I’ve been doing a little more reading in the last few weeks in between the writing, editing, and pulling out my hair. I’ve made a big decision, you see, and it’s gotten me all stressed out. So what do I do when I’m stressed? I read, and I usually go for the guaranteed read—the books that I already know in advance will satisfy my desire for that special something. An emotional indulgence, kind of like chocolate to a premenstrual woman.
Besides a few ebooks on my Sony, there are a bunch of print books on my tbr pile. Based on some recommendations, I picked up Jennifer Ashley’s The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie, Not Quite a Husband by Sherry Thomas, Nalini Singh’s Branded by Fire and Eloisa James’ This Duchess of Mine.
I have to admit, they’re fitting the bill quite nicely and I’m relieved. Because when I’m in this type of mood and the book that I’m reading isn’t living up to expectations, it really puts me in a bad mood—something nobody wants to see.
So who are your go-to authors when you need something guaranteed? Do you have a different book for when you want to feel happy, get all teary-eyed, or when you’re in the mood for a little action? (sorry about the post today everyone, there was a tiny window of internet access last night and I feared not getting anything up at all)
Thursday, July 9, 2009
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Kris, I can sympathise with you on this.
In my case it most likely arises from working flat out on some difficult theory problem and failing to solve it. That feeling of exhaustion and emptiness can be difficult to sooth.
I'm not a great one for formal religion, but I do love religious music. I find that Palestrina usually settles me and puts my little problems in perspective.
If I want a guaranteed relaxing read I sometimes go to Mary Balogh. She has a huge back list and at my rate of reading its effectively an inexhaustible supply!
Hope you feel better soon.
If you feel like a change, why not try some Palestrina with a large glass of what you fancy.
It can do wonders for the soul. *smile*
Your post was perfectly fine. :) It made me realize I don't have comfort reads---I simply wallow in my anxiety and misery, LOL. I hardly ever reread anything, except my every five-years-or-so Lord of the Rings and Georgette Heyer refreshers, and a Jane Austen fest when I can find my giant anthology which is somewhere in my cellar. I really don't know why I keep my keeper books, because I'm not apt to reread them, but they include a lot of Loretta Chase and Jo Beverley.
I love comfort reads. Love, love love.
Whenever I need to just laugh and be happy, I read Julia Quinn's The Duke & I. Guaranteed to put a smile on my face.
Maggie, I think I could reread LOS again and again and again without losing my love for it.
Ohhhh, I've been reading up a storm, too. Loved The Demon's Lexicon.
I'm not doing much rereading this summer because I've found so many great new books, but I am a major rereader. I even have a reread shelf so that I have a place to put books I know I want to reread soon. On the shelf now are The Devil's Delilah by Loretta Chase, Venetia by Georgette Heyer, First Kiss by Marilyn Pappano, In Your Wildest Dreams by Toni Blake, all Marsha Moyer's Lucy Hatch books, and Tessa Dare's Goddess of the Hunt, which I want to reread for the August book club on the EJ/JQ bb. I have well over a thousand keepers. Most I have reread and those I haven't are new books that I expect to reread sometime. I reread for comfort, for inspiration, and for splendid examples of how to do dialogue, transitions, guy talk, or any other problem I'm struggling with in my own writing.
Hiya Q
I am totally a comfort reader. I read when I need to feel good--but oddly enough that doesn't always mean I read feel-good books. Thanks very much for the music recommendation, I'm going to try it!
You know what's funny, Mags? I had a whole whack of books on my shelves (wall-to-wall-to-ceiling) and it was getting crowded so about a week ago I cleaned everything out and gave away almost 60 books--what was the first thing I reached for this week when I wanted to read something? Yep, one of the books I had just given away thinking I wouldnt be reading it again (guess I was right) :)
Tiffany is LOS=Lord of Scoundrels? I haven't read that one yet, but I think I should.
Ely, I haven't heard of the Demon's Lexicon (why I wonder, sounds right up my alley) :)
Janga, I have to see your library one day--I can just imagine it's awesomeness. Right now one of the first books I'm going to "re-read" after I get through the current tbr stack is Gabaldon's Outlander series, since the new book is on its way soon
yes... LOS=Lord of Scoundrels
I'm usually fairly easily pleased and just choose something out of my to-read pile. It's way too big, and so there's usually something to whet my appetite.
I'm a huge re-reader, JK. It's exactly as you said too - I read to capture a certain feeling or escape the feelings overwhelming me at the moment. When I get stressed I reach for an old favorite. I know what to expect and I know I'll get the emotional punch I'm looking for - whether it be angst, humor, love or hot sex.
Some of my favorite re-reads are Julia Quinn, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Mary Balogh, Lisa Kleypas, Jo Beverley and Nora Roberts.
If I'm in a goofy mood I very rarely dive into a new to me author or book that might not do it for me. I've done that quite a few times and I think my mood turned me off the book more than the book (if that makes any sense).
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