As the third quarter comes to an end, times can be hectic. Sometimes, it can be beneficial to disappear into a world of our own. Movies, games and T.V. shows can do that for us, but not in the magnitude that books can. So, if you are sick and tired of rewriting papers, or rushing to cram for make-up quizzes before the end of the quarter and you just simply need a break, kick back a read a book. Take a time out and adventure into a world different from the normal. Below are some titles that can help you to do just that.

Best Romance: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

This may arguably be the most well known romance story of the twenty-first century, and for good reason. The story of Noah and Allie is remarkable and heart wrenching. It is also a story that has not been done justice by the movie, so please pick up a copy of the Notebook, the book.

Honorable Mention: Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Best Book That You Have to Read Twice to Know What Happened: The Phantom Toll Booth by Norton Juster

This is a book that you must read to fully understand. Every word seems to allude to something else, another area of life, a new word you have to look up, or another story you should read. However, don’t be alarmed; “The Phantom Toll Booth” is an a simply story about a young boy, Milo, who is transported into a land of knowledge and mystery. He encounters many characters that teach him something different and unique about life.

Honorable Mention: Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane

The Best Fantasy Series that Isn’t Harry Potter: The Uglies by Scott Westerfield

The Uglies series consists of four books (The Uglies, The Pretties, The Specials and The Extras). Don’t disregard these books due to the superficial titles, these books tell the story of Tally Youngblood, a 15 year-old “ugly” who is on the verge of being turned “pretty”. Youngblood refuses to live this life and goes on wild hunt for a village that allows you to stay as you are.

Honorable Mention: Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling (what? It’s a great series)

The Best Biography that was mentioned at the Oscars: 12 Years a Slave by Solomon Northup

A more interesting and relatable than Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, 12 Years a Slave also tells the story of an escaped slave. However, Solomon was a freeman all his life until he was kidnapped into slavery. The memoir includes the horrors of slavery but it also touches upon the story of a man who has life stripped away from his as he slowly loses his freedom.

Honorable Mention: The Wolf of Wall Street by Jordan Belfort