Would you believe "White Teeth," by Zadie Smith? And the BBC production, aired years ago on Masterpiece Theatre on PBS (maybe Googleable), is equally brilliant, somehow. The plights of both families are so relatable and validating. Funny, too.
I would not believe White Teeth LOL! But, then, it's been a long time since I've read that one. Is that the novel where the guy is planning to asphyxiate himself in the car in the first scene?
wonderful column--really resonated! I have had a stack of bedside comfort books for years and you prompted me to think about my collection as a whole. It really surprised me to realize that they are all by women, all featuring strong independent women, and many revolving around nature. One of my favorites, Sarah Orne Jewett's 'The Country of Pointed Firs'.
I will concur on Walden, but my favorite comfort book is Green Heart by Alice Hoffman. It's a young adult novel — two actually, combined — about loss, hope, love, friendship, magic.
Loved the way you wrote about our fireside talk, Kathy!
all of jane austen's books are the best comfort books for me! just can't beat them
Totally agree! Happy endings!
Dorothy Sayers Gaudy Night and any Ellis Peters Brother Cadfael book. And three of us in our family love Body and Soul!
Oh, wow, a bunch for me to look up!
Would you believe "White Teeth," by Zadie Smith? And the BBC production, aired years ago on Masterpiece Theatre on PBS (maybe Googleable), is equally brilliant, somehow. The plights of both families are so relatable and validating. Funny, too.
I would not believe White Teeth LOL! But, then, it's been a long time since I've read that one. Is that the novel where the guy is planning to asphyxiate himself in the car in the first scene?
Well, ha-ha, yes. And, of course, he screws it up.
wonderful column--really resonated! I have had a stack of bedside comfort books for years and you prompted me to think about my collection as a whole. It really surprised me to realize that they are all by women, all featuring strong independent women, and many revolving around nature. One of my favorites, Sarah Orne Jewett's 'The Country of Pointed Firs'.
I love that book! And so interesting that you do this, too!
I will concur on Walden, but my favorite comfort book is Green Heart by Alice Hoffman. It's a young adult novel — two actually, combined — about loss, hope, love, friendship, magic.
Interesting! I know Alice Hoffman, but not that book.