It's easy to sink into a monotonous routine in the fast-paced environment of the digital age. With smartphones allowing us to stay connected even on the go, we rarely find time to stop and explore the world from a unique perspective.

Recently, our social book club MashableReads finished reading the short story collection The UnAmericans by Molly Antopol. Throughout the collection, the plot line bounces among a variety of characters scattered across different eras and locations, in an effort to trace how history has shaped a global Jewish identity. Examining one idea from so many different points-of-view made us wonder: What new perspectives can we use to explore our every day world?

We asked Mashable readers to show us new ways to see the world by taking photos of ordinary objects from unique perspectives. Readers submitted a plethora of photos, ranging from close-ups of pets to fireworks viewed through bubbles. Check out some of our favorites below.

MashReads Perspectives Challenge

1. 1. Shopping Carts

   Image: @thekdd on Instagram

2. 2. "Eye See You"

   Image: @rehan88 on Instagram

3. 3. "Building Fascia and Car Reflections"

   Image: @tomroffey on Instagram

4. 4. A Border Collie

   Image: @cesarindustriall on Instagram

5. 5. "Fireworks in a Bubble"

   Image: @missfiore on Instagram

6. 6. Abstract Droplets

   Image: @danielsltaylor on Instagram

7. 7. Part of a Light Fixture

   Image: @asher1983 on Instagram

8. 8. Rain and Trains

   Image: @chardacova on Instagram

9. 9. A Basket

   Image: @kjita on Instagram

10. 10. An Abstract Martini

    Image: @aleciamit on Instagram

11. 11. Strings

    Image: @brilliantartistry on Instagram

12. 12. "Tools of My Trade"

    Image: @dawn_armfield on Instagram

13. 13. Knife or Mirror?

    Image: @tonilange on Instagram

14. 14. Curtains and Ceiling

    Image: @justdaz on Instagram

15. 15. Headphones

    Image: @mooneymm4 on Instagram

16. 16. Dripping

    Image: @ika_m on Instagram

Want to learn more about MashableReads? Follow @mashlifestyle and #MashReads on Twitter. You can also join our Goodreads group to discuss your thoughts with fellow readers from around the world.

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