Comfort Books
A few days ago, I was desperately looking for something to read that would distract me from worrying about another storm threatening to hit Manila. So, I went on Facebook to ask people for book recommendations.
As I posted the same thing on Twitter, I noticed that Neil Gaiman (whom I follow) started a hashtag called #comfortbooks. The whole thing started when Gaiman tweeted that he was feeling awful because he was sick, prompting the following reply from one SOCMusic:
"I always re-read 'Good Omens' when I'm sick. It always makes me feel better. Good chance that won't work for you, though."And so, the #comfortbooks hashtag took off.
People started listing their comfort books--books one reads "when one feels down or stressed out." Of course, I browsed through the tweets right away, and I got some wonderful recommendations. Gaiman himself says: "At different times of my life, my 'Comfort Book' has been Narnia, LOTR, Glory Road, Cold Comfort Farm, Psmith Journalist, Father Brown."
And funnily, just reading through people's comfort books made me feel better. Part of what made me feel better was to read some familiar titles that I loved; partly, it was also that my greedy self was enjoying all the book recommendations. However, a large part was the idea of comfort books themselves--that when we feel down and out, there are things we can turn to, things which we can control and enjoy. Such as reading a beloved book. Obviously, my issue is control, so when things knock me off balance, like a force of nature or some such thing, I like the idea that what I read is entirely within my control.
Inspired by that hashtag, I also asked my book group what their comfort books were. Answers ranged from beloved children's classics (e.g. Roald Dahl books, Anne of Avonlea) to sci-fi and fantasy greats (e.g. Lord of the Rings, Dune) and even ghost stories (e.g. Haunting of Hill House, Turn of the Screw). My personal comfort books are To Kill a Mockingbird and Pride and Prejudice. I used to reread them every year, for fun. Though these days, I only reread To Kill a Mockingbird for work; Pride and Prejudice, I haven't reread in 7 years.
So, yesterday, I took the idea of comfort books one step further by actually getting myself a couple of books that I've seen people mention. Honestly, I only planned to get one book, but I ended up getting both Howl's Moving Castle by Dianne Wynne Jones and Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons (I blame the pretty Penguin edition).
At this time, I've finished Howl's Moving Castle, and I really enjoyed it. Perhaps it didn't blow my mind away, but I liked the nice warm feeling I had while I was reading it. So, to whomever recommended it, I'd like to say it was a wonderful comfort book recommendation.
And since I've lost the habit of rereading books, I decided that during times I might need comfort from books, I'd rather get the ones in which I can lose myself in the story, regardless of literary merit or genre. Considering this criteria, got any more comfort book recommendations for me?:)
Comments
However, I've noticed just recently that when I'm bored or looking for a distraction, the books I choose to read depend on the weather. I prefer light reads during hot and sunny days, while I read serious ones when the day is a bit gloomy.
I've been looking for Cold Comfort Farm for the longest time. I saw two books actually in Fully Booked and in the bookstore in Pasig. However, the copies show some wear and tear. I wouldn't mind paying for the full price though, just as long as the book is in pristine condition. Hehehe.
@Aarti - you know, I'm really curious now about Georgette Heyer. I think I'll finally get my hands on one of her books. Anything specific to recommend?
@Peter - Hmm. I never really noticed if I read based on the weather. Maybe I should pay attention, too.:) Though generally, I go through certain stages. Like right now, I'm going through a slew of YA books. Then I'll probably get tired of YA for a while and shift to the heavy "literary" novels. Then it's probably back to YA or the latest bestsellers.
@Bookpusher - Thanks for the suggestions. I do remember rereading Jane Eyre a few times. Loved it, too.:) And Pratchett, though I'm only introducing myself to his books right now.
Here are some of my entries from my blog, about this very thing:
Reading in a State of Calamity (Part 1 of Post-Ketsana/Parma) > http://bit.ly/bjM5X
What We Saved (Part of Post-Ketsana/Parma) > http://bit.ly/4iFpeD
The only book I've really reread and enjoyed like the first time is Little Women (Louisa May Alcott). That's a book I think one can categorize as a comfort book.
@silverfysh - Hi! I really like your blog. I love finding book blogs of writers.:)
@Kaye - yeah. Comfort books are those that remind us of our idyllic childhood.:) I think the concept is similar to the book My Last Supper. 50 chefs share what they'd like to be their last meal, and most of them turn to what they used to enjoy as children.
@Jo - Hilarious on the beer and margarita! Personally, though, I prefer pizza and Coke.:)