First off, I wasn't surprised when a number of people commented that audio books are particuarly easy to read. I feel that way, too, especially when there's an exceptional narrator.
Here's the results. What surprises you? Who got left out.
10 - Georgette Heyer
10 - Dorothy Sayers (Gaudy Night, Busman’s Honeymoon)
8 - Jane Austen (Pride and Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility)
7 - Agatha Christie
5 - Rhys Bowen - Her Royal Spyness
5 - Louisa May Alcott (Little Women) 5
4 - Jan Karon
4 - J. R. R. Tolkein (Lord of the Rings)
4 - Deborah Crombie
3 - Donna Andrew
3 - James Herriott
3 - Helen MacInnes
3 - Louise Penny - Gamache series
3 - Ann Patchett – Tom Lake
3 - Elizabeth Peters
3 - Mary Stewart
2 - Ilona Andrews - Innkeeper series
2 - David Eddings Belgariad
2 - Charlotte Bronte - Jane Eyre
2 - Walter R. Brooks - Freddy the Pig books
2 - Philip Craig - Vineyard series
2 - Elizabeth Enright children’s books
2 - Dorothy Gilman
2 - Elizabeth Goudge
2 - Martha Grimes
2 - Victoria Holt
2 - Ngaio Marsh
2 - Peter Mayles
2 - Patrick O’Brian - Aubrey-Maturin series
2 - Ellis Peters
2 - Julia Spencer-Fleming
2 - Dana Stabenow
2 - D.E. Stevenson
2 - Noel Streatfeild
2 - Phyllis Whitney
2 - Laura Ingalls Wilder - Little House on the Prairie books
1 - Ben Aaronovitch - The Rivers of London series
1 - Richard Adams - Watership Down
1 - Isaac Asimov
1 - Trixie Belden series
1 - Frances Hodgson Burnett - A Little Princess
1 - Jana Deleon’s - Miss Fortune series
1 - Nancy Drew books
1 - Dorothy Gilman
1 - Helene Hanff’s - 84 Charing Cross Road
1 - Molly Harper
1 - John Irving - A Prayer for Owen Meany
1 - Maud Hart Lovelace - Betsy-Tacy books
1 - Jan Karon - Home to Holly Springs
1 - Marian Keyes
1 - Jayne Ann Krentz Arcane - Harmony series
1 - Helen MacInnes
1 - Charlotte MacLeod
1 - Margaret Maron
1 - Stephenie Meyer - Twilight Series
1 - Jenn McKinlay
1 - Patricia Polacco (children’s)
1 - Miss Read
1 - J.D. Robb
1 - SJ Rozan - Lydia and Bill series
1 - J. D. Salinger
1 - MaryAnn Shaffer and Annie Barrow - Guernsey Literary And Potato Peel Pie Society
1 - D.E. Stevenson
1 - P.L. Travers - The Mary Poppins books
1 - Elaine Viets Josie Marcus series
1 - Patricia Wentworth
1 - Lisa Wingate and Jill Mansell
1 - PG Wodehouse
Wow, that's a quite a diverse group of books and authors . . . I guess I'm a bit surprised to see an author of children's books in the list, but I can see why her books would be a comfort read for many . . . .
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DeleteI see quite a few children's series/authors, Joan. That doesn't surprise me at all.
DeleteI guess I'm the only person who doesn't reread books. I think if I did, it would be children's series.
ReplyDeleteYou're not alone, EDITH. I rarely re-read books. My TBR is out-of-control.
DeleteInteresting about re-reading. I have the feeling that I don’t own a book that hasn’t been re-read at least once and I often borrowed library books multiple times. Another example of the universe staying in balance…folks like Grace and Edith balanced by folks like me. Elisabeth
DeleteThis summer I’m rereading James Lee Burke, both for pleasure and because they aren’t so much about whodunnit as how it came to be done! In between those I am dipping into others of my favorite authors, many for the third time around. Not sure if this is about comfort tho. More on that later in the excellent thread
DeleteElisabeth, what a lovely thought, that the universe is balanced by different reading styles. I like it!
DeleteNothing like beloved children's books when warmth and comfort are what is needed. I see many of my favorites on this list..old friends popping in to say hello.
ReplyDeletelove the diversity of the list
ReplyDeleteInteresting list. I reread a lot of books. I listen to books that I have read, and read books I have listened to. I do that frequently. When I finish listening to all of Deborah Crombie's series again sometime this winter, I intend to listen to all of Rhys's Royal Spyness series again. My TBR pile/list is also out of control, but it isn't enough to just plow through it. There are many books that are worth all the time you want to spend in them.
ReplyDeleteA woman after my own heart!
DeleteAnn, I just read your reply to Edith and Grace and was thinking the same thing about you.
DeleteWe are about to be off on what is hoped to be the last chemo session before my sister goes on maintenance for 2 years. I think Claire and Russ, book 3 will be sharing the 5 hr drive today.
ReplyDeleteFrom Celia: Sending good healing karma for your sister Margo as well as safe travels for you. And, you’ve chosen a really good story for the ride.
DeleteMargo, you have been a trooper, supporting your sister during this time. Julia's books must be perfect for a long road trip.
DeleteMargo, adding to Celia’s healing karma wishes for your sister and safe travels for you. Sending hugs, too. — Pat S
DeleteHallie, thank you for compiling the list. Warms my heart to see my two favorite Dorothy Sayers novels on it. Elisabeth
ReplyDeleteP. G. Wodehouse, Freddy the Pig, and Bill Crider' Dan Rhodes series would be at the top of my list.
ReplyDeleteYes, P.G.Wodehouse! He is always so funny and a joy to read.
DeleteI love P. G. Wodehouse! I should read more of his stories. I listened to one of his books last spring and it was delightful. Just the character names are enough to make me laugh out loud.
DeleteHis Wooster & Jeeves series is the most popular and just as funny but not as well known (although the BBC did a tv series) is the Blandings Castle series. Feisty English aunts play a hilarious roll of course!
DeleteYes my husband also likes Freddy the Pig first read when he was 7 and we both love Crider's Dan Rhodes series. Marjorie
DeleteLove Woodhouse and so nice to see Bill Crider mentioned!
DeleteMargo, fingers crossed for your sister!
ReplyDeleteI used to reread certain books: Mark Twain's Innocents Abroad, Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, and the Outlander series, and whenever a new Harry Potter came out I'd reread the whole series up to that point. Now though, I have SO many books I've not yet read, who has time to reread anything?
I noticed this weekend that I have barely touched the actual TBR books I have stacked everywhere, in favor of either ebooks or audio versions. That started in the pandemic isolation, when I listened to a LOT of audiobooks while gardening (nothing else to do), and ebooks were easier to read prior to having one cataract removed.
Karen, back in the day, I also reread all the Harry Potter books in the summer before the next one came out. I think it's time to resume listening to the series which I bought when I first got my Audible subscription.
DeleteThe Potter audiobook narrators are supposed to be very good.
DeleteKaren, the same thing is happening with my physical TBR pile, ignored in favor of ebooks and Audible. Although I have to confess I am re-llistening to Deb Harkness's All Soul's books, since I read the new one, The Blackbird Oracle, and that made me want to go back and start from the beginning. I guess that makes that series a comfort read!
DeleteKaren, the Potter audio books read by Jim Dale are terrific. I don't know about the UK Stephen Fry versions since I've never had access.
DeleteDebs, I have read a couple of library books recently, and have been thinking I could tackle that pile!
DeleteFascinating list! Your next poll should be what books we re-read as children. Ann of Green Gables for me.
ReplyDeleteLove Anne! Unless I missed it, I didn’t see Lucy Maud Montgomery on the list. — Pat S
DeleteI not only forget details of books after a few years, I may forget the entire plot!
ReplyDeleteSo I reread because they are there and free
But for comfort? Not so much. Except I do read to escape, and heaven knows there’s been plenty to escape from. However, last evening Julie looked at me, remarked at how much I’ve “changed” in the past month. And for the better! I now have hope.
Ann, I started to keep notes with plots and characters soon after I discovered JRW and FCF. Before that I did read, but not as much and certainly not as many different authors. I do look back through the journals when I resume series after a year or two, just to refresh my memory. It does help.
DeleteIt's such an odd and glorious feeling to be hopeful, even if cautiously!
DeleteAnn, your hope and Julie’s good words bring to mind this hymn line: “And I’ll bring you hope when hope is hard to find and a rose in the winter time.” Good wishes to both of you. Elisabeth
DeleteI now have hope for my two great grandsons. Cautiously
DeleteLovely, Elizabeth!
DeleteFrom Celia: Thank you Hallie. I’m afraid I missed commenting on the original post but am very happy to be among so many friend in pretty much each category.
ReplyDeleteI too have switched to ebooks though I do still buy book books to have, to hold, to read too. I am a dedicated rereader and have been since I first learned to read. Growing up an only alonely child on a coffee plantation in Trinidad and later in Ceylon, books were my everything. They are still my enjoyment and refuge.
I’m not surprised. Even if there are books awaiting to be read, when I need comfort I’ll return for my favourites. The places where I feel safe (despite the murders ) like Three Pines. The people I would like to be friends with like Gemma, Duncan and company.
ReplyDeleteLike Judy Singer writes: « there are many books that are worth all the time you want to spend in them ». I couldn’t say better.
Danielle
Thank you, Danielle!
DeleteIf I need a boost, I love rereading a few old favorites from my childhood. Mary O'Hara's My Friend Flicka, Thunderhead and Green Grass of Wyoming and George MacDonald's The Princess and Curdie and The Princess and the Goblin are favorites. My twin and I also grew up on Elizabeth Goudge--especially Linnets and Valerians, The Little White Horse and The Middle Window. I also return to Sharon Kay Penman's historical novels especially The Sunne in Splendour and Here Be Dragons.
ReplyDeleteHi Gillian! My sister and I loved The Princess and the Goblins and The Princess and Curdie as children, and I haven't thought of them in years. I re-read Elizabeth Goudge for comfort, but not just her children's books--I also get .solace from several of her adult books, like The Rosemary Tree and The Dean's Watch, which I re-read every five years or so.
DeleteThis list once shows how those I read rarely if ever make any list I see about ANYTHING. There's only 3 or 4 authors on that list that I've ever read. Probably the most surprising to me is that David Eddings made the list with his Belgariad series. I love that series as well as the follow up series The Malloreon. And his two other series that focused on an entirely new set of characters. Those were the Elenium and the Tamuli. By the way, while those series are credited to David Eddings alone, it was later stated that his wife Leigh was heavily involved in at least some of his work as well.
ReplyDeleteI don't get to re-read a lot of books, but I would definitely re-read the David Eddings stuff.
I'm also still surprised that people are actively still reading the Harry Potter stuff. Not because of the books themselves but in reaction to the blatantly transphobic nature that author J.K. Rowling reveals and continues to apparently revel in.
I agree her stance on LGBTQ is so wrong! I love Harry Potter who along with his friends fought for justice against the dark. I think the "real" Harry Potter would have fought for LGBTQ rights and justice as well.
DeleteI agree, Anon! My son and d-i-l actively boycott even rereading the books or rewatching the movies that they already own. I get not patronizing a person or company with whom you disagree, but how does rereading a book impact JK Rowling’s bank account? (And I agree her stance is wrong.) — Pat S
DeleteJay, even old dogs can learn new tricks. George Wallace of Alabama, for example.
DeleteSometimes, I just want a sure thing so I'll pick up an old favorite to reread. More often than not, I remember very little from the first time I read it. For instance, with I Capture the Castle, I remember the main story line but I was a different person when I first read it. I was a teenager and it was maybe 30 or 40 years when I read it again. Total different relationship with the book. I should read it again soon and see what the relationship will be.
ReplyDeleteSurprised that Alexander McCall Smith was left out because his novels are my comfort reads.
ReplyDeleteLittle time to reread, but have started to reread Dorothy Sayers and plan to reread Lord of the Rings. One book I keep handy and dip into frequently is author Penelope Lively's memoir, Dancing Fish and Ammorites. Happy to see Charlotte Macleod (Peter Shandy series) and Dan Crider on list, both worthy of a reread, and my husband likes Freddy the Pig. Really behind on Miss Fortune series, but it is a lot of fun and I just got the Mary Stewart book The Moon Spinners to reread. Marjorie
ReplyDeleteMary Stewart is one of my comfort reads although they are now dated!
DeleteWhen I was a teenager reading Barbara Cartland historical romances, I remember family friends telling me that Mary Stewart was better. I have been meaning to read Mary Stewart. Now I know that Georgette Heyer is better than Barbara Cartland. And I also read historical fiction by Jean Plaidy and loved them. I think I liked BC novels because of the very short paragraphs and I think I had a very short attention span.
DeleteTo anonymous, I am not sure about better than maybe just different than. Years back I read many Heyer, Cartland, Plaidy etc and liked them all. There was an author of a book about Reader's Advisory (was a librarian for 30+years) who said "Never apologize for you reading tastes." I firmly believe in that reading advice and continue to read what I like that however does include a wide variety of genres, both fiction and nonfiction. There is one title either by Heyer or Cartland, can't remember, The Spanish Bride, that I recommend based on actual historical people. Marjorie
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ReplyDeleteThe good news is that the list contains a number of new-to-me authors, which is always is a fun thing to investigate.
What surprises me is the number of books and authors on the list that I really dislike!
Dorothy Sayers, Jane Austen, Little Women, Lord of the Rings, James Herriott , Laura Ingalls Wilder, Watership Down, A Prayer for Owen Meany, Twilight Series.
What do I think this means? There’s a book for everyone but no single title for everyone. So many books, so little time
I have read many on your dislike list. I agree with you on many of them!
DeleteJust because others say it is good does not mean you will like it.
I especially dislike pretentious fiction!
I love seeing names of authors I read earlier in my life. Whitney, Stewart, Holt, MacInnes, Karon Herriott - these I have reread, just not recently. JD Robb was my reread during the early months of the pandemic. I do reread some of the contemporary series when the next book finally get published. Its like visiting a family friend and picking up the conversation where you left off, no matter long it has been between the visits when I reread books.
ReplyDeleteI don’t think I ever reread. Trying to make sure that’s true… Yes, no, I just never do that.
ReplyDeleteBut I have not read a number of the books on this list, so that is a good indication of some wonderful things I’ve missed! Thank you!
I rarely reread as well!
DeleteI don’t intentionally reread books. There are always those books I don’t realize I have already read so I start them again. Usually I don’t remember who dunnit so I end up reading the whole book!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Pat Timpanaro that there’s a book for everyone but no single title for everyone. This is another reason to abhor book banning; you might not like what someone else likes, but why should either of your choices be taken away? — Pat S
I will reread a book when I get the urge to revisit a favorite character.
ReplyDeleteI don’t re-read books, but when I need a ‘comforting’ type of book I will go to an author I have already read who has characters and places that are familiar to me.
ReplyDeleteEven though they are mostly mysteries, I prefer books that are lighter in tone.
Probably my favorite is Donna Andrews. Since she is so prolific, I can always find one that I haven’t read yet. Her sense of humor invariably lightens my mood.
E.J. Copperman is another author I go to for needed humor. Unfortunately, I am up to date on his books.
Anon, I agree about EJ Copperman, so funny.
DeleteAre you aware that he also writes under his real name, Jeff Cohen? If not, perhaps there's more of his work you haven't yet read.
I reread for comfort and good company, and it's fascinating to see so many of my favorite "to be read again" authors on the list you provided us, Hallie. I guess it shouldn't surprise me that those of us who share a taste for the same mysteries also have some of the same escape-from-a-bad-day books in common. I'd add the mysteries of Josephine Tey and Michael Gilbert. And what about Cheaper by the Dozen and Belles on their Toes about the Gilbreth family? I also reread Rumer Godden's books. And then there's my favorite fantasy, THE BLUE SWORD by Robin McKinley.
ReplyDeleteI see several of my faves on here, but not Rosamunde Pilcher or Maeve Binchy--two regular comfort reads for me.
ReplyDeleteOh, you're right, Laura! I've reread THE SHELL SEEKERS and SCARLET FEATHER. Just thinking about it makes me want to reread Scarlet Feather again--what a delightful book.
DeleteBack. Claire & Russ did not make the journey - it was the Thursday Murder Club that accompanied us. It is in prep for the televised series and Harrumper has not read it.
ReplyDeleteNow books - I practically wore out reading Scrambled Eggs Super! The librarian would not let me take it out again unless I had a vacation from it. I loved introducing Five Little Peppers and Uncle Wriggly to my kids and they went huh? Rereads - three pines, now Debs & Julia or Elizabeth George, but it is often a book that I have enjoyed, that now I 'share' on a long drive in the car. As an aside - I have touted many books and suggested that it be a title for book club, only to find out that it does not stand the test of time - so disappointing! Think Maeve Binchy.
It is 33C, 90F here this afternoon which for Cape Breton is shocking!
Don’t melt, Margo! I think the Thursday Murder Club was a good choice! I laugh out loud when I reading it so imagine a good narrator would be even better. Did the Harrumper - and more importantly, your sister - enjoy it?
DeleteOops, that was me, Pat S!
DeleteThis list is such fun, Hallie, and I'm very flattered to be included on it. I should say, Duncan and Gemma are very flattered!
ReplyDeleteWhen I was younger, I reread a lot. Now my TBR pile is too big. When I need comfort, I choose a cozy or romance series that I already love. Donna Andrews, Jenn, Maddie Day, and many more are on my list. I try their new series if they have them, but prefer the established ones where I can start right away with beloved characters. I have Lucy/Roberta's latest to read next.
ReplyDeleteAs far as JK Rowlings, if she wrote another Harry Potter book, I would read it, unless she put something negative about trans people. People aren't perfect so it's hard to decide whether to avoid something because the author, actor, etc. is not to your taste. I would never watch Bill Cosby in anything new, but my family and l loved his records, TV shows, and some of his movies. The man was funny, too bad he was a creep!
The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Kline has become a true comfort read. If I really want to escape I dip into Anne Bishop's The Others series. Her writing captivates me. Another series that I've reread several times is Stephen Donaldson's Thomas Covenant trilogy. Clearly, for comfort which for me equates to existing in that fictional world and seeing what old friends can teach me because each read brings new insights as I am at a totally different place in my journey. -- Victoria
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