Is anyone else struggling with reading? I have all of this time on my hands, so in theory I should be reading a lot, but I am just not. I think part of the problem is that I gravitate toward serious reads and that is not what my mind needs right now. I thought it would be helpful for me to look back on the books that have provided me comfort in some way and maybe that will encourage me to pick up more books like that. I would also love any of your recommendations!
Notes of a Nervous Planet by Matt Haig
I would consider all of Matt Haig’s work to be comfort reads, especially his nonfiction. Haig struggles with anxiety and depression (follow him on Twitter for some helpful insight) and he shares his experiences with navigate the world. We need this now more than ever, and I have found myself flipping through the book and reading some of my favourite passages:
“The world exists in you. Your experience of the world isn’t this objective unchangeable thing called ‘The World’. No. Your experience of the world is your interaction with it, your interpretation of it. To a certain degree we all make our own worlds. We read it in our own way. But also: we can, to a degree, choose what to read. We have to work out what about the world makes us feel sad or scared or confused or ill or calm or happy.”
Raven Black by Ann Cleeves
Is it strange to find a mystery comforting? The murder in this book happens off the page, and the story is more about Shetland and its people. There is a lot of history here and everyone knows one another- there is something comforting in that. I just appreciate the tone of this book and the TV adaptation is my all-time favourite show. I really should talk this opportunity to continue on with the rest of the books in the series.
Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
No surprise here! I think a graphic novel is the perfect thing to pick up when you do not have enough room in your brain for anything too serious or lengthy. It is even better if the story itself is just so damn adorable! Just the thought of Charlie and Nick brings a smile to my face, and that is something we all need right now.
10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston
I find myself compelled to read YA contemporary in times like these. 10 Blind Dates takes place around Christmas time (Did you know that The Hallmark Channel is replaying all of their Christmas movies?), but I don’t think you need to read it in December to appreciate it. Christmas is such a small part of the story. The book tackles some heavier topics, but the way this family comes together is so delightful. Truly one of my favourite bookish families! The dates themselves range from hilarious to adorable. It was just a joy to read.
Modern Love edited by Daniel Jones
You probably know by now that I love nonfiction, but so much of what I read are difficult memoirs. I need more comforting nonfiction in my life and I would say that Modern Love qualifies. Each essay focuses on different kinds of love and each one is beautiful in it’s own right. There are some that are heartbreaking but ultimately hopeful. I would say pick this one up if you need a good cry because Modern Love will bring tears of both joy and sadness to your eyes.
Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman
Now is the perfect time to read books with a little bit of humour in them but they can be completely hit or miss for me. Norse Mythology is exactly my sense of humour, mainly thanks to Loki. I would highly recommend the audiobook of this one as Gaiman narrates it and it is so much fun! I will never get tired of the banter between Loki and Thor.
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
I find certain historical fiction novels to be quite comforting. The one that instantly came to mind was The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek. Once again, there are some darker themes, but I think the overall message of the story is incredible and this is a part of history I knew little about. I love the idea of women travelling the mountains on the back of a mule in order to provides books to people who need them. It is a reminder of the power of books and reading!
Emma by Jane Austen
Let’s be honest, I would consider all of Jane Austen’s novels to be comforting, but there is something about Emma that I think is perfect if you need something light and distracting. I just adore Emma so much- faults and all! She is such a gossip and gets herself into trouble, but that is what makes her so much fun to read about! Once you finish Emma, I would then pick up Lady Susan. It is short, told through letters, and so entertaining.
I’m doing a lot of reading (and working, and cleaning…) while I’m at home. I get what you mean about rereading favorites. I’ve reread all of John Scalzi’s books, and am now revisiting Kate Morton. Two radically different authors, but I love them both. Also looking for new reads, but I have to do more rereading than new, or I’m going to spend way too much money.
Ah I actually have a Kate Morton book on my shelf right now that I have been meaning to read. It is The Forgotten Garden. Maybe I need to prioritize it!
That’s one of my favorites!
Oh I love Heartstopper and Norse mythology! Also really enjoyed 10 blind dates!
(www.evelynreads.com)
Such great books!
I have so much to read and write and do but I’m just so stumped. Let’s pray this gets over soon.
I hope you and yours are well.
We can only hope it ends soon! Everyone is well and staying home. Not much more I can ask for. Hope the same for you!
Thank you!❤
OH MY GOSH! Me too! I’m struggling HARD to read … it’s so weird … I’m trying “Pax” right now (though I feel like the one person who’s MEH about it … i feel kind of bored with it …).
Heartstopper is a great choice for a comfort read! I didn’t end up buying volume 3 yet and I’m so sad! But I’m kinda nervous to order it … yes … I’m that kind of hypochondriac ha-ha! I really should read Norse Mythology soon … I’ve had it forever! Great list!
I have had my eye on Pax for awhile. I have come to the realization that if something isn’t working for me right now it is not the fault of the book, it is just my mood, so I move on until I find something that works for me right now!
Did you know that Alice Oseman posts Heartstopper online. Here is the link- https://tapas.io/series/Heartstopper
That’s how I’m feeling about books right now too. I’m trying to not just simply DNF … because honestly, my mood has been ALL over the place ha-ha! I’m 30% into the book and it’s okay … I’m still kind of bored, but I do like the meaning behind the story.
Thank you so much for sending that link! I had purchased volume one and two but never got around to purchasing the third! <3
I’ve been thinking about this same topic, and I’m actually finding it much harder to read right now too. I loved Norse Mythology and Emma is my favorite Austen — great choices! Have you read anything by Rainbow Rowell? Her books are great comfort reads. I also highly enjoyed The Hating Game.
You’re so right about Rainbow Rowell and I absolutely loved The Hating Game! Maybe it is a good time to reread it?
I need to read all of these. I’ve been very meh lately and while I’m reading I still feel like I’m not reading enough.
Don’t be too hard on yourself! That is what I am starting to realize. If I am not in the mood to read I just don’t read and that is okay!
Emma is fun. I enjoyed Book Woman. I live just over the river from the “middle” of Kentucky anyway. I reviewed it and also reviewed some other books on the project itself. Stay safe–good post!
Thank you so much. i will have to check out your reviews!
I DEFINITELY agree that a mystery can be a comfort read, especially in the right hands. My go to is Harry Bosch as I just get swept up in those stories. I have Raven Black and I’ve nominated this series so many times as a group read option since I love the TV series.
Great post, Kristin💜
Thank you! I knew I wouldn’t be the only one who felt that way. Shetland is such a great show. More people need to watch it!
I did books that made me happy for Top Ten Tuesday tomorrow, and 10 Blind Dates is on my list. That book had me grinning from beginning to end. The family, the romance, the friendship, the fun! I loved it all
Exactly how I felt about it! It is just a feel good book!
Oh, I’m writing a list about comfort reads! I guess it’s what your mind defaults to in a situation like this… Your list is excellent. I’ve not read anything by Matt Haig but that quote is equally soothing and illuminating. Going to check the book out! I’m definitely hoping to use all this time to read some Jane Austen – my comfort classics is Charles Dickens.
I highly recommend it! I took so much away from it. I need to read more Dickens! Do you have a favourite?
I think probably Great Expectations. It’s so easy to read but so full of character. I haven’t read as many of them as I’d like to, actually!
Perfect. I have that one on my shelves!
Awesome! Let me know how you get on!
I could have written your intro paragraph! I’m finding I can’t focus on my typical heavier reads either! I read a chic lit romcom this week and it was exactly what I needed! Not the most beautifully written but it occupied my mind in another time and place for an entire day and that’s a win! Hang in there….hopefully the second week of isolation will be easier than the first!
I could have written your intro paragraph! I’m finding I can’t focus on my typical heavier reads either! I read a chic lit romcom this week and it was exactly what I needed! Not the most beautifully written but it occupied my mind in another time and place for an entire day and that’s a win! Hang in there….hopefully the second week of isolation will be easier than the first!
I love that feeling. I am thinking of starting the new Christina Lauren today. Hopefully that will help! Same to you ❤️
Contemporaries are really helping me!! Something light and sweet! I was in desperate need to break up some fantasies bc it’s all a little much right now.
Same! The new Christina Lauren came out today and I think I’m going to track down the audiobook. It’s exactly what I need!
Ohh!! Good luck!! 🙂 I just finished Unhoneymooners an hour ago!! It was my first by them and I LOVED it. Any more of theirs that are great??
Matt Haig is a great choice! I love The Humans — short, but with so much that makes me laugh as well as lots of inspiring bits.
The Humans is so endearing. One of my faves!
Heartstopper is such a great pick! And Emma is one of my comfort reads too 🙂
I just adore Emma!
Heartstopper sounds so adorable. And all the reviews I’ve read have seemed really positive. I will definitely have to read it some day 😀
You must! It is so adorable!!
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