Some people go on long walks in the countryside, some people seek the companionship of others, some people like to binge watch their favourite TV series. I read. Whenever I’m in need of comfort I dive between the covers of a book.

But I’m struggling at the moment. You see, a good friend recommended I read Master and Commander by Patrick O’Brian – the beginning of a naval series set in the early 1800s. I embarked (pun intended) with high hopes, as I respect my friend’s reading judgement and generally, we enjoy similar authors, but I’m struggling. I’m not drawn to either of the protagonists and so far, 80 pages in, nothing has happened.

I’ve been told to watch the film, which features Russell Crowe, as it’s an excellent and exciting film, but that’s not the point – I want something to read.

So, I’ve done what I always do, I’ve retreated back into authors and stories I know well: real comfort fayre.

I’m not ashamed to admit that many of my comfort books are those written for children. I don’t count the Harry Potter books among these as they grow increasingly more adult with each book, but I still reach for my Famous Five books by Enid Blyton.

There are other authors on the list of old favourites: Susan Cooper’s The Dark is Rising series, C S Lewis’ Narnia stories, Monica Edwards’ pony books. Then there are books by David Eddings, Georgette Heyer, J D Robb, Dick Francis and so on. I’m sure there are authors you will recognise there. They all have one thing in common – they are not demanding reading.

I belong to a book club that no longer reads books. We meet up and talk about our families and life in general; we even talk about books we are reading, but we no longer have a book that we all read and then discuss. The reason for this was that we frequently found the books we chose were so challenging that we couldn’t finish them or that, for others in the group, the books were too “easy” and undemanding, so they felt they were a waste of time.

I suppose it depends on why we read. Do we read to be put through the wringer emotionally, so that we emerge a different person? Or do we read for simple escape?

We can apply the same criteria to films and television too. I’m never going to choose to read a book or watch a film described as “heart rending.” I don’t like “gritty drama.” The most recent TV I have enjoyed has been the rather ridiculous but very charming Ludwig, where a socially awkward but brilliant puzzle setter impersonates his Police officer identical twin brother, as that twin brother has disappeared. His investigation into the mystery surrounding his brother is constantly interrupted by murders he must solve.

What kind of books, films and TV do you use for comfort, if any? Do you feel at all guilty for not choosing more demanding viewing and reading? Do share your recommendations and I’ll investigate them – once I’ve battled my way through Master and Commander, that is.

Mary

A Moodscope member