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“One of two newsletters I pay for.” “A refreshing alt to doomscrolling.” “Always a good mix of serious content and frivolity.” Real reviews from readers who support Downtime with a paid subscription ($5/month). 🩴 There’s a summer sale happening now! Won’t you join in? 🩴
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Hi! I hope you’re getting ready to get a bit of sunshine and R&R this weekend. Today, I’m offering you a pre-holiday gift in the form of book recs: reads to help you escape.
By a “transportive” read, I mean one that whisks you away—mentally, emotionally, atmospherically. It immerses you so fully in its world that you forget where you are. Think: reading under a beach umbrella but feeling like you’re wandering the Italian countryside, tangled in a 19th-century affair, or navigating the terrain of a faraway planet. These are books less about plot-driven thrills and more about lingering in a mood, a setting, or a character’s inner world.
Below are ten book recommendations along these lines from friends of Downtime to pack with you, whether you’re traveling to Puglia or simply to your local park for a lazy day in the sun.
I asked people whose reading tastes I know vary widely from one another to present you with a smorgasbord of options, no matter your vibe. I’m pleased with how eclectic the picks are. Enjoy!
What are you picking up to feel whisked away? Would love to hear your rec(s) for transportive summer reads, in the comments.
—Alisha
P.S. There’s a special book giveaway at the bottom of this post!
P.P.S. I’m running a 20% off summer sale to celebrate two years of Downtime. That means it’s just $4/month right now. If you’ve been thinking about upgrading, now’s the time—come join us.
Nine recommendations from guests and myself…
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If you’re into a multigenerational saga that blends genres…
Real Americans by Rachel Khong
“Not only will this book take you across the country (and the world), it will take you across decades and generations. Plus, there's a bit of magical realism in it, which I can never resist!” — Morgan Pager, author of the just-released The Art of Vanishing
If you’re a romance reader craving a more layered story…
Just Last Night by Mhairi McFarlane
“I love rom-com-type books, but it's hard to find ones where the writing feels sharp and the plot isn't overly formulaic. This novel, set in England, handily checks both of those boxes—it begins as a breezy, funny story about a tight-knit friend group and a long-simmering crush, then pivots into something deeper and more emotional after an unexpected twist.” — Harling Ross Anton, writer of theGumshoe newsletter
If you’re a history nerd craving a mystery…
“Post-WWI London may not exude ‘summer vibes,’ but each time I set this book down, I couldn’t wait to get back to its perfectly crafted world. In this absorbing historical mystery-romance, a buttoned-up detective sergeant teams up with a handsome graphologist to solve a murder that cuts to the heart of corruption in the Metropolitan Police Department. The novel's strong theme of justice felt like a balm, and the longing and banter between Aaron and Joel made me swoon. I am always chasing that feeling of tearing through three Nancy Drew novels a day, and this delivered. History nerds: do not miss the author's note!” —