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Original poster

Comforting reads

45 replies

VittysCardigan · 06/10/2017 21:42

I used to be an avid reader and able to escape into books but really struggle lately. I am looking for suggestions of something to lose myself in. The last book that I really, really loved was Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine, the first book I've loved for a long time. I got fed up of crime novels that seemed to contain graphic violence just for the sake of it and although I enjoy Jill Mansell & Jenny Colgan I would like something more.

I used to enjoy sagas/series of books. Authors I have enjoyed are: Stephen King, Ken Follett, Marian Keyes, Anne McCaffrey, Terry Pratchett

Can anyone please suggest something with a good story with no gratuitous violence to keep me interested

OP posts:
PersisFord · 25/10/2017 20:08

I’ve just churned through 20 Agatha Raisins.....

PesoisaTool · 25/10/2017 19:12

Need inspiration too....

doctorcuntybollocks · 25/10/2017 19:06

A beautifully illustrated edition of The Wind in the Willows.

Mishappening · 25/10/2017 18:45

Confession here - not fashionable I know. I have had surgery on several occasions and the Miss Read books were balm to my spirit - old fashioned, pleasant, with a bit of a bite - not bland. But wholesome and very clued in to the human spirit.

Snailo · 25/10/2017 18:41

Itsanicehotel I was just coming on here to say Scotland Street! It's fab isn't it? It's so warm and well-written and easy to read - and although it's a light read I think AMS addresses - in an under the radar way - a lot of the annoyances/problems we have in modern society. I love those books (especially Bertie!).

Itsanicehotel · 25/10/2017 18:30

The 44 Scotland Street series by Alexander McCall Smith. I read all 10 back to back and found them so calming and ridiculous as well as funny, touching and sweet. A real feel good series. I didn’t enjoy The First Ladies Detective Club by the same writer but I loved this.

Sallystyle · 10/10/2017 22:38

The Trouble With Goats and Sheep

Elanor and Park

PersisFord · 10/10/2017 09:29

Oh yes!

Elizabeth peters for gentle crime too

Clawdy · 09/10/2017 22:51

The Shell Seekers. A bit old-fashioned now, but a lovely warm read.

LEMtheoriginal · 08/10/2017 22:15

I liked the agatha raisin novels too although she started to irritate me.

I have lost my reading mojo

missnevermind · 08/10/2017 12:15

I’ve read nearly every book mentioned here. Must try the 109 year old man one.
Total change of pace for me while recovering but I loved tha Agatha Raisin novels. Silly crimes lovely village life. Lots of fresh air.

PersisFord · 08/10/2017 09:31

I agree with everything elkie says!

Also Georgette Heyer

RMC123 · 08/10/2017 09:27

Was just coming on to say The Cazalet Chronicles!
Also all the James Herriot

Original poster
VittysCardigan · 06/10/2017 22:48

I have read the first Cazalet book & think I've got the second knocking around somewhere

OP posts:
elkiedee · 06/10/2017 22:29

I'm another one who finds some crime fiction comfort reading, but going back to older novels:

Dodie Smith, I Capture the Castle

Stella Gibbons, Cold Comfort Farm and Nightingale Wood

Elizabeth Jane Howard's Cazalet novels are a family saga written by a literary novelist. I think they're not cosy or anything but they are are really good reads with substance.

TheBitterBoy · 06/10/2017 22:23

The Keeper of Lost Things is lovely.

Original poster
VittysCardigan · 06/10/2017 22:21

I highly recommend Eleanor Oliphant, best thing I've read for years

OP posts:
LEMtheoriginal · 06/10/2017 22:14

Yy To the 100 y old man - wonderful and quite surprising. Not at all twee as the title suggests.

I find myself I a similar place though so a bit of place marking x

I quite like Ann cleevrs . Despite being crime they examine human relationships and I find it comforting.

Original poster
VittysCardigan · 06/10/2017 22:12

Thank you, I think I have 100 year old man somewhere

OP posts:
flimflaminurjams · 06/10/2017 22:09

The 100 year old man who climbed out of the window and disappeared. Had me hooked.

the Number 1 ladies detective agency - set in Africa and is more about people than crime. There are follow ups too.

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