Haven’t been into reading for a long, long time. Got addicted to social media so taking a break from it. But the idleness makes me anxious when I’m alone. Also I’m pretty sure I have ADHD. So I’m looking for something that won’t be too tough to stick to, at the time a bit overwhelming or thought-inspiring and mostly, a comfort read that would motivate me to change my life for the better.
by ariana__gandhi
6 Comments
I know it may sound simple but the Winnie the Pooh stories are really enjoyable. They’re my “comfort blank” to read and listen to and at the moment I’m dealing with some family issues so I do understand what you’re going through. Each story is short enough that they move quickly in pace while maintaining a slow calming atmosphere which may be suitable for your ADHD.
The Tao of Pooh and The Te of Piglet examines the philosophy of Taoism which can be helpful as practical advice for anxiety while also being a charming read.
I really love Terry Pratchett’s Discworld books when I’m in a bad place. I would suggest starting with The Hogfather. It’s not the first of the series, but I think it’s the best. Once you’ve read that, you’ll be invested in the characters and want to read more.
I’ve been through some difficult stuff lately and I’ve found some cozy books that are easy and take my mind off of things
The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers – Its a found family story, but in space. Easy read where characters are more important than plot.
Station Eleven by Emily St John Mendel – It takes place 20 years after the world as we know it ended but it’s nice. About a troupe of actors who travel around performing Shakespeare. A rare post apocalyptic story that ISNT trying to be edgy and most people are basically decent.
This is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone – Time traveling spies/agents on opposite sides of a timeline war leave eachother notes and slowly fall in love. Light on plot heavy on fancy language.
The Hobbit by Tolkien – it’s fun and good and if you haven’t read it yet, you should pick it up.
A Palm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers, it’s dedicated to anyone who needs a break.
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame, hands down. Every chapter can be read standalone, and is roughly 5,000 words which takes 20 minutes to read at average reading speed. It talks about living life slowly and enjoying nature, appreciating the differences in the seasons, and warns about addiction to new technology (mr toad and motorcars).
The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen. Any books by Anne Tyler. My personal favourite is The Accidental Tourist. Election and Tracy Flick Can’t Win by Tom Perrotta.