Not too long ago, Top Ten Tuesday asked a great question: Which books would you play hooky with when given the chance?

For my criteria, I decided on stories that would grab me immediately, have characters I care about, and have a setting that is so fantastical, I forget about the stresses I’m trying to avoid. I want my disbelief suspended in a way that every minute I spend away from reality is well worth the effort.

1. Any Harry Potter book. I’ve read them, but this is a series that can (and should be) re-read from time to time. This is one fantasy series that succeeds at removing me from the real world and who doesn’t need a mental vacation from time to time? Thus, the perfect set of “hooky” books.
2. I’m currently reading a book I regularly steal off to a quiet place to read: Sacre Bleu by Christopher Moore. It is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year.
3. Soulless by Gail Carriger. A unique steampunk series that was recommended to me and after reading the first few pages, I realized what very good friends I have and what excellent taste they have in books. (This is the first book in the series)
4. Interview With The Vampire by Anne Rice. A book I should have read a long time ago. I’m glad I picked it up on a whim. It’s one of those that’s hard to put down.
5. The Strange Affair of Spring Heeled Jack by Mark Hodder. A fun steampunk mystery and the first in a series)
6. I Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith. This story will weave a magic spell upon you so you have to read it in one sitting. This may be the hardest choice as a “hooky” book as it will claim more of your time than expected – in a good way. (p.s. – this is the same author who wrote 101 Dalmatians, which is better than any of the movie adaptations. Then again, aren’t most books?)
7. The Osiris Ritual by George Mann. Another wonderful steampunk mystery series. This is the second book. The first is The Affinity Bridge. You’ll be hooked immediately. Promise.
8. The Iron King by Julie Kagawa. There are a lot of young adult books about faeries, but this one stands out amongst all the others. (This is the first book in the series)
9. Any book by A. Lee Martinez, but for this list, Divine Misfortune. Another author I push relentlessly recommend highly to family, friends, and customers at the store where I work.
10. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee. A classic that I’d happily re-read at the drop of a hat.

If you are interested in any or all of these books, please visit my Top Ten Hooky Bookshelf at Powell’s.

So what do you think? What are you’re “go to” books?