It is a truth universally acknowledged that reading is good for the soul. Some say books are the windows to another reality, opening the mind up to possibilities never imagined before. 

For sophomore Allison Michael and junior Caitlyn Karecki, books are portals to other worlds.

Michael is currently reading a fantasy novel named Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. “It’s about this group of people that’s half-angel, half-human who fights demons,” she explained.

Karecki is currently reading Archivist Wasp and Latchkey, a duology written by Nicole Komher-Stace about a dystopian society ridden with ghosts. Wasp, the main character, is sent on a mission to investigate the mysterious Latchkey Project.

“Little does Wasp know that everything in her life isn’t what it seems, and the Latchkey Project is more twisted than she thinks…” Karecki adds.

Michael and Karecki read to escape reality, even if it’s just for a moment.

“I’m a writer, and I’m inspired by the worlds people can create,” Karecki said. “Reading also helps me cope…by escaping reality.”

If you’re looking for something to read in your spare time, Michael recommends authors Cassandra Clare and Shannon Messenger, while Karecki suggests Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet, Pet, Archivist Wasp, Dustborn, and A Curse of Roses.