So… I’ve been a bit quieter here the past few days. Not because I’ve vanished into a bookcase (though that does sound tempting), but because I’ve been feeling rough. Yesterday my throat decided to betray me, and today I honestly feel like death warmed up. Not the cosy “tucked under blankets with hot chocolate” kind of sick day either, sadly it’s more like dragging myself around, feeling grumpy, and wishing someone would magically appear and bring me some stew.
And honestly, if there’s one thing keeping me from completely losing it, it’s books. Even with my brain operating at half-speed, I can’t stop myself from reading. Somehow I’ve ended up with three books and one audiobook going at the same time. Because apparently chaos is my coping mechanism.
So here’s what’s keeping me busy during my time of need;
The House Witch and The Enchanting of the Hearth by Delemhach, which also happens to be our October book club pick. I’m about 34% in and absolutely loving it. Cosy fantasy is basically medicine for days like this. The domestic magic, the food, the warmth, it’s like a little hug from the page.
And Fin… I need a Fin in my life right now. Someone to keep me fed, bring endless mugs of tea, and maybe make me stop feeling sorry for myself. (Soup is off the table, by the way. I don’t even like it.)
I love how our book club is introducing me to things I wouldn’t normally reach for and I’m already planning to grab the next book in the series for my November TBR because I cannot resist this kind of comfort reading.
Then there’s Limerence by LS Delorme, which is an ARC I requested. Surprise, it’s actually the fifth book in The Limerent Series. Did I know that when I clicked “request”? Of course not. Am I a little annoyed at myself? Sure. But I’m about 20% in, and it’s an easy, breezy read.
There are references to the earlier books that I’m missing, but honestly, it’s holding up pretty well on its own. Lesson learned: do a little more research before requesting ARCs next time.
And then we have the wonderfully weird A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny. This book is delightfully odd, and I’m doing it properly; one chapter per day because the chapters are all dated. It’s basically a spooky little advent calendar for October. Talking animals, gothic vibes, sly winks at classic horror characters… it’s just weird enough to keep me intrigued, but short enough that my foggy brain can handle it. I genuinely look forward to each chapter, and it’s been a nice way to feel seasonal even when I’m feeling rubbish.
Of course, I can’t forget my audiobook saviour: The Fellowship of the Ring, narrated by Andy Serkis. I’m about halfway through, and I’d forgotten just how much singing Tolkien managed to cram into the first book. Honestly, the idea of Frodo and friends bursting into song mid-quest cracks me up.
But Serkis is amazing. He gives each character so much personality, and the pacing is perfect. If you’ve ever been intimidated by Tolkien, an audiobook like this is magic. Honestly, it’s keeping me sane on days when my throat and brain are both going, “nope.”
So yeah, four books. Maybe it’s too many? Probably. But when you’re sick, moods swing like crazy. Some days you want cosy and warm, some days dark and gothic, some days light and easy, and some days you just want someone else to do the reading for you. Having options is basically the only thing stopping me from going stir-crazy.
Reading while sick is funny like that. It’s both perfect and terrible. Perfect because I can finally let myself slow down, curl up, and enjoy reading guilt-free. Terrible because concentration is basically on holiday. I’ve reread the same passage multiple times this week, and don’t even get me started on how often I’ve hit “rewind 30 seconds” on the audiobook. But you know what? It doesn’t matter. Books are patient. They’ll wait for us.
Anyway, enough about my sick-day chaos. Let’s talk about comfort reads. If there’s one thing I’ve learned this week, it’s that we all need that one (or four🙄) books that make everything a little better. Here are my top picks for when you’re feeling rubbish:
My Top 5 Comfort Reads for Sick Days
- The House Witch by Delemhach – cosy, magical, full of warmth. Perfect for days when life feels heavy.
- Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree – coffee, found family, and light, feel-good fantasy.
- The Neverending Story by Michael Ende – sometimes comfort means revisiting the books that shaped your childhood.
- Persuasion by Jane Austen – calm, witty, and quietly romantic. Austen is basically tea in book form.
- The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien – whimsical, adventurous, and short enough that a foggy brain can keep up.
And of course, I have to give an honorary mention to any audiobook narrated by Andy Serkis. His voice alone can make a bad day slightly less terrible and the bonus? He’s narrated the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit. If you’ve never heard his Gollum voice slip seamlessly into Gandalf or Sam, you’re seriously missing out.
So, that’s me: sore throat, grumpy, juggling four books, but somehow still comforted by them all. If you’re under the weather this month too, I hope your books are keeping you company as much as mine are.
Now I want to know: what’s your go-to comfort read when you’re feeling rubbish? And which fictional character would you want looking after you? Personally, I’m sticking firmly with Fin from The House Witch. He’s practical, magical, and way better than anyone bringing soup.
Until next time… may your tea be hot, your throat lozenges effective, and your books cosy 🥰
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