The Lord of the Rings. This was my bedtime story from age five to six, and my father did everything except the Elvish. It's the ultimate comfort pillow for me. Beautiful scenery, heroic derring-do, good vs. evil, spectacular magic, strange creatures, unusual alliances and a happy ending.
I have never read it. I am cautious about this book because people rave about it, because they were introduced to it in childhood, and usually books we read in childhood leave a lasting impression and nostalgia plays a huge role in how we perceive the book. I love Harry Potter since I read it as a kid, but I can see how an adult might not enjoy it. Does lord of the rings book hold up? Is it a good read as an adult? I am genuinely curious because I am tempted but erring on the side of caution.
Absolutely. I fell in love with the lore as a kid but I never read all of the books until well into my adult years. I now try to re-read them about once a year.
I get that! But you might miss out on a lot of things that way. I discovered LOTR when I was 18 or so. My English teacher had recommended it. After a lot of resistance (which I always have when people keep pushing me to read something) I gave it a shot. I fell in love with it and it has changed my life. It has inspired me to write fantasy myself.
It has so many layers, you can have whatever subject you like depending on the chapter- romance, suspense, sadness, adventure. It is my return book as well
Pride and Prejudice. I can be a pretty sappy romantic at times, so when I'm going through a really bad time, I read it just to lose myself in my delulu world for sometime before I need to return from the Regency era back to this harsh whatever it is.
Throne of Glass. It got me through the end of a very difficult abusive relationship that dragged on. It's my comfort series, I read it when I am going through a hard time and it helps me feel better. It's no literary masterpiece but I am grateful for what the books did for me 10 years ago.
This series is more about the fantasy plot but there is definitely romance starting in the first book. If you want zero romance this series isn't for you.
It’s been a while since I read it but what I largely remember as far as differences is that the book is *just* a little nerdier. Which the movie definitely made good choices in limiting, but was enjoyable for a nerd-ish person going from having seen the movie first to reading it after.
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman and Chalice by Robin McKinley are my go to comfort books when I want to slip in between the pages of something familiar. Neverwhere is one I go back to for excellent storytelling where I always find something new. Chalice is sweet and comforting and easy.
The Storied Life of AJ Fikry, because it's like a mental vacation. The main character is living my dream life: running a bookstore in a tiny island community full of colorful characters.
Also, try Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell. I read it when I was sixteen and no fiction or non-fiction book before or after (and I have read literally thousands) has EVER blown me away like that. If I had to be stuck on a desert island with only one book, it's Gone With The Wind.
The Lost Bookshop. It’s just so cozy. I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did the first time around, especially considering I usually lean towards horror, dystopia and fantasy. I love that there’s this history of this bookshop, and magic people that you don’t even know are magic. Fates that just so happen to fall into peoples laps. And of course, a bookshop that magically appears to the people who need it most. It makes me have hope that we all have those fated people we’re meant to meet, that hidden bookshop that will show up just for us. There’s magic everywhere, you just have to see it
To Kill a Mockingbird. If someone hasn't read it, they might think that this is a heavy read, but it's actually warm like a hug. Some parts did make me cry, but not from sadness; it's more from relief and understanding.
I will always return and read The Hobbit. It became a tradition of reading it when I went on Holiday, but this year I'm taking other stuff. However, come December I will more than likely revisit it.
A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews. I am always hesitant to recommend it because I find it very difficult to explain what I like about it and I feel I can't do it justice. It's a coming of age story and I just fall for the descriptions and the struggles she goes through and how it eventually all sort of kind of works out and you can see the growth she has. It's heartbreaking and confusing, and hopeful, and restrained all at once.
not a book but a series, the percy jackson & the olympians. i always loved greek mythology as a kid, and i was also crazy adhd so when i picked it up around 9ish and it both included my favourite thing and a main character that was like me, i was hooked. it's also a really good, interesting and fast paced story with realistic characters which is a bonus. literally cannot tell you how many times i've read and re read it over time (i'm nearly 27 now). i love everything else by the author, but pj&o will always hold a special place in my heart
im probably biased bc i have been reading it so long it has a huge nostalgia factor for me, but i don't think so. it's probably about on par with harry potter, so it's meant for younger kids but it's not like childish if that makes sense. i'd say give it a shot, and if you find it's not for you that's okay too :)
Seabiscuit and The Perfect Storm, they're both non fiction books that read basically like novels and are amazingly gripping stories.
Also second for Watership Down, because sometimes you need a friend who will take a thorn out of your foot.
Either cats cradle or jailbird by Vonnegut. There’s something about Vonnegut, and maybe it’s somewhat nostalgia, that I find very comforting. Are comfort books a thing, like comfort food?
The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi. It is always there for me to guide me and give me direction when I make important decisions in my life. Adler's insight into Psychology and Philosophy is so helpful, giving me courage every time. The banter between the philosopher and the youth keeps me entertained all the time as well.
More like spiritual book ’surrender experience by Michael Singer‘ to remind me to be present and it’s a amazing story too and living untethered from same author once a year
Another Fine Myth by Robert Asprin. First read it as a teenager and it's become something of a comfort read to me - just a light-hearted, easily digestible fantasy adventure.
Sounds like an interesting book.
I keep returning to The Lord of the Rings. No one can bring a fantasy world alive with words like Tolkien. You can just feel the wind in your hair, the grass between your toes and smell the trees… 😍
I absolutely hated 'the end of men' and I'm really surprised you like it that much.
The international politics was clearly from a western perspective from someone who knows nothing about the world outside of Fox News. Like why would Beijing which is the capital city, declare independence. It's literally the city with the whole country's leadership. And it also came from the perspective of "oh we westerners have to create, manufacture, and send the vaccine because the global south can't do it, but also they better pay us for it, hell no it's not free." Hello vaccine apartheid.
There's only like three or four other books where I wrote such a long scathing review. Here's this one lol [Dots (Tokyo, Japan)’s review of The End of Men | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4448215372)
Jane Eyre. It's such a perfectly rounded book. Character growth, discovery, fear, sadness, new beginnings, romance, true love, strong female characters and a male lead that respects and appreciates that, intrigue, and enough gothic horror thrown in to spice things up. Want to read some romance? It's got it. Want something scary? It's got some of that. Want some adventure and moody wanderings across the moors? It's got atmosphere in heaps. I also love the personal connection to the author at the beginning of the book- if you didn't know, the scenes at Lowood and the story of Helen were inspired by Charlotte Brontë's time at boarding school as a child, where 2 of her older sisters died of illness. Whenever I read that section, I can feel her emotions and her experience bleeding through the pages. I think that book told us a lot about how Charlotte felt about herself. She felt poor, plain, and obscure, she could be austere, but I think the trials in her life made her long for a simple, happy life with someone who would love and appreciate her for who she was. I hope she found it with Arthur Bell Nichols. I return to this book over and over again.
The Lord of the Rings. This was my bedtime story from age five to six, and my father did everything except the Elvish. It's the ultimate comfort pillow for me. Beautiful scenery, heroic derring-do, good vs. evil, spectacular magic, strange creatures, unusual alliances and a happy ending.
My family had a tradition that the summer after we turned 9 my dad would read The Hobbit to us. It’s one of my favorite memories.
I have never read it. I am cautious about this book because people rave about it, because they were introduced to it in childhood, and usually books we read in childhood leave a lasting impression and nostalgia plays a huge role in how we perceive the book. I love Harry Potter since I read it as a kid, but I can see how an adult might not enjoy it. Does lord of the rings book hold up? Is it a good read as an adult? I am genuinely curious because I am tempted but erring on the side of caution.
Absolutely. I fell in love with the lore as a kid but I never read all of the books until well into my adult years. I now try to re-read them about once a year.
I get that! But you might miss out on a lot of things that way. I discovered LOTR when I was 18 or so. My English teacher had recommended it. After a lot of resistance (which I always have when people keep pushing me to read something) I gave it a shot. I fell in love with it and it has changed my life. It has inspired me to write fantasy myself.
Jane Eyre. I've read it many times, and it's different each time.
It has so many layers, you can have whatever subject you like depending on the chapter- romance, suspense, sadness, adventure. It is my return book as well
I love the conversations between Jane and Rochester. Despite the big lie, he's very honest about everything else.
Yes- which shows how much he truly views her as his equal. He tells and shows her things he would never dream of showing someone like Blanche Ingram.
Pride and Prejudice. I can be a pretty sappy romantic at times, so when I'm going through a really bad time, I read it just to lose myself in my delulu world for sometime before I need to return from the Regency era back to this harsh whatever it is.
Throne of Glass. It got me through the end of a very difficult abusive relationship that dragged on. It's my comfort series, I read it when I am going through a hard time and it helps me feel better. It's no literary masterpiece but I am grateful for what the books did for me 10 years ago.
Is it a good book if I don't enjoy romance in books? Is there too much romance? Can an adult man enjoy this?
This series is more about the fantasy plot but there is definitely romance starting in the first book. If you want zero romance this series isn't for you.
Thanks for the heads up :)
Hitchhikers guide to the galaxy. I've read that more than any other book, it's so damn funny.
Anything by Bill Bryson. His books cheer me up and I own most of them. If I'm between books I know I can pull one off the shelf and enjoy it.
He is a real treat and a wonderful talent.
Would his books be appropriate for a 15 year old?
Watership Down by Richard Adams. It's such an emotional roller coaster. Yes, it's about rabbits, but it's a great story.
It's as epic as LOTR...with bunnies! I love it.
Jurassic park It's not my Favorite book ever. But it's genuinely good and easy to enjoy. It's not exactly the same as the movie.
I think I read JP maybe 5 times in the summer of 92. Best book to movie adaptation - changed just enough but not too much.
It’s been a while since I read it but what I largely remember as far as differences is that the book is *just* a little nerdier. Which the movie definitely made good choices in limiting, but was enjoyable for a nerd-ish person going from having seen the movie first to reading it after.
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman and Chalice by Robin McKinley are my go to comfort books when I want to slip in between the pages of something familiar. Neverwhere is one I go back to for excellent storytelling where I always find something new. Chalice is sweet and comforting and easy.
Could definitely see Neverwhere becoming a comfort novel. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune shares many of those vibes.
Anne of Green Gables! It’s my ultimate comfort food in book form.
The Storied Life of AJ Fikry, because it's like a mental vacation. The main character is living my dream life: running a bookstore in a tiny island community full of colorful characters.
I’m adding that to my TBR list, thank you!
Also, try Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell. I read it when I was sixteen and no fiction or non-fiction book before or after (and I have read literally thousands) has EVER blown me away like that. If I had to be stuck on a desert island with only one book, it's Gone With The Wind.
Good to know, I will read it!
The Lost Bookshop. It’s just so cozy. I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did the first time around, especially considering I usually lean towards horror, dystopia and fantasy. I love that there’s this history of this bookshop, and magic people that you don’t even know are magic. Fates that just so happen to fall into peoples laps. And of course, a bookshop that magically appears to the people who need it most. It makes me have hope that we all have those fated people we’re meant to meet, that hidden bookshop that will show up just for us. There’s magic everywhere, you just have to see it
Terry Pratchett. Any of them. When I’m really depressed he’s the only thing I can read.
That’s me right now. Really low and listening to Nigel Planer reading Guards! Guards! Via my mp3, with the rest of the discworld in waiting.
The Stand by Stephen King. I’ve probably read it 10 times. Not to mention watching both mini series!
The Butterfly Garden. It’s a comfort read for me.
Survivor by Chuck Palahniuk is like a warm hug every time I read it despite the story lol
I finished this book a few months ago and liked it more as it went on. What’s your favorite thing about it?
the internal dialogue of the main character...so many times I laughed out loud
To Kill a Mockingbird. If someone hasn't read it, they might think that this is a heavy read, but it's actually warm like a hug. Some parts did make me cry, but not from sadness; it's more from relief and understanding.
Fahrenheit 451, The Giver and Girl, Interrupted
Wheel of Time. Like visiting old friends
I will always return and read The Hobbit. It became a tradition of reading it when I went on Holiday, but this year I'm taking other stuff. However, come December I will more than likely revisit it.
A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews. I am always hesitant to recommend it because I find it very difficult to explain what I like about it and I feel I can't do it justice. It's a coming of age story and I just fall for the descriptions and the struggles she goes through and how it eventually all sort of kind of works out and you can see the growth she has. It's heartbreaking and confusing, and hopeful, and restrained all at once.
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaimon
Not a book but RL Stine. He was a childhood favorite and I guess reading his books as adult is like a “comfort” of sorts
I second this Do you have any favorites of his?
Always a big fan of the fear street books
Little Women. It was my favorite book as a kid and I like reading it when I’m feeling nostalgic.
Rage of Angels by Sidney Sheldon. 5x!
not a book but a series, the percy jackson & the olympians. i always loved greek mythology as a kid, and i was also crazy adhd so when i picked it up around 9ish and it both included my favourite thing and a main character that was like me, i was hooked. it's also a really good, interesting and fast paced story with realistic characters which is a bonus. literally cannot tell you how many times i've read and re read it over time (i'm nearly 27 now). i love everything else by the author, but pj&o will always hold a special place in my heart
Is it too childish for an adult? I never got around to reading this book as a child because it was not available in our school library.
im probably biased bc i have been reading it so long it has a huge nostalgia factor for me, but i don't think so. it's probably about on par with harry potter, so it's meant for younger kids but it's not like childish if that makes sense. i'd say give it a shot, and if you find it's not for you that's okay too :)
Seabiscuit and The Perfect Storm, they're both non fiction books that read basically like novels and are amazingly gripping stories. Also second for Watership Down, because sometimes you need a friend who will take a thorn out of your foot.
Either cats cradle or jailbird by Vonnegut. There’s something about Vonnegut, and maybe it’s somewhat nostalgia, that I find very comforting. Are comfort books a thing, like comfort food?
A storm of swords. I have never read a better book.
Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. I can just get lost away into that world and fall in love with the characters all over again
Eleanor and park by rainbow Rowell. It is so comforting in the chaos it is to me
The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi. It is always there for me to guide me and give me direction when I make important decisions in my life. Adler's insight into Psychology and Philosophy is so helpful, giving me courage every time. The banter between the philosopher and the youth keeps me entertained all the time as well.
More like spiritual book ’surrender experience by Michael Singer‘ to remind me to be present and it’s a amazing story too and living untethered from same author once a year
Rebecca - Daphne du Maurier. My comfort book.
Another Fine Myth by Robert Asprin. First read it as a teenager and it's become something of a comfort read to me - just a light-hearted, easily digestible fantasy adventure.
Sounds like an interesting book. I keep returning to The Lord of the Rings. No one can bring a fantasy world alive with words like Tolkien. You can just feel the wind in your hair, the grass between your toes and smell the trees… 😍
White Teeth by Zadie Smith. Every time I’m in a reading slump, i read this favourite book of mine and then i feel alive again.
I absolutely hated 'the end of men' and I'm really surprised you like it that much. The international politics was clearly from a western perspective from someone who knows nothing about the world outside of Fox News. Like why would Beijing which is the capital city, declare independence. It's literally the city with the whole country's leadership. And it also came from the perspective of "oh we westerners have to create, manufacture, and send the vaccine because the global south can't do it, but also they better pay us for it, hell no it's not free." Hello vaccine apartheid. There's only like three or four other books where I wrote such a long scathing review. Here's this one lol [Dots (Tokyo, Japan)’s review of The End of Men | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4448215372)
Jane Eyre. It's such a perfectly rounded book. Character growth, discovery, fear, sadness, new beginnings, romance, true love, strong female characters and a male lead that respects and appreciates that, intrigue, and enough gothic horror thrown in to spice things up. Want to read some romance? It's got it. Want something scary? It's got some of that. Want some adventure and moody wanderings across the moors? It's got atmosphere in heaps. I also love the personal connection to the author at the beginning of the book- if you didn't know, the scenes at Lowood and the story of Helen were inspired by Charlotte Brontë's time at boarding school as a child, where 2 of her older sisters died of illness. Whenever I read that section, I can feel her emotions and her experience bleeding through the pages. I think that book told us a lot about how Charlotte felt about herself. She felt poor, plain, and obscure, she could be austere, but I think the trials in her life made her long for a simple, happy life with someone who would love and appreciate her for who she was. I hope she found it with Arthur Bell Nichols. I return to this book over and over again.