Comfort reading

In yesterday’s digital edition of the NY Times, Celeste Ng, Ann Pathett, Min Jin Lee and other best-selling authors write about books that bring them comfort. It is encouraging to know that they and we can find solace in reading.

My go-to re-read is “Pride and Prejudice.” There’s just something about Austen that calms me. When Elizabeth and Darcy finally declare their love, well…what can I say? And the humor, too. Lizzie’s nutty mother, her father’s bon mots, the sisters’ bantering–though familiar after umpteen readings, never fail to amuse me.

Reading the article in the Times nudged my memory of other comfortable books, too. I was reminded of “Watership Down” that rabbit adventure which I had forgotten all about. How I loved that book when I read it. Why haven’t I reread that one?

Also, “The Enchanted April,” a delightful story centered around four British women who discover friendship and themselves in Italy. It was a popular movie several dozen years ago. Loved both the movie and the book. That doesn’t happen often.

Want a laugh out loud read? Try Bill Bryson’s “A Walk in the Woods.” That, too, was a movie, but as usual, the book is way better. His descriptions are priceless. If you’ve ever considered doing the trek on the Appalachian trail, read this.

Ruth Ware, that wonderful writer of mysteries, suggests “Love in a Cold Climate” by Nancy Mitford. I, too, enjoyed that book and am glad to get reacquainted with Mitford, who can make me laugh (and cry).

What are your comfort reads? We have plenty of time and we desperately need a break from the news.

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