For Readers: Blog

Read for comfort

Cozy sweater? Check. Pile of blankets? Check. Comfort read? Try one of these feel-good books. These fiction and nonfiction picks are just the thing when you could use a little sunshine in your day. You may even find a new go-to read to add to your rotation of favorites.

TJ Klune treats readers to a charming and light fantasy read with The House in the Cerulean Sea. Linus, a case worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, is sent to a mysterious island where it's been reported that six dangerous orphans live. Faced with an odd guardian who will do anything to protect the children, Linus begins to warm to the island and must weigh his duty against the joy of found family. [e-book | print | audiobook]

The Switch by Beth O’Leary is a delightful story that walks the line between dramedy and romance. Leena has thrown herself into work to avoid dealing with a family tragedy; her grandmother Eileen is itching to start a new life, including a romance. Both needing a change, the two decide to swap places: Eileen heads off to London while Leena gives rural Yorkshire a try, neither expecting the challenges and surprises ahead. The two audiobook narrators perfectly embody the whimsical and vibrant duo. [e-book | print | audiobook]

The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal is an ode to the upper Midwest, craft beer, and the complicated, inescapable pull of family ties. Imbued with a sharp but warm sense of humor, this is the story of a family rift, a beer empire, and a next-generation micro-brewer. Don’t miss the Minnesotan accents in the audiobook version. [e-book | print | large type | audiobook]

Dear Mrs. Bird by A.J. Pearce reminds readers that it's possible to find good in dark times. Amidst the uncertainty and dangers of wartime London, go-getter Emmy takes a job assisting an advice columnist and ends up secretly responding to the desperate letters that the columnist deems unsuitable. Giving a voice to the resilient women on the home front, this is an upbeat and heartfelt look at acts of everyday heroism. [e-book | print | large type | audiobook]

Midwinter Murder by Agatha Christie is a new collection of eleven wintry short stories, perfect to pick up and read in between sips of hot chocolate. With appearances by several familiar characters, including Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, these are mysteries you can enjoy again and again. They're also a good place to start if you're new to the genre. [e-book | print]

Ina Garten never expected her latest cookbook, Modern Comfort Food, would be so timely. This collection of 85 recipes includes updates on old favorites like a giant chocolate chip cookie, truffled mac & cheese, applesauce cake, and soups and stews galore. Pick one of the Barefoot Contessa's foolproof recipes as a perfect prelude to your feel-good read. [print]

The Best of Me by David Sedaris is a collection of the author's funniest and quirkiest stories. His trademark blend of self-deprecating humor and insightful (if sometimes scathing) observations of human behavior will lift the spirits of new fans and longtime readers alike. The only thing better than reading his essays? Listening to his unforgettable narration on the audiobook version. [e-book | print | audiobook]

--Laura