Fantasy short stories are a great alternative. They take you to different magical worlds. J. R. R. Tolkien's short works related to Middle - earth, even if not as long as his major novels, are full of rich imagination and exciting adventures.
You can read classic short stories. For example, works by O. Henry often have interesting twists and great character development. His stories like 'The Gift of the Magi' are both touching and thought - provoking.
Another option is to read historical short stories. They can provide insights into different time periods. For instance, stories set during the World War II era can show the courage and struggles of people during that difficult time.