Why I'm proud to write 'comfort reads'
Plus my favourite comfort reads of all time
Today my friend sent me a link to a bookish article with a headline that attacked the notion of ‘comfort reading’. The article suggested that you are not reading ‘properly’ if you feel comforted by the books you read.
As an author of books that have been described as ‘hot-buttered-toast-and-tea feelgood fiction’ (The Times, writing about The Vintage Shop) I am a diehard champion of the comfort read and can’t stand snobbishness when it comes to people’s reading choices. To me, there is a place for all kinds of books and there is as much merit to books that feel like sinking into a warm bath as there is to books that are challenging and thought-provoking.
I’ve always found it fascinating to hear what counts as comfort reading for different people. Last week I was away with a group of writers and as you might imagine there was a lot of chat about reading preferences. Among our group, crime, nature writing, memoir, children’s fiction and romance were all described as ‘comforting’. I love to re-read an old classic or race through a rom-com when I need soothing but I have friends who can only unwind when there’s murder involved.
Whatever your preference when it comes to books that help you relax, reading for comfort is one of life’s great joys and a balm during tough times.
I recently read and loved The Art of Rest by Claudia Hammond, a book that explores the science behind our need as a society for more and better quality rest. In a survey of more than 18,000 people, the activity that was voted the most restful of all was reading. The book includes plenty of studies about the mental health benefits of reading. In Cathy Renzenbrink’s book Dear Reader: The Comfort and Joy of Books, she explores how reading helped her through one of the toughest times in her life: losing her brother as a teenager and the aftermath of her grief.
Life can be hard. We will all face moments of tragedy, grief, loneliness and pain. What do we have to turn to during those moments? When I lost two beloved family members last year I threw myself into reading, racing through the Pages and Co series by Anna James, books aimed at children that gave me exactly the comfort and escapism I was craving. In those weeks I couldn’t possibly have read prize-winning literary fiction. I needed something soft and warming, the book equivalent of a homecooked meal from someone you love.
I will probably never win any literary prizes writing books about friendship, community and love told with a hopeful lense and - yes - with happy endings. But for me there is no greater prize than being told one of my books comforted a reader.
Over the years I have received numerous messages from readers who have chosen my books to comfort them during tough times. Maybe they reached for one after receiving some bad news or gave one as a gift to a friend who was heading into hospital or was recently bereaved. These messages in my inbox always feel like an honour to read.
Writing comfort reads is an absolute privilege. When I sit down to write I think about my words potentially being a hand reaching out to hold someone’s when they need it the most and it motivates me to keep going, to keep crafting stories that are emotional and true to life but most of all uplifting.
I’d love to know what ‘comfort reading’ means to you. And keep scrolling for my top comfort reads of all time…
What does comfort reading mean to you?
My favourite comfort reads
Tilly and The Book Wanderers, Anna James
The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, Sangu Mandanna
84 Charing Cross Road, Helene Hanff
Cider With Rosie, Laurie Lee
Chocolat, Joanne Harris
The Railway Children, E Nesbit
For more comfort read recommendations, check out my list on bookshop.org.
Long live the comfort read.
Books have always been a refuge for me. I had a rather tough time as a child and teen. I am absolutely convinced that it was hiding away in books that kept me from making the kind of decisions I would regret as an adult. I LOVE "comfort reading". Reading things that make me feel good make me a nicer person and mum! Your books do have challenge Libby, they are just not in your face challenges. The lido challenged me to stop being a wuss about the cold and go swimming with my daughter. She is seven and faster than me. But, we have so much fun with it now! I just take a big flask of hot tea with me to warm up with afterwards. The 24 Hour Cafe challenged me to reach out to my childhood bestie. The Island Home challenged me to connect more in my community. The Vintage Shop of Second Chances gave me permission to wear my outrageous 50s gear that sits in my cupboard. Finally the Lifeline (also a swimming challenge) was just divine. Your books are comforting AND challenging in their own way. The characters don't say "go do that" they ask "would you like to come with me?"
Love love love your work. My husband is getting me all of your books for Christmas (I know it's a bit early, but I know what I want haha).
Have a lovely day.
I also agree that a book can be many things and a specific genre can be something we reach for at different times of our lives, for different reasons. I feed my soul with books that I feel I need and sometimes that can be for comfort. You’re right Libby, it’s not about the prizes you win but the people you write for and having read 2 of your books to date — I have absolutely loved them. :-)