And here I am wide awake. Real life problems keeping me up at night. And here’s the thing – I am doing two things to get me through it. I’m listening to some music and I’m reading one of my “comfort” books…in this particular case its “Lisey’s Story” by Stephen King. The story of a marriage. Ok, its a Stephen King marriage and lets face it those ones are never going to be simple, but still its the right book at the right time for me. I set aside my current books because my head was not in the right place, but I didnt stop reading…oh no I just picked up the one book that I knew was right for me in this moment. And it got me thinking a little bit more about how the love of a good book can quite literally, in some cases, save your sanity. Previous life issues have had me picking up other King novels – there is a reason he is my favourite author. And NO! Mr Quantrill…NOT HORROR! There are other “go to” books in the mix but its mostly Mr King and his eye to the weird and the wonderful, but with, hey, real people and real life situations in there as well. I read a book and over the course of that book, my feelings and situations clarify themselves. Become something I can handle, cope with…move on to the next thing and leave that particular problem behind. So in a moment, I may actually sleep. I do wonder if other people get this from certain books. Is there one book, one author, maybe even a mix, that can get you through just about anything if you just pick it up and immerse yourselves in the pages? We all have at least one…don’t we?
Its 4.30am…
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Firstly, I’m so happy to hear of another person’s life-saving experiences founded in books. As I’ve only very recently opened myself up to social networking, I hadn’t met someone else who can find solace and support in the written word, so I thank you for letting me know I’m not alone.
As for an author I can fall into and forget everything, well, the best over the last year has to be Matthew Reilly. (He writes adventure thrillers, and if you’ve not read his work I can thoroughly recommend him!) His characters leap from the page and pull you into their world with such ease it’s magical.
Oh lovely to hear thanks. Yes I’ve read Mr Reilly, he is certainly one who can keep you in another world for a while!
I love this post for its honesty. I seem to go back to individual books, rather than authors. I have a few comfort ones – all the Harry Potters are in there, The Dark is Rising, The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly, Island by Jane Rogers. They’re books I’ve read countless times that now feel like old jeans, if that makes sense. It does in my head!
Oh Liz, you hit the nail on the head. I have many old favourites that I re-read to suit my mood! Top of the list for a good comfort read of late has been the Millenium Trilogy by Steig Larsson. Goodness me, what a read those three make!
I too read Lisey’s Story when I was in the same boat (and Rose Madder!!), and The Stand is another one to make me feel better in any life crisis!
And the ultimate to take me back to my childhood is The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, my read at Christmas book from when I first “inherited” it from my Aunt until, well I still read it every Christmas teeeheee!
Ah, the love of a good book!
The book I always go back to in times of need (or any other time, really), is Nobody True, by James Herbert. You’re completely right, going back to a comforting book can really help work your head through problems and worries – maybe it’s because you don’t need to concentrate so much on the story. I don’t know, but you’re so right!
🙂