Comfort reads are a lot like comfort food. Hearty, familiar and battling the elements on your behalf. I'm in bed today suffering with a fairly horrible cold and so I'm on a comfort kick. Favourite PJs, tea, gameshows on TV and some favourite, classic books.
I love revisiting some of my favourite books from my childhood (thank you kindle!). In no particular order (that would be a torturous exercise!) here are ten of my favourites:
The Wolves of Willoughby Chase: Alternative universe alert! In the reign of James III and with England overrun with wolves, two girls are pitched into danger when their new and evil governess arrives. I just bought this on my kindle to re-read!
Matilda: the quiet, bookish heroine for quiet, bookish girls wishing for adventure. My copy was so worn with re-reading that the cover fell off. And Quentin Blake's illustrations of her were perfect. I ignore the terrible movie- Matilda an American?!
The Secret Garden:Mary begins this book as a spoiled brat. When she discovers the key to a secret garden, overgrown and forgotten, it begins the revival of her own family. I read something recently which suggested everything that happens in this book was a figment of Mary's imagination. I refuse to believe this is true.
The Borrowers: Many of the best children's books are about things which are not as they seem. The Borrowers coexist in our own homes, borrowing what they need.
A Little Princess: The best comeuppance in any children's book. The good-hearted Becky is orphaned and forced to work in the school she formerly attended.
The Worst Witch: Before Harry Potter, there was Mildred Hubble, and she was terrible at being a witch, had the wrong sort of cat and generally got into trouble without really trying. I loved her and her hobnail boots.
Ballet Shoes: As a girl who neither acted nor danced, who knows why I loved Ballet Shoes so much, but I ADORED it. I think my copy was a former library copy, so came already tatty and well-loved with a photograph of pink ballet shoes en pointe on the front. I was sold. Whenever we are in Kensington, I think of Pauline, Petrova and Posy.
My Naughty Little Sister: I'm not sure when I read these, but I remember loving them and sighing in that big sisterly way at my own little sister when ever I finished reading them.
Five and a Treasure Island: I was a major Famous Five and Secret Seven fan. I actually think I was a bigger fan of the Secret Seven, but this book is so wonderful. Apparently it was voted Britain's favourite kid's book.
Sweet Valley High: I noticed in writing this list that almost all of the books I chose feel quintessentially British. Not SVH. This is brash, amazing Americana at its finest. #TeamLila.
What were your favourite books growing up? And do you still like to read them?
I completely believe in comfort books. My list actually looks a lot like yours, so I guess my reading tastes tend toward the British (even though I'm American). Anything by Roald Dahl, and The Secret Garden for sure. I would also add Anne of Green Gables to the list--I still read it every couple years or so. :)
ReplyDeleteSVH! I think I need an emergency library trip this weekend to re-read them all and remind myself how dreamy Todd and (I want to say Bruce?) are
ReplyDeleteI LOVED SVH! I was totally Team Lila as well. Did you read the updated book with what they're doing now?
ReplyDeletechevrons&anchors.com
Eloise was a classic for me!
ReplyDelete@ Courtney, I've never read Anne of Green Gables or the Little House on the Prairie either. Maybe I should read those next?
ReplyDelete@Claire my favourite blog (sadly no longer being updated): http://thedairiburger.com/
@Nic, no I'd completely forgotten there was a new book. I need to check it out! I also heard Diablo Cody was writing a screenplay for a SVH movie!!
Oh I love re-reading children's books! Part of this may be because I'm a teacher but those familiar stories are really comforting. Matilda, The Borrowers, and A Little Princess are also favorites of mine as is The Phantom Tollbooth. Thanks for this reminiscing post!
ReplyDeletekendall from buttons & blossoms