Lovely post. You can't beat a good book! I agree with you that reading takes your mind away from the stresses and strains of daily life, especially when it's a book that has really gripped you.
I usually have one fiction and one non-fiction book on the go at any one time. Currently I'm reading Death in Holy Orders by PD James, an excellent crime novel, and Science and Islam by Ehsan Masood, which is an OK book about science in the Islamic world from the c9th onwards (I would have liked the author to include more details).
I do prefer to buy physical books but that also means I have to be strict about not buying a new one until an existing one has been read and taken to the charity shop because there's never enough space for all my books.
Happy reading.
Space and physical books don't always combine well especially for people like you and I who like to read a lot; it's a constant struggle although I simply detest reading on a device (I mean reading for enjoyment as I use devices for work and all) so have to get creative. I'm fortunate to have a room in my house I've set up as a library with walls of shelves from floor to ceiling full of books. It's my home office also and I like being surrounded by all those friends I've made along the journey of my life.
Thanks for sharing what you're reading,two contrasting books but possibly some sort of link through the religious aspect perhaps.
I appreciate you taking to time to comment.