In September, I decided to press Pause on different areas of my life to take some time out. One area that was not negotiable though is my reading. I’ve always found great comfort from reading and especially during the last month when I’ve been juggling some unpleasant personal curve balls.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
There is a book for every mood that you are experiencing. Books can bring such comfort and I usually turn to books that I’ve read that have remained my favourites. I love the feeling of revisiting characters who have become friends and sharing their lives once more. That’s why I love Maeve Binchy books and in particular one of my favourites ‘The Italian Class.
Sometimes a book can make you feel like you are coming home – warm, inviting and comforting.
Sue Loncaric
Reading was my escape and my comfort, my consolation, my stimulant of choice: reading for the pure pleasure of it, for the beautiful stillness that surrounds you when you hear an author’s words reverberating in your head.” ― Paul Auster
Do you have a reading list of favourite books that bring comfort?
The Reading List ticked all of my boxes this month and here is my review that I wrote on Goodreads.
I had no idea what The Reading List was about but was soon engrossed in the stories of Mukesh and Aleisha and also the effect the Reading List had on anyone who found it. Mukesh a recently widowed 80 year old male wondering how life can go on after the death of his beloved Naina. Aleisha a 17 year old working in a small library over the Summer holidays, does not read books for pleasure and has dreams of studying law. Aleisha’s home life is difficult.
The Reading List is a list of 5 books, to read when you need them. An unlikely friendship forms between Aleisha and Mukesh as they discover a love of reading and comfort books bring to their troubled lives.
What would be on your reading list?
Don’t forget to copy the #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge contributor badge at the end of the post.
BOOKCLUB
In my online Bookclub, we are studying the Bronte Sisters and we are currently reading Villette by Charlotte Bronte . I had not heard of this book before and I have to admit it isn’t an easy read but I love our bookclub discussions and this is making the book more enjoyable as we not only discuss the characters but also Charlotte Bronte herself.
We may not necessarily enjoy a certain book but I know that all books I read enrich my life and sometimes it might just not be the right time for you to read it. Sometimes it is all about the mindset.
This is the summary of the book on Goodreads
With her final novel, Villette, Charlotte Brontë reached the height of her artistic power. First published in 1853, Villette is Brontë’s most accomplished and deeply felt work, eclipsing even Jane Eyre in critical acclaim. Her narrator, the autobiographical Lucy Snowe, flees England and a tragic past to become an instructor in a French boarding school in the town of Villette. There she unexpectedly confronts her feelings of love and longing as she witnesses the fitful romance between Dr. John, a handsome young Englishman, and Ginerva Fanshawe, a beautiful coquette. The first pain brings others, and with them comes the heartache Lucy has tried so long to escape. Yet in spite of adversity and disappointment, Lucy Snowe survives to recount the unstinting vision of a turbulent life’s journey – a journey that is one of the most insightful fictional studies of a woman’s consciousness in English literature.
BOOKS I’VE READ DURING SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
WHAT’S ON YOUR BOOKSHELF GUIDELINES:
What: What’s On Your Bookshelf (#whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge).
When: Third Thursday PM (Northern Hemisphere)/ Third Friday AM (Southern Hemisphere).
Why: Share a love of reading.
Where: Blog, Blog Comments, Instagram or other Social Media.
Who: This linkup is open to everyone.
How: You can share in the comments, with a blog post, or on other social media of your choice. Include the hashtag #Whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge so that we can find you and include your link in our posts.
Be a proud contributor to #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge
To show our appreciation to all participants, contributors are welcome to display this badge on their blog, website or social media.
Sharing what’s on their bookshelf this month
Take a moment to link through to see what my co-hosts and others have written……
Deb from Deb’s World
Jo from AndAnways
Donna from Retirement Reflections
Now over to you – what’s on your Bookshelf?
Deb, Donna, Jo and I hope that you will join us each month and share what you’ve been reading! If you have any questions just ask us. You can also link to any, or all of our posts, with a pingback, that way we get to see your posts quicker!
Don’t forget to tell me about the book(s) you’re reading at the moment! See you next month!
24 Comments
I loved The Man Who Died Twice and have the Reading List on reservation at the library. I’ve never read any Louise Penny…maybe I should!
I adore Armand Gamache the main character in the Louise Penny books. She has 17 in the series and I’m up to #13 I can’t put them down and the characters feel like old friends. I think you would enjoy them. x
Hi, Sue – I wholeheartedly agree that some books have a knack of making us feel like we’ve “come home.” They are warm, inviting and comforting. I absolutely love books of this type. I don’t often reread the same book twice, but I do love reading multiple books from the same author and having previous characters turn up in new books. That definitely does feel like catching up with old friends (Jo Tracey and Jill Weatherholt both do this very, very well).
My apologies for giving you a dead link to my WOYBS post (I totally blame WP for this). 😀 The updated link is: https://retirementreflections.com/2021/10/21/whats-on-your-bookshelf-why-read-the-classics/
Hi Donna, I’ve updated your link so no problem! I do revisit favourite books especially those that I find comfort in. I’m also a fan of series and if I enjoy Book 1 I will probably continue until I’ve finished the whole series before moving on. Loved your post on the Classics and I learn so much from you my friend. x
Thanks for the recommendations Sue. I have theMan who Died Twice in my pile and will definitely read the Reading List after your glowing review! I love the way we all come at these posts from different perspectives 🙂
Hi Deb, there are a number on your list that I want to add to mine. The Man who Died Twice is a fun read and doesn’t make my brain hurt. I did love the Reading List so I hope you enjoy it too. Yes isn’t it wonderful that four people who love books can come up with four different ideas for our monthly posts. xx
I keep meaning to participate but then am surprised when I see the posts. I really must put it in my diary or something! Some great reads there the last couple of months.
Hi Deb, I think the date actually changed this month but we really should probably make a quick announcement post to remind people. I’m sure you would have much to contribute. Have a lovely weekend. x
The only book I’ve read on your list, Sue is The Man Who Died Twice. I really enjoyed it. I’ve got Liane Moriarty’s book on my list to read but more from FOMO than anything. I’ve read her other books, but found them fairly ordinary. But that’s just my opinion. Most seem to love her and her books have all done really well. Here’s my #whatsonyourbookshelf post for October. https://nextphaseinfitness.com.au/book-corner-october-2021/
Hi Jen I smiled at your FOMO in regard to The Apple Never Falls. It was a little disappointing to me and I’ve found Liane Moriarty a bit hit and miss really. Thanks for joining in and leaving your link. I’ve read your post x
That Richard Osman is everywhere at the moment. Maybe I should check it out -it’s like he, and the universe, really want me to read it.
Maybe Lydia. It is a fun read and I read Book 1 as well. I wouldn’t say it would win a major literature prize but I enjoyed the characters and it took me away from reality for a while. x
Hello Sue! Thanks for the summary of the Reading List. That sounds like a book I would enjoy. Right now I am reading What Could be Saved. I’m just getting started, but really liking it so far. I hope you are enjoying your slightly slower pace and finding lots of reading time.
I loved The Reading List, Christie so hopefully you will too. I am thoroughly enjoying reading more thank you. It is a wonderful escape from our current personal issues that are ongoing at the moment. x
Hi Sue, Thank you for your list and recommendations. I’ve read books by Louise Penny, Liane Moriarty, and Emily Griffin. I like Louise Penny’s Gamache series. I requested her new book with Hilary Clinton titled “State of Terror”, just released this month.
Here’s my contribution: https://natalietheexplorer.home.blog/2021/10/22/recent-reads-and-fall-colours/
Hi Natalie, I saw the latest Louise Penny’s book with Hilary Clinton. It has had mixed reviews, however, I like to make up my own mind. Hope you enjoy it and I look forward to your review. Have a lovely week.x
The Reading List actually made it onto my Did Not Finish book list; I found that I just could not get into the stories. I did enjoy Apple Never Fall though.
Hi Joanne, isn’t that the great thing about books – some people enjoy a book whilst others can’t get into it. Perhaps sometimes it is how we are feeling at the time. I found the Reading List comforting and easy to read at a time when my mind was full of personal problems we are currently facing. Thanks for visiting and for your thoughts. x
Hi Sue, What a great and eclectic list of books. I feel a bit shocked that another month has gone by – you’re doing very well keeping up with some very interesting reading. Toni x
I like many different styles of writing, Toni except for Fantasy. The months are flying and there is lots going on in my world, so escaping into a book is helping. xx
Just requested “The Reading List” through our interlibrary system. Look forward to reading it. When I need comfort, I always turn to the Miss Read books.
Hi Laurie, I hope you enjoy the Reading List. I’ve not hear of the Miss Read books so will check them out. Enjoy your week and thanks for visiting. x
I thought the reading list sounded interesting. I wish I could read as fast as so many of you…lol. I can barely seem to get one book finished a month. But always get great reading ideas from everyone.
Hi Kirstin! Life is difficult at the moment so I’ve been losing myself in books to escape the world. Sometimes I think I would be quite happy reading all day every day but of course, that isn’t practical. I hope you enjoy the Reading List and let me know your thoughts if you read it. Have a lovely day. x