Welcome to another TTT! This week’s topic is all about comfort reads: the books that feel like home and make me warm and fuzzy when I read them. Since I don’t re-read much, I decided to share qualities I look for when I’m on the hunt for a comfort read. Obviously, I can’t find all ten of these qualities in every book I choose. Sometimes I’ll get 2-3 and that’s good enough for me! I can’t wait to see what you consider to be a comfort read, and just know that this topic is going to add a bunch of books to my to-read list!
The Necessities:
These are the non-negotiable qualities that a book must have for me to consider it a comfort read.
- There’s got to be some kind of romance going on.
It doesn’t even have to be the main storyline! A thriller with a small sprinkling of romance would definitely make the cut. - Overall, it needs to be happy.
I have have heard that some people find comfort in reading stories where the characters are suffering or struggling with the same things they are, because it makes them feel less alone. I’m the opposite. I don’t like commiserating with characters in my books, and would rather read something happy that takes my mind off my life. - I need to be in the mood for it.
I’m a major mood reader. I can want to read a book so badly, but if I’m not in the mood for it at the time I sit down to read it then I’m not going to like it.
The Bonuses:
These are the qualities that push a book even further into the “comfort read” zone for me. Sometimes a book will have several of these, and that’s pretty exciting!
- It takes place at Christmas time.
- The character(s) is on vacation somewhere I love or would love to visit someday.
- It’s set in a world unlike mine. I also love fantasy and sci-fi, which both transport me to completely different and exciting places!
- It has one or several of my favorite romance tropes: fake dating/engagement/marriage, friends to lovers, best friend’s sibling/sibling’s best friend, or forced proximity.
- It’s funny! I love witty banter or hilarious situations.
- The characters are super loveable.
- It’s written by one of my favorite authors. I love Lisa Kleypas, Christina Lauren, Sarah Morgenthaler, Sarah Hogle, R.S. Grey, Tessa Dare, Julia Quinn, Sarah Morgan, Jenn Deluca, Riley Sager, and Mary Higgins-Clark.
Books That Fit the Bill:
I know I said I don’t re-read often, but I do have a list of books I have re-read (and will continue to do so) and books I want to re-read soon! Here’s a few of them:
What makes a book a comfort read for you?
What’s your ultimate comfort read? I’d love some recommendations!
Super fun set up. Really like how you formatted this one and some of the books you feature DO look like ideal reads. I’m all about a happy rom-com & my kind of comfort read has to have plenty of happy, too. :)
Also, I just saw some recs for Riley’s book on Instagram so I’ll have to take a closer look at those!
Great list that gave me quite a few inspirations for future comfort reads. Fun contemporary romances are one of my comfort reads, usually after I read a tough book or go on a fantasy or dystopia binge. I’m definitely adding The Cheat Sheet and The Honeymooners to my TBR.
Here is my TTT: https://herseriallife.com/top-10-comfort-reads-books-escape/
Have a great week 😊
I knew my comfort reads would be completely different from most others and you are the best example already. I love how we all take comfort in different kind of readings yet still share the same love for books. Thanks for all your efforts.
OOh nice traits! I love a good laugh too! That trait/type made it into my list as well!
Here’s my Tuesday Post
Have a GREAT day!
Old Follower :)
I didn’t think about making a list like that! It’s a great list and I completely agree. I will have to investigate those books further!
Have a great week!
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
Great list! I agree on the romance angle – a little bit of someone finding their joy is comforting.
Love the theme of Comfort Reads! I hope to join the TTT link-ups more often again. Thanks for hosting!
These are great qualities in a comfort read! I’m 100% with you on the mood part, though. No matter how much I love a book, if I’m not in the right mood I won’t enjoy reading it.
I agree with your necessities list. I prefer books that are overall happy, with some romance. Have a great week!
Yes to Christmas comfort reads! I tend to gravitate more towards fall/Halloween-themed books, but Christmas/winter-themed books are a close second!
I like the way you think. I’m a mood reader, too.