My all time "feel better book" is a Ring of Endless Light, which I already discussed in a post below. Another that is less known, but definitely worth the read, is titled Kitchen. It's written by a Japanese author, but between her prose and the translator's prowess the English version is a real treat. It's short enough to read in one sitting, but that does not mean it's light reading. Like A Ring of Engless Light, one of its main themes is coming to terms with death. I think one of the reasons why I like both of these books so much that they conclude in the end that death is not depressing. It is tragic, but we can move on.
My third feel-better book is Weetzie Bat. This is a short, whimsical, modern fairy tale set in California, with unnatural characters and a surreal plot. But doesn't mean that they live inhuman lives -- over the course of the novel the characters come to terms with issues surrounding homosexuality, polyamorism, and (of course) death.
It looks like I learned a little bit about myself tonight. I have never actually sat down and thought out what my comfort books were and why, but it doesn't really surprise me that the books I turned to have positive messages dealing with death. I lost my mother when I was 12, 2 years after losing my grandmother, so death and coping has been a part of my life for some time.
I am curious what books all of you out there turn to for comfort. I don't necessarily need the why, since that can be deeply personal, but titles would be amazing.
Five hours to go! Let's get commenting and keep each other going.
