9 books to comfort you in dark times
The world is scary at the moment. The ongoing pandemic, war in Europe, cruelty towards trans and queer kids, it feels like one thing after another. As always, books are providing me with comfort during dark, anxious and helpless times.
From escapist middle grade, cute rom-coms and fiery romance, there’s familiarity and an expectation of knowing what you’re getting yourself into which is essential to me when I’m searching for comfort.
'Nevermoor: The Curse of Morrigan Crow’ by Jessica Townsend - this series! I read all 3 books so far last year and fell head over heels with Mog, and with the fourth instalment arriving in November, I already want to go back into the world of sentient hotels, magic schools and secret societies.
‘The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet’ by Becky Chambers - sci-fi comforting? Stick with me. This soft, big-hearted, meandering adventure in space is the epitome of comfort and reassurance with in its melding of gender, cultures, species and sexuality. I love it, I love it, I love it.
‘Did I Mention I Love You?’ by Estelle Maskame - I was sent a proof the first book in the DIMILY trilogy way back when it came out and I wasn’t sure what I was in for. Turns out I was about to fall in love with Eden and Tyler and their incredibly dramatic journey. Want to head to Santa Monica for the summer without leaving your sofa? Get yourself a copy of DIMILY - it was a Wattpad sensation!
‘Fence: Striking Distance’ by Sarah Rees Brennan' - angst, drama, secrets and romance at a fencing boarding school? Yeah, it’s as brilliant as it sounds. I adored the first two books in this series and I very much hope there will be more. It’s pure joy.
‘Daisy Jones and the Six’ by Taylor Jenkins Reid - this was my first TJR and though it was a slow grower, I fell more and more in love with it. It’s compelling and all-encompassing, especially if you listen to the incredibly immersive audiobook, and it’s a truly wonderful escape.
‘The Love Hypothesis’ by Ali Hazelwood - now, I haven’t read the TikTok sensation romance just yet, but romance as a genre is comforting. There’s a pattern, tropes and a happily ever after. A happily ever after is never not needed.
‘House of Sky and Breath’ by Sarah J Maas - this is my current read! Diving back into a familiar world where there’s drama, action, romance and steam, plus it’s 800 pages long so plenty of time to stay safe in this world.
‘Desperate Measures’ by Katee Robert - this spicy romance inspired by Disney’s ‘Aladdin’ features Jafar and Jasmine and it is smoking. I read and reviewed it late last year and it’s so much fun. Plus, it’s the first in a series of Disney inspired tales so there’s plenty to devour!
‘From Blood and Ash’ by Jennifer L Armentrout - fantasy romance is such an easy genre to reach for when your brain is scattered and you need an escape from real life. This is one of the big boys and I’m hoping to pick it up at some point this year!
Have you read any of these? What do you read when you’re in search of comfort?
Written by Sophie
