With our commutes as long as ever and our rent showing no sign of getting cheaper, over at ELLE we know a good book is the cheapest way to travel.

Whether in time, across the globe, or into the human condition, a good book can take us anywhere, and for the price of a paperback.

So in the spirit of World Book Day, ELLE have opened their libraries and told us what they are reading right now.

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The Descent of Man by Grayson Perry

Recommended by Kelsey Freeman, Designer

It's filled with fantastic illustrations challenging what a stereotypical man should be in today's society. As well as an interesting perspective about the pressures of society vs reassurance that it's ok to not feel "manly" "dominant" and "angry" all the time. Refreshing to hear from a male! Would recommend to everyone!

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Stay with Me by Ayobami Adebayo

Recommended by Hannah Nathanson, Commissioning Editor

Ayobami Adebayo wrote such a beautiful piece about lying about her father's death in the March Issue of ELLE (You Can't Handle The Truth) that I had to read her book. It's set in Nigeria and tells the story of a marriage from both the wife and husband's perspective.

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My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

Recommended by Lila Roberts, Fashion Intern

I am on my second attempt of finishing this book. It's an enchanting story about two friends living in Italy. The book goes into intense detail about the country, neighbourhood and these two friends.

I'm trying to read it again because it is being made into a play!

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The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead

Recommended by Lena De Casparis, Culture Editor

The story follows young slave's adventures as she makes a bid for freedom in the South. If you don't trust me that it's great it was also New York Times bestseller, won The National Book Award Winner, oh and Obama said he loved it. Plus news this week hit that director Barry Jenkins, who just won a Best Picture Oscar for Moonlight, will be adapting it in to a series.

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Lie By Me by Sabine Durrant

Recommended by Kirsty Dale, Executive Fashion & Beauty Director

A quick, easy read picked-up at the airport purely to get me through a short haul flight. It did the trick and I was immediately drawn into the main character as his life unravels in a clever plot.

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Lion: A Long Way Home by Saroo Brierley

Recommended by Katie O'Malley, Digital Writer

I've just finished reading 'Lion'. My book club decided to read it before watching the film. We were all so amazed at the journey Saroo embarks on to find his family. His perseverance and hope is inspiring and the fact it's a true story is even more compelling. Saroo's vivid description of India and Islamic/Hindu culture is equally fascinating. It's quite an easy short read but definitely worth the time.

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The Widow by Fiona Barton

Recommended by Rosie Cave, Assistant to Michelle Ogundehin and Jacqui Cave.

A terrifically chilling exploration of darkness at the heart of a seemingly ordinary marriage, which is told with such realism I have to keep telling myself it's fiction!

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The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton

Recommended by Alex Holder, Acting Content Editor

I've just begun reading this off the back of Rob Delaney recommending it. I have no idea yet if I should trust a sweary American comedian with my literary choices, but the Man Booker judges agree with him so I think I'm in safe hands.

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Good Me Bad Me by Ali Land

Recommended by Joely Walker, Beauty Editor

The story of a 15 year old girl who finally breaks her silence on her abusive, serial killer mother and is put into foster care until the court trial. Gripping from the first page.

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AA Gill is Away by AA Gill

Recommended by Natasha Bird, Digital Editor

Adrian Anthony Gill was probably my favourite journalist ever and I felt his death keenly last year. He was one of the last of a dying tribe of journalists who turned the english language into a whole new dialect, by playing and manipulating and transferring and doing it all with mirth and authority. So when he passed away, I decided to go back through his complete catalogue, to enjoy it all over again and in the hope that some of what he does will rub off on me. This is his book of travel writing and he spins such marvelous yarns about even the most dark and dreadful places that it's made me want to pack my bags and adventure to every far flung corner of the globe.

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Housekeeping by Marilynne Robinson

Recommended by Daisy Murray, Junior Digital Writer

I was given this book a year ago when life wasn't going so well, so I held off reading it until I felt better (so as not to ruin it!). Robinson is a master of the craft and has a cult following, so I'm surprised I've come to her so late. This is her first novel and I'm reading her slowly to take it all the sadness and humour in. So far, so beautiful.

Headshot of Daisy Murray
Daisy Murray
Digital Fashion Editor

Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism - interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.