One thing that kept me sane during the first lockdown was reading. Now that the days have become so much shorter and we are back in lockdown, with the additional stress of uni, a comforting book can make a huge difference to my mood. So, I thought I would share some of my favourite cosy comfort reads that will give you all the fuzzy feelings when you read them.
Anne of Green Gables by L M Montgomery
Children’s classics have something insanely comforting about them, but Anne of Green Gables is another level of wholesomeness. Centred around young Anne, this is the tale of an extraordinary, creative and ambitious orphan who is adopted into a family and it follows her adventures up into adulthood. Anne is probably one of my favourite fictional characters and following her while she grows up is a wonderful experience. There is also a great adaptation of it on Netflix called Anne with an E that you can check out after reading the book. Tears, laughter, and heartwarming moments are guaranteed with this one.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
This science-fiction space opera is the ultimate escapism read and will make you laugh until you cry. At the centre of the story is the human Arthur, who is one of the only two people that survive the earth being blown up. This series mainly follows Arthur and a group of misfits and their adventures in space. It is absolutely ridiculous while also having some philosophical and surprisingly profound moments to it. If you just want to forget about the real world for a bit, this is the right book for you.
Bookshop on the Corner by Jenny Colgan
I really enjoy a good romance every now and then, and this one made me feel all fuzzy and gooey. Nina is an absolute dreamer, whose passion is pairing a reader with the ultimate book. When she loses her job, she decides to leave the big city life behind and move to Scotland to open a bookstore and follow her dreams. This was such an adorable read and a homage to booklovers, stories, and Scotland and once I got into the story I couldn’t stop reading. This book packed so much into 300 pages and it didn’t feel cramped; it was honestly such a beautiful journey. Nina, the main character, is amazing and undergoes some great character development throughout the book and, for once, I did not predict the romance right away. If you are looking for an addictive, short read that will lighten your mood this is the one to go for.
4.50 from Paddington by Agatha Christie
Honestly, anything by Agatha Christie is comforting to me so I would recommend to just pick up any of her books if you haven’t yet. However, this one is an especially fun murder mystery, centred around the Detective Miss Marple. After a woman witnesses a murder on a train that passes her, no one believes her. After all, there was no body and no trace that anything had happened. Only Miss Marple is willing to investigate this mysterious incident. This book has some great female main characters, a cosy atmosphere and an exciting plot with twists that you won’t see coming. So, if you like good detective stories, check this one out.
I hope you enjoy these picks, and now it’s time to dim those lights, grab a blanket and some tea and immerse yourself in some fiction, because we all need a break from this world sometimes.
