Wind” by Patrick Rothfuss
An old tavern owner reveals that he is actually a legendary hero. “The Name of the Wind” takes place completely in his story as he explains his rise and downfall. It’s an easy read with beautiful prose. Read to see how Rothfuss describes lute music.
For fans of: The “Harry Potter” series, anything by Neil Gaiman or Celtic folk music.
“Stardust” by Neil Gaiman
“Stardust” is unlike any other title on this list. It’s a light fairytale written completely for adults. It’s the story of a young man retrieving a shooting star in order to win his love’s hand in marriage. There’s a great movie adaptation, but don’t skip out on Gaiman’s beautiful prose.
For fans of: Old fairy tales.
“A Game of Thrones” by George R.R. Martin
Those looking for a light read will be sorely disappointed in George R.R. Martin’s complex world. Be prepared for something more dialog-based and philosophical than the other books here. There’s plenty of lore to remember, but if you choose to take the dive into Westeros you’ll be rewarded with an unforgettable reading experience when it all clicks.
For fans of: “House of Cards”, “The Stand” or“Malazan”.
All books mentioned are available at Cooper Library.