Why fantasy novels offer much more than escapism
Feb 07, 2026•26 min•Season 18Ep. 23
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Episode description
It was a childhood love of magical stories of dragons, wizards and fantasy that ignited the idea for K.J. Aiello’s book, The Monster and the Mirror: Mental Illness, Magic, and the Stories We Tell. In the book K.J. tells their story of trying to understand their life and mental illness, and how that world of magic and fantasy helped shape who they are. Plus, Nova Scotia musician Maggie Andrew recommends The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest.
Books discussed on this week's show include:
Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness, illustrated by Jim Kay
The Monster and the Mirror: Mental Illness, Magic, and the Stories We Tell by KJ Aiello
The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest
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