During times of stress or change, I have always turned to books for comfort. They're the one thing that can reliably relax me. So it was no surprise the public library or my favorite bookstore was one of my first stops. I would beg my parents as a teenager to take me to the public library at least once a week. I would fill my arms with books and put them near the big comfortable overstuffed chair with an ottoman in our living room and read.
My favorite authors and types of reading material have changed over the years. I know before 9-11 most of my favorite authors were mystery writers. Michael Connelly, David Baldacci, Joanne Fluke. But after I digested what happened in New York City and had seen the ground zero that spring, mysteries did not appeal to me. The comfort came from fantasy fiction. Both adult and young adult fantasy. My favorite excape from the world comes from authors are Diane Duane ("So You Want to be a Wizard" series) , Mercedes Lackey ("The Fairy Godmother" or Arrows of the Queen") or J. K. Rollins (Harry Potter and ...."). What comfort it brings to be in a world of magic, one that good prevails after struggle and right makes right. I also get comfort from biographies and momoirs. To lose yourself in the life of another. And magazines...I have never met a magazine I did not like. As you can tell I usually have piles of reading near my bed. I always have something to read with me...where ever I go....I might have a few minutes to pick up the reading material and read.
Sue Hill
What unexpected comforts have books brought you? Comment by clicking on the comment button under this post.
2 comments:
I love to travel, but of couse I can't always be away from my regular life as often as I'd like. When I read a good book that takes place in an exotic setting (or at least a foreign setting) it completely carries me away, especially if there's a bit of adventure to it. I get so involved in the story that I'm part of it, I can become the character and experience what the character goes through, almost like it's really happening in my life. Mary Stewart is great for this and Dorothy Gilman as well.
I don't have any real unexpected comforts when I read. I pretty much know what to expect: if I want to be scared I turn to Koontz or King or Cook, if I want a feel good without much thought I turn to Braun or Ferris, if I want humor I read Brashiers or Barry, if I need a good cry I open Pelzer or Hayden.
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