So probably Ta-Nehisi Coates' new book wouldn't be a good choice. On my TBR list, but not now. We need an escape from reality.
Since we're on Mastodon I'll recommend a couple of authors here. @markarayner Alpha Max
and
@scalzi Starter Villain
Both entertaining and pretty quick reads. Then you can move on to Hermann Hesse's Narcissus and Goldmund. LOL

There are SO many but try John Varley, Tim Dorsey, Ursula LeGuin & @TheAuthorGuy to start

has anyone mentioned The Rivers of London yet? Magical police procedurals by Ben Aaronovitch, in books, audiobooks (my favorite, there’s a bit of jazz in between chapters in the early ones), and graphic novels. Intelligent and fun.

I'm late to the party and so many replies.But have you read the #Murderbot series? SO GOOD.

The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler was a delightfully captivating read, and also very original and smart. some absolutely gorgeous octopus imagery

I've been reading N.K.Jemisin, completely out of order, but that's ok. Kind of organic magic and the power of place.

did you read the uglies series

Depending on your twist of mind, a few old & new authors I have come across are:

Jodi Taylor: the St Mary's (Time Travelling Historians), Time Police (SpinOff with the most dysfunctional team), Elizabeth Cage thrillers & Frogmorton Farm.
I've only read the time travel ones though.

Iris Beaglehole*- the Myrtlewood Mysteries. Witch Town and Crones Spin Off - you have to read one to see for yourself.
*I know I don't believe it either but the books are fun.

Jasper Fforde - many series of books, most famous the Dragonslayer YA series now on TV.
My favourite is the Thursday Next series, features "Bookworld". Sort of Literary Melodrama set in an alternative UK and the world of books (INSIDE them), best bit is spot the pun in character names. Some time travel is involved too.

oooh. oooh. Have you read The Kingdoms, by Natasha Pulley?

I loved The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern.

Lots of great suggestions in the responses here! @Bluejo has an article today on reactormag that might provide some more suggestions too!

https://reactormag.com/books-to-read-when-you-need-an-escape/

The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery is the book that made me fall in love with octopuses...

just added The Bedlam Stacks to my tbr.

The Mars House was also good, though very different since it is set in space.

I will! Thank you.

oh, I love it, he reads like Neil Nunes

https://youtu.be/UdpWjdA5LRo?si=EnjZoR2mKh-9OUS0

I've left out tons but saw so many already recommended- other folks will be hitting up this thread for their own reading list

love the website already 😄 https://www.timdorsey.com/chronology.html