The Great Escape: Into the Pages

Welcome back to , where each week we tell you about one great idea that will make your life a little easier, a little more fun - and hopefully a bit of both.

With a week of cold, wet weather behind us and snow (!) a possibility at sea level this Friday evening, this week's Great Escape is all about staying put. Even with the most miserable conditions outside your windows, a well-crafted story can provide the greatest escape of all: into your imagination.

This week, Patch suggests you stake out a cozy armchair at the , and let a great novel transport you to locations far-flung and exotic.

Wondering what to read? Here are a few ideas:

1. Few books cover more international territory than One Book One Marin's 2011 selection, Abraham Verghese's Cutting For Stone. An international bestseller, Verghese's book takes you from Kerala to Yemen, Addis Ababa and New York, and will leave you wishing for more as you - reluctantly - reach its conclusion.

2. If you love Arturo Perez-Reverte's literary thrillers, then look no further than Carlos Ruiz-Zafon's The Shadow of the Wind. Set in 1945 Barcelona, this novel is an homage to the art of writing and reading, and just begs for a nice glass of Garnacha or Tempranillo to accompany it ( has a great selection of Spanish wines).

3. Speaking of Perez-Reverte, you may have missed The Queen of the South, a fast-paced tale of drug-smuggling  and international intrigue, and somewhat of a departure in style from his other, more high-minded novels. With one of the most compelling heroines ever to hit the pages, The Queen of the South roars from Sinaloa, Mexico to Tangiers and Spain's Costa Brava. Turn off your ringer for this one; you won't want any interruptions once you're engrossed in the life of Teresa Mendoza.

If you're looking for more locally-sourced reading inspiration, check out of books by Mill Valley authors, or ask one of our knowledgeable librarians for suggestions.