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Original poster

A good comfort read

39 replies

zippyswife · 04/01/2025 12:26

Not sure if this is a genre but I love books that are rich in description and often in detail of daily tasks. Although these aren’t similar books I love the Japanese books like Sweet Bean Paste memoirs of a Geisha for this reason and Fannie Flaggs Redbird Christmas and Fried Green Tomatoes…. Is this a genre in its own right? If so what is it called and do you have any recommendations?

OP posts:
Original poster
zippyswife · 04/01/2025 22:05

These are fantastic recommendations all. Really appreciate it. Have been going through a period of severe anxiety and the comfort reads I’ve had lately have been such a tonic that I’m pleased I now have more to go to.

@Polecat07 i hadn’t considered that I was looking for feel-good but I suppose yes I am. Although I will also put a couple of the Steinbeck on my list now too.

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junebirthdaygirl · 04/01/2025 18:51

I love Elizabeth Strout. Sounds like you might too. Her books are a series so make sure you start with the first one as the same characters keep appearing.

PigglyWigglyOhYeah · 04/01/2025 18:41

Derogations · 04/01/2025 15:23

Have you done John Irving? Very lovely life epics. I really enjoyed Cider House Rules and a Prayer for Owen Meany

I love John Irving but Owen Meaney made me cry and cry and cry. Cider House Rules is great, but you will still need a tissue!

netflixfan · 04/01/2025 18:39

Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson!! Fabulous and fits your criteria

MsDespard · 04/01/2025 18:39

PG Wodehouse? I also comfort read Agatha Christie, if you don't mind the occasional murder they're very soothing...

netflixfan · 04/01/2025 18:36

Also I love John Irving.

netflixfan · 04/01/2025 18:34

I've just finished Belgravia by Julian Fellowes. It's just gorgeous, with a great plot and a happy ending. As a socialist and feminist maybe this doesn't fit my usual choices, but it's adorable. And when you're not very well/shattered it's a lovely comfort read.

NotbloodyGivingupYet · 04/01/2025 18:28

The Jackson Brodie series by Kate Atkinson. Yes they are murder mysteries, but they have such a heart to them. More optimistic than Steinbeck.

Polecat07 · 04/01/2025 18:12

zippyswife · 04/01/2025 15:14

@MillicentMaybe sounds perfect. Any particular recommendations? I read Of Mice And Men 30 odd years ago. I wasn’t a fan then but I’m a different person now and may love it.

East of Eden is amazing, in my opinion, but I'm not sure I'd call it comforting?
Are you looking for a 'feel good' read OP?
Something to uplift the spirits, cosy descriptions?

Derogations · 04/01/2025 15:23

Have you done John Irving? Very lovely life epics. I really enjoyed Cider House Rules and a Prayer for Owen Meany

Original poster
zippyswife · 04/01/2025 15:14

@MillicentMaybe sounds perfect. Any particular recommendations? I read Of Mice And Men 30 odd years ago. I wasn’t a fan then but I’m a different person now and may love it.

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MillicentMaybe · 04/01/2025 13:48

John Steinbeck paints pictures with words.

Original poster
zippyswife · 04/01/2025 13:30

Funny @Snowmanscarf as I typed my post I thought the same. Maeve was my go to years ago for that reason, especially during difficult times. I think I might return to them.

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Snowmanscarf · 04/01/2025 13:10

Maeve Binchey was the author that jumped to mind. Good stories with good characterisation.