Stories let us become immersed in realities outside our own, from our ancestors telling tales of their hunt around a fire to the vast collection of media at our fingertips today.

After a long day, it’s time to escape into another world. What medium do you choose?

Books

Writing is the oldest form of storytelling after verbal recitement. For hundreds of years, people have browsed through libraries, running their fingers over well-thumbed volumes before selecting one to curl up with. Once hooked in by the pages, the imagination takes over. Some people don’t have time to sit down with a book, but most titles are available as audio narrations, leaving the busiest of us free to listen as we work or commute.

TV shows

For those who like visuals, a TV show might be the best way to spend a chill evening at home. Like chapters of a novel, the episodic format allows the storytelling to dive deep into details while breaking it up into digestible chunks. There’s nothing like getting together with close friends or family and watching a good show together.

Movie theaters

Some people like to experience a powerful performance, which is where the movie theater shines. While movies can be watched at home, with the combination of a massive screen and bone-rattling sound of a theater, one can’t help but be entranced. Movies often gloss over some of the fine details of a story, but the densely packed action leaves a myriad of quandaries to be deliberated long after the film is over.

The modern age offers so many unique mediums for storytelling that choosing one can be overwhelming. Often, the same tale has been published in more than one format, leaving everyone free to select a medium that works best for them.