Some books just can't be put down - even after you've turned the last page! We all have those trusty old favourites that we return to time and time again - books that comfort, delight and teach us something new on each visit. We asked iVillagers to share some of their own tattered friends. Here's what they had to say:

'A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving! I read that book for the first time in high school and was hooked. I have returned to it several times since, and each time I read it I pick up new things I didn't find the first time. The symbolism alone could keep a person going forever. One of my all-time favourites.'

'There are lots of great books out there, but whenever I'm feeling like I'm out of place, my favourite book is Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. Makes me feel like I'm part of life again.'

'My all-time favourite book is definitely Anne of Green Gablesby Lucy Maud Montgomery. Her enthusiasm and joy for every tree, bird and book makes me feel like a little girl again.'

'Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy! I love this book. I always re-read the passage when she boldly admits to her husband that she loves Vronsky. I love Anna's boldness and her suffering is sad, but as in all tragedies there is something beautiful about it.'

'Anything by Charles Dickens is worth reading repeatedly; my personal favourite will always be Great Expectations. It was my first exposure to classic literature and forever changed my reading habits.'

'The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy by Douglas Adams - like an old friend, really.'

'Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This book not only has a great storyline and amazingly deep, three-dimensional characters, but can also teach the willing reader a thing or two about life and love. It has definitely helped shape me into the person I am today.'

'I read Little Women by Louisa May Alcott every year Little Womenor so! Every time, I get something different out of the text or notice something special to remember until next time. And the great thing is that the movies don't take anything from the book.'

'Over the years I have read and re-read several of James Michener's novels, especially Centennial. Maybe it's because these books are huge, but the richness of the stories and the real nature of their characters bring me back over and over to enjoy. Even though I know what's coming, it's like settling into an old comfy chair to take one of these well worn books in hand and leave the real world behind.'

'Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins. I laugh out loud just thinking about it. I have to go find a copy and read it again.'

printer friendly

send to a friend

ivillage uk

Comfort books