The past few weeks have felt heavy. Climate disasters continue to reshape our world, political upheaval stirs constant tension, and even the gloomy stretch of late January adds to the collective exhaustion. In moments like these, the pull of escapism feels stronger than ever.
Recently, I found myself experiencing this relief through Apple TV’s Severance. Over two weekends, I watched the first episodes of season two, completely absorbed—no glancing at notifications, no background anxiety humming in my mind. For a short time, the chaos of the outside world blurred, replaced by a story so immersive it demanded my full attention.
And isn’t that the power of art? To make us forget our phones, our worries, and even our bodies for a while. Escapism isn’t weakness—it’s survival.
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What Escapism Really Means
When people hear “escapism,” they often imagine lighthearted distractions or guilty pleasures. But escapism isn’t limited to bright, cheerful entertainment. It’s about finding a story that pulls you so deeply into its world that reality fades to the background.
For some, that means fantasy epics filled with magic and heroes. For others, it’s slow-burn romances with guaranteed happy endings. For me, it’s often literature that feels raw and real—even when it reflects the darker side of the human experience.
The truth is, escapism wears many faces. What matters isn’t the category but the feeling of being transported somewhere else, even briefly.
The Classic Paths of Escape
Certain genres have long been celebrated as perfect avenues for escape. They endure because they reliably deliver immersion and satisfaction:
- Fantasy novels – Worlds where anything is possible, like Lev Grossman’s The Bright Sword, which makes losing yourself in a magical landscape irresistible.
- Science fiction and space operas – Expansive universes where humanity reimagines itself, such as Ann Leckie’s acclaimed Ancillary Justice series.
- Romantic comedies – Light, hopeful stories where love is inevitable and endings are happy. Jasmine Guillory’s novels never fail to bring joy.
- Thrillers and mysteries – Page-turning tension that holds you captive. Sara Sligar’s Vantage Point is one recent example that kept me hooked.
- Beach reads – Uplifting or gently dramatic stories, often tied to hope. Rufi Thorpe’s Margot’s Got Money Problems or Bobby Finger’s Four Squares both fit the bill.
These genres are “tried and true” for a reason. They allow us to trade our own anxieties for stories that are thrilling, comforting, or simply different.
The Unexpected Side of Escapism
Surprisingly, some of the books I turn to when I want to escape don’t shy away from politics, hardship, or social struggle. Instead, they reveal the harsh truths of the world we already live in—but with the sharpness of fiction that grips the imagination.
Adelle Waldman’s Help Wanted, for example, follows a group of big-box store employees fighting through economic and personal challenges. The setting is familiar, almost painfully real, yet the storytelling is so compelling it demands full focus.
Another standout is Isabella Hammad’s Enter Ghost. Set in the West Bank, it tells the story of Arab actors staging Hamlet. The novel is devastating yet impossible to put down. Far from cheerful distraction, it becomes escape through intensity—a reminder that catharsis can be just as valuable as comfort.
Blurring Fact and Fiction
Another fascinating form of escapism comes from books that blend reality with imagination. These novels ground themselves in familiar worlds but twist them just enough to unsettle and captivate.
Recent standouts include:
- Ed Park’s Same Bed, Different Dreams – Expansive, surreal, yet tethered to history.
- Catherine Lacey’s Biography of X – A novel that reinvents what biography and storytelling can be.
- Justin Torres’s Blackouts – Lyrical, inventive, and deeply moving.
Benjamin Labatut’s The Maniac and When We Cease to Understand the World – Explorations of genius, science, and madness that feel both real and dreamlike.
These works refuse to be confined to genre labels. They bend the rules, distort reality, and leave readers questioning everything. For me, they make social media scrolls and breaking news alerts feel trivial by comparison.
Why Escapism Matters Right Now
We live in turbulent times. Between political crises, environmental disasters, and the constant buzz of digital life, our minds rarely get a moment of peace. That’s why escapism is not frivolous—it’s necessary.
When you pick up a book, press play on a series, or lose yourself in music, you are giving your brain a break from the constant churn of worry. Escapism doesn’t mean ignoring reality forever. It means recharging your spirit so you can face reality again with more strength.
We all know the work that still demands our attention: helping neighbors, supporting mutual aid efforts, holding leaders accountable. But balance matters. Just as our bodies need rest, our minds need imaginative refuge.
Choosing Your Own Escape
The key lesson: escapism is personal. What pulls one reader into bliss might leave another unmoved. That’s why the best advice is simple—follow your bliss.
Don’t worry about categories or labels. Maybe for you it’s high fantasy, maybe it’s a gripping political drama, or maybe it’s a breezy rom-com. What counts is whether the story transports you so completely that the noise of the world fades, even for a little while.
For me, escapism sometimes means dystopian science fiction. Other times, it’s novels about corporate monotony, oppressive politics, or complicated family dramas. Escapism doesn’t always mean joy—it can also mean catharsis, intensity, or sheer wonder.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What does escapism mean in difficult times?
Escapism is the act of immersing yourself in stories, art, or activities that let you step away from stress and reality for a while. It doesn’t mean ignoring problems—it means giving your mind a break so you can return to challenges with renewed energy.
Is escapism healthy or harmful?
Healthy escapism—through reading, watching films, or creative hobbies—can reduce stress and improve mental well-being. It becomes harmful only if it replaces responsibilities or prevents you from facing important aspects of life.
What types of books are best for escapism?
Escapist books vary depending on preference. Some enjoy fantasy or sci-fi for total immersion, others prefer rom-coms or thrillers for quick distraction, while some find escape in realistic, political, or emotional stories that grip their attention.
Why do people turn to escapism during global crises?
When the world feels overwhelming—due to climate change, politics, or social unrest—escapism offers temporary relief. It helps people process emotions, find hope, and recharge before returning to real-world challenges.
Can serious or political books still count as escapism?
Yes. Escapism doesn’t always mean lighthearted. Many readers escape into intense or political books because the storytelling is so absorbing that it pulls them away from everyday worries.
How can I practice escapism without feeling guilty?
View escapism as self-care. Balance it with your responsibilities, and remember that taking time to recharge isn’t laziness—it’s necessary for resilience.
Besides books, what other forms of escapism are helpful?
Music, movies, TV shows, art, video games, and even outdoor activities like hiking or gardening can all provide healthy escapism by shifting focus and easing stress.
Conclusion
Escapism is not about running away from reality—it’s about giving ourselves room to breathe. In times when the world feels heavy with crises and uncertainty, stories, art, and creativity provide a vital refuge. Whether through fantasy, romance, thrillers, or even politically charged narratives, the common thread is immersion—moments where the noise of the world fades and we reconnect with imagination. Allow yourself that space. Escaping into books, films, or art doesn’t make you careless; it makes you stronger. When we return from those journeys, we bring back renewed clarity, resilience, and sometimes even hope. And in a world that feels like it’s constantly burning, that spark of hope may be the most important thing of all.
