Great Escape: Lose Yourself in Literature

Sometimes you just can't catch a break.

Or at least it feels that way. Who knows the last time you even considered making time to buy a book, let alone read anything other than homework errors, permission slips and school itineraries.

Of course, your situation may not be quite that dire, but it can be hard to gain perspective during the day-to-day grind.

My friend, a mother, lent me The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls and insisted I would not be able to put it down. The description on the back sounded depressing, not exactly my idea of a good way to wind down.

Boy, was I wrong. I took it home that night and didn't put it down until four o'clock in the morning. The next day, I went out and bought two more copies, one for my mom and one for my sister.

The New York Times best-seller is Walls' memoir retelling her astounding childhood. You will marvel at the family (not just the parents, whose life choices will blow you away, but the children's resilience, strength and smarts). You will also appreciate your own family a lot more when you're done.

No matter how bad things may seem to get, I guarantee any minor stress or worry will melt away with the valuable perspective you gain from this book. You can pick one up at in Brentwood for $15 or borrow a copy from the libraries. It is well worth the price.