Books That Transform: From Fantasy to Self-Help

Daily writing prompt

What books do you want to read?

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Lately, I’ve found myself consumed by fantasy novels. A year ago, I wouldn’t have believed I’d be obsessed with magical realms and epic adventures. Here I am, deep into the genre, thanks to Sarah J. Maas and her A Court of Thorns and Roses series (ACOTAR). I owe a huge thank you to Maas and my friends who introduced me to this world. Now, fantasy isn’t just something I enjoy; it’s an obsession.

I love fantasy books because they pull me away from reality. They transport me into a world where anything is possible. There’s magic, battles, and compelling characters, with plots so intricate that they keep me turning pages late into the night. ACOTAR was my gateway into this genre, and Maas’ ability to build emotional depth and develop relationships fascinates me.

And let’s be real. If you’re reading ACOTAR, you’re probably also battling the endless desire for more books just like it. Enter The Fourth Wing. This is at the top of my reading list for the upcoming months. I’ve heard so much buzz about it lately, dragons, magic schools, and intense battles. I’m here for all of it. Plus, it feels like this book might give me some of that same high energy thrill I got from ACOTAR.

Of course, I’m obsessed with my escape into these fantasy realms. Still, there’s another part of me that wants to continue working on myself. I aim to improve both mentally and emotionally. Reading self-help books has become a key part of this journey.

I’ve picked up a few CBT and mindfulness journals. Some of them are still waiting for me to dive deeper into. Sometimes it’s hard to balance the escapism of fantasy with the reality of dealing with personal growth. However, I’ve found that a combination of both can be really fulfilling.

I believe self-help books can help me understand myself better. I want to learn more about topics like self-compassion, emotional regulation, and mental health. I really want to develop strategies to live with more awareness and intention.

In my perfect world, my bookshelf would be a blend of these two genres. I would have fantasy novels for a mental escape. I would also have self-help books to help me build a more grounded, understanding relationship with myself. I don’t know if there’s a magic formula to balancing both, but for now, that’s the adventure I’m on. I’m hoping these reads will help me grow into a more self-aware, emotionally intelligent version of myself.

I’m busy living my best fantasy-reading life. It’s slightly obsessive. I’m also carving out time for a little self-care. I’m working on self-improvement along the way. Maybe I’ll even find ways to merge the two worlds. Fantasy books might offer life lessons. Self-help books could feel like a bit of magic in themselves.