The essential comfort of reading

We all have those books we turn to when we need a little comfort. Funnily enough, most of my comfort reads come from my childhood, a time when the world seemed a little simpler. Below, I’m going to share with you some of my favourite comfort books, the ones I revisit whenever I’m in need of a little dose of nostalgia. Being on my year abroad, I have found that revisiting familiar and magical worlds is the perfect way to feel right at home.

The Harry Potter Series

My ultimate comfort read (that overrules all the others) is the Harry Potter series. There’s something about this magical, fantastical world that just feels so timeless. The inviting halls of Hogwarts, the warmth of the Burrow, and the loveable characters all create a sense of belonging that no other book has managed to replicate.

This type of comfort is especially important to me as it provides a safe retreat. When you’re at your lowest or facing a difficult time, sometimes a comfort book will help remind you of simpler and happier times. In moments of stress (especially studying abroad in such an unfamiliar environment), revisiting books like the Harry Potter series feels just like returning home.

The Famous Five Series

This book series has a special place in my heart, being literally one of the first book series I ever remember reading as a child. The stories of Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and Timmy the dog are filled with thrilling adventures, secret passages, and hidden treasure. Even things as simple as the food they eat (I was always jealous of their picnics), instantly give you that sense of warmth and comfort.

Though these books are often quite innocent and predictable, I think that is where the comfort lies. No matter what trouble the Five get themselves into, you know that they’ll figure it all out in the end – I mean, there’s 21 books to get through, failure is not an option for them.

Jacqueline Wilson Books

Though these books deal with some pretty deep themes, they still remain to be one of my main sources of comfort. With such relatable characters and emotionally resonant storylines, Jacqueline Wilson’s books are ones that are straightforward yet sensitive. Hetty Feather, Double Act, and Candyfloss, are just a few that spring to mind when I think of comfort. With such young protagonists, Wilson’s books have a great ability in reminding you about the ups and downs of both childhood and life.

Books as simple yet as though-provoking as these provide a comforting escape for readers, reassuring us that we are not alone in facing life’s struggles. Focusing on family dynamics, friendship challenges, and personal growth, Jacqueline Wilson’s books will continue to be an easy way in which we can feel a sense of hope and understanding.

The Hunger Games Series

I wouldn’t necessarily say that The Hunger Games themselves are comforting, unless you personally find solace in watching teenagers fight to the death. However, Katniss’ rebellious spirit provides me with a strange sense of comfort – there’s something oddly reassuring about watching someone take on an oppressive system with nothing but a bow and arrow.

The Hunger Games gives me that sense of catharsis that makes you feel like maybe, just maybe, you too could survive another day at university. The comfort in The Hunger Games comes from the characters, and seeing them form deep, meaningful relationships in the midst of chaos. It just proves that warmth and security can still exist in a world that seems to be falling apart.

Little Women

This book has recently crept onto my comfort bookshelf, and it’s easy to see why. Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy all offer moments of warmth, humour and love – something we all long for at the end of a tiring day. With its deeply profound lessons about growing up, Little Women provides you with that strange sense of familiarity, almost like you know all the characters on such a deep, personal level.

This book perfectly balances the light-hearted moments with the deeper, more emotional ones, keeping the experience, both comforting and emotionally fulfilling. Whether you cry, laugh, or just feel that simple sense of nostalgia, this book always manages to leave me with a sense of warmth and reassurance.

So, where you find comfort is up to you. Whether that be a magical world full of adventure, a close-knit family’s quiet yet loving home, or even just a childhood book that you will never forget, comfort books have the power to offer something for everyone. These books don’t have to have convincing plots or remarkable heroes, they just need to make you feel safe, understood, and at peace.