Comfort Reads

The past few months have been trying. Living through a pandemic is certainly a strain as daily life has been permanently altered. Many people are experiencing more anxiety and fear than they have previously. During quarantine, reading became a more popular activity due to the extra time on hand. What is more perfect than reading a comforting book that allows you to escape into another life for a while? I  have found myself reaching for some comforting books myself. These are the kind of novels that make you feel at home, where you are relaxed and at ease, which is precisely what we need right now.  

rules of civility by amor towles

The Rules of Civility was an unexpected, pleasant surprise for me. Set in New York City during the 1930s, the story follows a young woman named Katey Kontent and how her life changes over the course of a year. Now, perhaps that sounds boring to you, but I promise that this novel will capture you in its witty prose and dynamic characters from the very first page. It is almost a study of life, of its twists and turns, and how singular, meaningless events can alter the course of your life. No story is more satisfying and no protagonist is more steadfast and clever. Amore Towles proves his talent and skill for story in this novel. And what is more comforting than a winding, dynamic story in the city that never sleeps? It will pull you in, transporting you to another time, another world, and in another person's shoes. That is the power of fiction.

the book of three by lloyd alexander

I will never stop recommending this series because it is criminally underrated. The Book of Three is the first installment in the fantasy series known as the Prydain Chronicles. Middle grade is a fabulous place to find comfort due to its nostalgic nature. Even if you had not read that particular book or series as a child, the tone and characters whisk you away to simpler times. Lloyd Alexander's incredible tale follows Taran, a young pig-keeper raised by a reclusive sorcerer. But when his oracular pig runs away, Taran becomes entwined in a dangerous yet thrilling adventure to save his pig and his kingdom. Every time I pick up this book again, I feel as if I am returning home. 


endless night by agatha christie

I have always been an Agatha Christie reader. She is the ultimate mystery author and one of her more unusual tales is Endless Night. You would probably not select a murder mystery as a comforting read--at least, not at first. However, this novel is unique because it is largely a dreamy romance set in the English countryside. Of course there are the eerie details of a gypsy's curse and a looming crime, but all of those only add to the intrigue and sweep you up in the story. You won't be able to take your eyes off the page. All Christie books are perfect for escaping from reality for a while, but this one especially so for how it turns the story on its head.

once upon a river by diane setterfield

If you wish to read a sweet, winding fairy tale with a dash of magic and a pinch of mystery, pick up Once Upon a River. This novel is a stand-alone magical realism book reminiscent of a folktale. One night in an inn on the Thames River, a man bursts through the door clutching a young drowned girl. At first, the girl is dead. She does not simply appear dead, she is confirmed as so by the local doctor. Yet, a couple hours following her arrival, she draws a breath. In a small town where storytelling is a passion, rumors run wild. Who is this girl and where did she come from? How is it that she came back to life and why won't she speak? It is a tale filled with whimsy and love, as well as some darkness. I challenge you to find a book more romantic in its writing than this one. You will fall in love with its myth and its atmosphere just as the characters fall for this strange little girl. 

the secret history by donna tartt

The Secret History has made its name as a modern classic. Donna Tartt's mystery is set in rural, snowy Vermont and will surely inspire some cozy, content feelings in your heart. The story follows university student Richard after he transfers schools to the prestigious Vermont setting. Once there, he becomes enamored with an eclectic and mysterious group of classical studies students--a group that Richard tries and fails to enter at first. But after some persistence, he manages to gain acceptance into the course of study and begins making friends with the group. This is a tale of betrayal, secrets, friendship, and loyalty. Richard soon begins to realize that his friends and classmates are involved in darker hobbies than expected. How far will his love for them go? 

What are your favorite comfort reads?