Written by Simon Gonzalez. Graphic by Edith Manfred.
There is nothing like allowing yourself to seep into the pages of a book and forget about the chaotic world around us, but when we have to face monumental yet highly stressful events such as the recent political election, it’s easy to lose focus and feel overwhelmed. Fortunately, literature, like many forms of art and entertainment, offers a unique escape that doesn’t limit itself to one type, giving us comforting reads that are cozy, endearing and just straight-up wholesome. Here are 4 varied books that feel like a warm hug after a long and dreadful day.
1. “Sourdough” by Robin Sloan
Genre: Adult magical realism fiction
Perfect for: Lovers of food, San Francisco and “Candide” by Voltaire
Pairs well with: A Studio Ghibli instrumental soundtrack
Quirky characters, a food and tech farmer’s market and a sentient sourdough are only a few of the many elements that make up Robin Sloan’s charming book, “Sourdough.” With an easy-going software engineer as the protagonist, the book unravels in a nonchalant yet intelligent way, providing a sense of comfort that stems from confident knowledge of the field of technology. “Sourdough” plays out for a wonderfully unique and entertaining read that is guaranteed to make you forget about the world around you (at least for a while).
2. “Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett
Genre: Adult fiction
Perfect for: “Little Women” worshippers
Pairs well with: Cherry Coke and a Meryl Streep film
For all terrible things on planet earth, there is always a remedy. In this case , that remedy takes the shape of an Ann Patchett book. In the renowned author’s most recent work, themes of family, performance and normalcy post-pandemic take center stage. Told partly through stories of the past and present-day shenanigans, and set against the backdrop of rural Michigan, the story of “Tom Lake” is warm, exciting and feels somehow familiar. Even with occasional moments of tension derived from the past, the book remains consistently wholesome throughout, painting an atmospheric picture of a family filled with love and curiosity, and the main cast of characters somewhat resembles that of Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women,” making it that much more endearing.
3. “A Series of Unfortunate Events” by Lemony Snicket
Genre: Middle grade steampunk
Perfect for: Those who are due for a quick trip to Narnia
Pairs well with: Pasta puttanesca
“If you are interested in stories with happy endings, you would be better off reading some other book.” This is the opening line of “The Bad Beginning,” the first installment in this incredibly unfortunate– I mean, wonderful, series of books. Though its title and premise might cleverly suggest otherwise, “A Series of Unfortunate Events” is a wildly comforting read in the most skewed way possible. Incompetence and misfortune haunt the Baudelaire siblings, the protagonists of this book. But their lack of luck allows for an engaging story that ultimately yearns to be positive. It is the siblings’ courage and love for one another – as well as their determination to keep on fighting – that make this book so comforting and important, especially at a time like this.
4. “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han
Genre: YA contemporary romance
Perfect for: Rom-com lovers
Pairs well with: Chocolate pie and a loving boyfriend (not required)
Oldie but goodie, “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” never disappoints…even after the fifth re-read. Filled with a simple yet potent storyline and leg-kicking, pillow-screaming scenes, Jenny Han’s romantic trilogy following two teens involved in fake dating is everything a rom-com lover could want. There is nothing about this adorable and fast-paced read that wouldn’t fit well in a cozy environment. Pies, baking and the perfect boyfriend truly make the book stand out as sugary and comforting, and, simultaneously, that inciting incident will throw you off for a loop. Though the film adaptation of the trilogy provides additional comfort points, it’s inhabiting the world of the books and living their every detail that make the story truly soar.
