Reading my mood is not a difficult thing to do. I am mercurial and, as an old friend used to say about herself, “an external processor.” My ups are easy to chart. I talk a lot. And I mean a lot. I am generally, and sometimes annoyingly, perky.
Like many people, my downs are usually characterized by less talking. I’m more quiet. Like a cat, I hide away. Usually with my book. I read whether my mood is up or down. But when it’s down, I talk less about what I’m reading. And I almost always reach for what I like to call “gentle books.” Books which sooth instead of excite.
I am a big believer in the power of books. Books can, of course, inspire, educate, amaze, shock, and transport us to places and times far away. But getting lost in a delightfully gentle book can be balm for the soul. Bibliotherapy, so to speak.
I’ve written before about the power gentle reading has for me. You can read previous posts here when I wrote about gentle reading the spring I was at my Mum’s in New Brunswick and my brother was gravely ill. Or here when I found gentle reading helpful during lock-down in 2020. Or here when I was simply waxing lyrical about two of my favourite gentle reads.
There was a wonderful article in The Guardian recently by Francesca Segal, all about what she calls the “literary comfort novel.” Segal says she doesn’t want what we might think of as typical escapism. She doesn’t want to get lost in fluffy “fairy stories” which offer, at most, a “temporary palliative.” She prefers “convincing consolation, grounded in real life.” She wants a story that says “despite everything, it’s going to be okay.” She wants to believe in hope again. And the books she lists in her article offer this story line, she says. You can read Francesca Segal’s list, and her entire article here. I’ve read a few of the books on her list. I’ve jotted down the others to explore later.
Like Francesca Segal, at the moment I am seeking “convincing consolation, grounded in real life.” I mentioned in my last book post that I was reading Maggie O’Farrell’s book This Must be the Place, but was not quite halfway through. Like all her other novels I’ve read, this one did not disappoint. O’Farrell may write about loss and heartache, but she always, always makes me feel hopeful at the end. This Must Be the Place is brilliant, I think. Totally grounded in realism, totally hopeful at the end.
When I read her historical fiction The Marriage Portrait I wasn’t sure at first if I could persist. After all I’d read the Robert Browning poem, “My Last Duchess;” I knew what happened to the real life “duchess.” Or I thought I did. But I am so glad I persisted with the book. I love it when writers of historical fiction play with a gap in the historical record. The end of O’Farrell’s novel made me cheer. Really.
Some of the most hopeful and comforting reads I’ve loved in recent years have been about situations which don’t necessarily sound like a comfort read. I’m thinking of Meg Mason’s novel Sorrow and Bliss, which is essentially about mental illness, depression, and the fractured relationship between a mother and daughter. But it is a totally life-affirming book.
As is Small Things Like These which is a small gem of a book by Claire Keegan. Set in 1980s Ireland it deals with the cruel treatment of unmarried mothers and their babies by the Catholic Church, and the efforts of Bill Furlong, a middle-aged coal-seller, father to five daughters of his own, to help however he can. Gritty it definitely is, but also beautiful, heart-breaking, and heart-warming. I am excited to see Cillian Murphy as the quiet hero Bill Furlong in the recently released movie version.
With the increasing erosion of women’s rights these days, reading about quiet heroes like Bill Furlong seems particularly apt. And Keegan’s book is comforting in its own quiet way with respect to the unselfish actions of an ordinary person.
What is perhaps not so comforting is the reason why so many unmarried mothers were pushed into institutions like the one depicted in the novel. Ireland’s historically harsh penalties around abortion were made even harsher in the mid-1980s by an amendment to their existing 1861 law. And the scandalous abuse that took place in the so-called Magdalene Laundries was not made public until the 1990s. In fact, Ireland did not finally repeal the statute outlawing abortion until December 2018.
Ireland’s fight to legalize abortion is interesting in particular considering the overturning of Roe v Wade in the United States. This article about Ireland’s history with abortion makes for interesting, and chilling, reading. But it was written before Roe was overturned. So perhaps it is even more chilling now for those who live in jurisdictions which have already tightened their abortion laws.
But I am digressing. Sorry about that. If you’re reading my mood you can see I am currently swinging wildly between wanting to be comforted and wanting to rant.
Currently in my “upcoming pile” are several books I have been waiting to read. Including Elizabeth Strout’s newest book, Tell Me Everything. Strout is one of my favourite writers. Her books always offer what Francesca Segal would describe as “convincing consolation.” I love that her newest novel weaves the Olive Kitterage and the Lucy Barton series together. Seriously, there is no one better to ponder the mystery of what our lives mean than Elizabeth Strout. I am so looking forward to this book. And yet I am dreading finishing it. The book lover’s conundrum, I guess.
I’ve finally ordered the new Peter May mystery, The Black Loch, his return to his Isle of Lewis series. I’ve been putting off reading this until the weather was gloomy and cold. But we’ve been having fires in our wood stove for a few nights. And the darkness comes early now. The time is right.
I guess one could say if one is reading my mood correctly that I’m not looking for what I would call classic gentle reads. I’m in the mood for something a bit more gritty, but with a convincingly happy ending. Or if not exactly happy, than hopeful. Leaving the reader with the hope that happiness might come… eventually. Like Francesca Segal says, I want to know that “despite everything, it’s going to be okay.”
I’ve always had a bone to pick with literary snobbery. The denigration of beautifully simple books as “an easy read” is one of my literary pet peeves. Or the idea that a book is not worthy unless it is filled with angst and deeply provocative themes. Segal in her article talks about how literary snobs decry the optimistic book, dismissing optimism as naive and happy endings as unworthy. “Good luck to them,” she writes, “I wish them joy in their wallowing.” Ha. Do you not love this line?
So, yeah. I’m looking for comfort as the evenings draw in, as the weather turns cold and wet, as we hear nothing but doom and gloom on television or social media. I’m currently engrossed in another season of Portrait Artist of the Year. I love that program. And I’m reading books which while grounded in real life, leave me with a sense of hope that we can do this. Problems can be solved. We can be kind to each other. And we can find meaning and joy in the world around us.
Maybe that’s just Pollyana wearing her rose-coloured spectacles again. But, you know, I gotta be me.
Are you reading any hopeful books lately, my friends? Recommendations are always welcome.
P.S. The book links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking my link, I will earn a small commission which helps to pay for the blog. If you’d rather not buy a book but want to support my blog, you can always buy me a coffee.
33 thoughts on “Reading My Mood”
Very strange but I just finished the Barbie movie, where it fits I am not sure but it is definitely about the world women inhabit and it is definitely not gritty. . .
I did see that Guardian article & I’m all for comfort reading . I also get a little comfort from the fact that there are like minded people around the world , including you , reading The Guardian . It’s like a long liberal thread joining us together. I have Segal’s Tuva book waiting on my kindle , thanks to Dotteressa , I think ? & I do enjoy Kathleen Heiny’s books . I recently read her Early Morning Riser & preferred it to Standard Deviation. I like Alexander McCall Smith too & when the world around us seems especially grim I turn to his Scotland Street series . Not at all gritty though , just gently philosophical. My current comfort TV is the BBC’s Villages By The Sea with archeologist Ben Robinson – perfection & the sun always seems to be shining too . If you can’t get the series , he’s also written a book .
Wendy,it must have been someone else,but I’ve added Segal to my list
D.
Only comfort reading for me as my beloved 13 year old terrier died a week ago.
My Mother and I by Ingrid Seward on King Charles relationship with the late Queen.
The Little Book of Hygge by Miek Wiking on comfort living the Danish way.
I know just how you feel Prue . We lost our 13yr old whippet a few weeks ago . It is getting easier …gradually . So Sue’s post is timely for us both ,
Old children’s books have become my comfort reading over the past few years namely Elinor Brent-Dyer and the Chalet School series, L. M Montgomery’s Anne books and my latest purchase has been Toms Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce which I’m saving for a quiet cosy afternoon. So many new points to discover when reading as an adult.
From someone living in the US— a very timely post. (I still want to move to Canada.) Thank you!
My thoughts exactly. Thank you.
I have started re-reading The Mirror and the Light as the new series has just begun on BBC. Such masterly writing. Not exactly comforting but uplifting – to be able to write like that…it is like going to see a prima ballerina or standing in front of a Rembrandt. You know you could never, ever do it yourself and cannot even detect how anybody ever could, but the world is better for it. Or I read Nigel Slater’s kitchen books and not just for the food. When I am watching wilful destruction sweep every nation, it’s good to know that humans can also weave magic with their words.
Love your last sentence, Annie. Thank you.
I loved Small Things Like These, and was reminded of it recently at an event where humorist and author David Sedaris was speaking… he was recommending the book to the audience. I’ve just placed an order for it, along with the first three of Elizabeth Strout’s books, as a gift for my daughter (she’s never read any of Strout’s books). I picked up a signed copy of Strout’s Tell Me Everything at a small bookstore in the UK on a recent trip. It’s at the top of my TBR pile!
I LOVED the new E. Strout book. I have truly enjoyed all of her books but this one really struck me in so many ways, the dialogue between the characters is what did it I think.
Good to hear Nancy. I didn’t feel the same after reading it even though I LOVED all of Strout’s others. I must reread it. My fave is “Oh William”.
I love Elizabeth Strout books too.
This post is one of the reasons I know that you are a genuinely great person. Your thoughtful posts whether they be about gentle books or fashion give us hope that real “nice” people can make a difference in the world. Please keep it coming. We need you.
I just finished Tell Me Everything and absolutely loved it. Hates to see it end. I also love everything I have ready by Claire Keegan. Did not realize there is a movie made of Small Things Like These and (even more exciting) that it stars Cillian Murphy. I could look at him all day. 😉 And of course he IS a great actor too.
I love your pictures of the moon. It reminds me that we are all under the same one! I tried to take a photo of it here in coastal South Carolina, but your photos are much better. I also appreciate your book recommendations. I just downloaded “Small Things Like These” and am on hold for “Tell Me Everything”. Thank goodness we have books to distract us from current news.
I have both Tell Me Everything and The Black Loch on my waiting list at the library and can’t to read both of them. One book I come back to time and again is The Shipping News by Annie Proulx. It’s a wonderful book for winter, with plenty of sadness but also happiness. In the summer I like to read Delta Wedding by Eudora Welty.
Good morning Sue,
I recently finished Tell Me Everything, and as with the other Strout stories, loved it. My current read is The Dark Wives by Ann Cleeves. Even though the crimes are grim, I find her stories light enough to be respite from my usual terrorist plot/espionage reads. One for one, allows me to sleep. My list of book suggestions is getting quite long, so lots of good reading planned, in between closet clean outs and putting outfits together. Thanks for keeping me on my toes.
I enjoy your posts. I too get quiet when I’m scared or upset and also have very talkative periods when I need to get things out.
I wanted to respond and thank you for your last post but struggled for the right words.
I’ve had to stop watching the news, too upsetting. This is not the world I grew up in or thought it was and I want to understand why but also may not like the answer.
Right now good books, movies, cooking and all creative activities including fashion are great places to find positive energy.
Yes to all of the above. Thank you.
Right there with you.
I agree with you and am trying to find positive energy.-Mary Lou
O yes,gentle and cozy reading!
Second all the books you’ve mentioned(I haven’t read This Must Be the Place)
I loved Barbara Pym’s An Unsuitable Attachment recently,as well as Lucy Clarke’s The Hike
C. Cambridge’s Murder Takes the Stage and L. Penny’s The Grey Wolf didn’t disappoint
I quite liked Robert’s Thorogood’s The Marlowe Murder Club (yes,it is a kind of R. Osman’s books), will continue the series
I liked Percifal Everett’s James very much and Samatha Harvey’s Orbital was a kind of comfort read for me (although Booker’s Prize Winner )- poetical,meditative,wonderful and,very important, from International Space Station view, our daily problems seem completely different
I’ve started Peter Lovesay’s last Peter Diamond book Against the Grain
Dottoressa
I totally agree with you and Segal where literary snobbishness is concerned! In my opinion, reading is meant to be enjoyable. That doesn’t mean that it always has to be happy ever after, but I don’t want it to be depressing either. I’m currently reading The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton, a poor black man from Alabama who spent 30 years on death row for a crime he didn’t commit. A story like his definitely has potential to be depressing, but instead it’s a story of hope and the power of the human spirit to rise above horrible injustice.
Thank you, Sue, for your thoughts and suggestions. I am very receptive to bibliotherapy. It is saving me now along with movies, shopping excursions, and streaming older series on BritBox and others. I really love Elizabeth Strout novels so I hope her newest one is a comfort. It was for me. I am currently reading and almost finished with an older title, “Fifth Avenue, 5 a.m. by Sam Wasson. If you like the film classic, Breakfast at Tiffanys, this will float your boat.
Thank you for the link to the Guardian article! I have read quite a number of the books that are mentioned, including my current book-in—progress, The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store (highly recommended!). And I believe that particular book made its way onto my library holds list because of your blog — possibly one of your commenters rather than you, but I don’t recall for sure. I remain very grateful that your book posts are such a rich source of recommendations, and I’m also looking forward to adding some titles from the Guardian article to my library waiting list.
I am currently finding audio books to be a great source of comfort to me because they help to occupy my mind when the plethora of bad news in the world around us might otherwise be churning constantly in my thoughts. While I’m driving, accomplishing tasks around the house, or sitting and knitting, it is very calming to be able to listen to a good book. Having discovered that Peter Grainger’s DCI Smith series is inexplicably not available in my library system, I am now working through the series in my Audible app. The narrator (Gildart Jackson) is a perfect fit and I find that the series lends itself very well to being listened to — engrossing, but not so complex that I feel I need the written page in front of me, and — bonus! — liberally sprinkled with dry wit.
It’s the times that have us all preferring hopeful books. Current reality is very challenging, especially the assault on women’s rights. Thank you and this community for all the lovely reading suggestions. I recently finished Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club with my book group, having ignored it since its release 4 years ago. I enjoyed it more than I expected. Amusing and well crafted. Despite being set in a care facility and featuring several murders, it was quite hopeful.
I’m currently reading The Engraver’s Secret by Lisa Medved. I only started it on the weekend and haven’t read very much but I’m enjoying the dual time line, featuring a contemporary story line and a second one set in Belgium at the time of Peter Paul Rubens. I love books that reveal stories of artists and their lives, and I have high hopes. A friend loved it and I’ve borrowed it from her. Happy reading everyone!
Lovely post and I wholeheartedly agree. Just getting into Elizabeth Strout (reading Olive Kitteridge now; didn’t love Lucy Barton but will reread). Glad you reminded me of Claire Keegan as I always forget the title of that book. I heard a wonderful interview with her and Eleanor Wachtel a couple of years ago.
I know exactly what you mean about books. The subjects don’t have to be perfectly uplifting but we are looking for evidence of empathy, altruism, and the possibility of change or rebirth.
Thanks to all for these helpful comments at this time in our lives. I couldn’t express recent feelings better.
After reading here yesterday about the Claire Keegan book (maybe novella?) I read it this morning and now just returned from seeing the movie. This was my first official day of retirement after 48 years of having a j-0-b, and I couldn’t have spent it in a better way! Thanks to Sue and all for continuing to populate my reading list…thankfully I’ll have lots more time for that favorite pastime in future!!! (Can you tell I’m ecstatic about this retirement thing?!)
I wholeheartedly agree with you. Some people in my book club want books that make them cry. I ask them if they’re watching the news? The election outcome was tragic. I want an escape. I want to be transported to another world. I want out of here! It might be helpful to add that I live in Texas, USA.
I find Jan Karon’s Mitford Series, comforting, humorous and delightful! When reading these books I am in small town America with everyday people – with that one person that shows them everyday is special.
Comments are closed.