Comforting Books 📖

[@traceyhart8914]

I’ve been reading “Few Eggs and No Oranges: The Diaries of Vere Hodgson 1940-1945”. It’s also a Persephone book. It’s her diary of living in London during the air raids. I find it comforting because I think those circumstances would be much harder to live under - she maintained a full time job as well as volunteered. Every morning that she wakes up she is surprised and grateful. The city is literally blowing up around her and she carried on. I feel like she is writing to me saying, “we got through that, you’ll get through this.” It’s also inspired me to keep a daily diary recounting the news and my daily activities amidst the wave of history washing over us right now. Thank you for your posts and I can’t wait to listen to you read Alice in Wonderland. I was meaning to give that a reread. Jen, just thanks for being there for us.

[@Sam-du5oe]

This sounds wonderful, thank you for the recommendation!

[@jenvcampbell]

That sounds lovely. I think you'd enjoy this, if you like that: tinyurl.com/y2sbzhuv x

[@RoisinsReading]

I adore the audiobook of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, it's my perfect comfort read!

[@jessicawatson7360]

Interesting, I couldn’t get into that.

[@alenemarie1726]

Im going to reread The Secret Garden because it filled me with such joy and love and hope and healing when I first read it and I need that now. I also think classics are so great right now, especially Jane Austen, and any children classics, those always make me feel better.

[@bluebell3441]

Everyone one was outside clapping 👏 for the national health service. Heart moving. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@aleksismil]

I discovered your channel yesterday by complete accident. I am glad I did. I love all the recommendations you made, especially in regards to contemporary poetry. You just reminded me how much I missed reading it and all the new authors that are out there and their work that needs to be explored. Looking forward to read upon some of your recommendations and also your books! Thanks so much!

[@ninjabookbox413]

Noel Streatfield is amazing and my number one author for comfort reading. Hugely recommend both The Growing Summer and Apple Bough as well as The Painted Garden which is a sort of sequel to Ballet Shoes

[@bluebell3441]

I re read famous five . Relaxing 😌

[@natalierosereads]

I've recently finished Before the coffee gets cold and Convenience store woman, and would love a recommendation for another quirky book set in Japan. I absolutely loved the setting of those two! Thank you 😊

[@maikas.6035]

I recently read Sweet Bean Paste by Surian Sukegawa. It's a little sad, but also hopeful. (Less quirky though.) An easy and calming read about friendship and purpose and I learned some things about Japanese culture and history.

[@Coalcain420]

Me too!

[@ifwewerefeckless]

Kitchen by banana yoshimoto!

[@AnnaShikari]

ive only read murakami's 'birthday girl' and 'the strange library' but would definitely recommend! they're super short, if you can find the harvill secker published edition of the strange library then even better, goossen's illustrations really add to the story! recently got the 'nakamo thrift shop' by hiromi kawakami from the library, i haven't read it yet so don't know how quirky it is, but it might be something you like 🥰

[@jenvcampbell]

You might like these: 1. tinyurl.com/wjzts9n 2. tinyurl.com/uu8yun4 3. tinyurl.com/u6d5ntk x

[@amyy3638]

This was exactly the video I needed right now. Thank you Jen, you're a superhuman!

[@chiming_]

Ohhh I have nine out of this list. Let me dig them out now. Well, I have actually just bought my third different edition of 84 Charing Cross Road. I won’t deny I loved this small book, and the movie too!

[@TheGoldenflower58]

Northern Lights I love. Have read it repeatedly. And The Subtle Knife. I find that fascinating.

[@twentyplumed]

I was halfway through Half of a Yellow Sun when all this kicked off and I'm loving it but it's way too stressful for the current situation! So I'm back listening to Harry Potter and reading PG Wodehouse... Very comforting combination :) Take care xx

[@Coalcain420]

I would love to read a classic with the same feel as Pride and Prejudice. I've read all of Austen's books and reread them more times than I can count.

[@jenvcampbell]

Then you need to read The Other Bennet Sister tinyurl.com/qods5om If you only want a classic, though, I'd recommend books by Geraldine Jewsbury. x

[@Coalcain420]

@@jenvcampbell I've read the The Other Bennet Sister but I'll check out the author you suggested. Thank you!

[@EvieD]

Thank you for the recommendations. I also loved 84 Charing Cross Road and The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. I recommend "Stones From The River" by Ursula Hegi (fiction) and two non-fiction books by Barbara Kingsolver - "Small Wonder" and "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle".

[@megumirocha2678]

First of all, I have to say it, I love the way you talk about books, always make me wanna read. My top 3 of all time are Frankenstein, Les Miserables and Pride and Prejudice. My favorites that I read recently are Death or Ice Cream, Where We Go When All We Were Is Gone and Harry August. For the favorites that I read because of you, I will go with Bird Box, Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? and Revenge by Yoko Ogawa. Hope you are well and safe.

[@deedsreadswithtea]

I'm a high school English teacher, and I love going to the theatre and hiking in my spare time. A few recent reads that I have adored are Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson (loved the humor and the wit) and The Child Finder (so hopeful and whimsical even while covering a dark subject). My favorite genre tends to be fantasy/magical realism, because I love myth and fairy tales. I've also been getting into classic "whodunit" mystery recently (7.5 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle, Knives Out - I prefer these to modern thriller, not a huge fan of gritty novels). However, I will read any book that has incredible characters, at least some hope involved, and that can hook me from the get-go and not let me go!

[@jenvcampbell]

Ok, here you go: 1. tinyurl.com/rj7p9bc 2. tinyurl.com/go9aahy 3. tinyurl.com/y7hhpyvy x

[@deedsreadswithtea]

@@jenvcampbell Thanks so much Jen!

[@ElizabethHopkinson]

I have been re-reading The Watchmaker of Filigree Street and The Bedlam Stacks by Natasha Pulley, swapping between the paper and audiobook versions. Very comforting.

[@saajidahfirdausi3794]

I am so glad to have chanced upon your video and your channel - your book recommendations are so varied and interesting! The Bookshop Book sounds lovely, I cannot wait to check it out. The ultimate comfort reads are the Harry Potter books, for sure. I've been feeling quite nostalgic for the Nancy Drew series, Austen's books and Bridget Jones as well. Cry, Heart, But Never Break is a children's picture book which talks about dealing with loss in the most delicate of ways, and it could be a comforting read for many people during this difficult period. I'd love to get a recommendation from you. Some of my favourite books are The Clockwork Orange, A Little Life, Betty Blue, and The Housekeeper and the Professor. I also really enjoy books that involve food and magical realism, together and separate, like the Chocolat series by Joanne Harris, Like Water for Chocolate, Mondays are Red and The Night Circus.

[@jenvcampbell]

I'd recommend The Memory Police tinyurl.com/u29tq3r Never Let Me Go tinyurl.com/htvdcxh and The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake tinyurl.com/wm65exf x

[@lukem118]

I'm going back to read some P.G.Woodhouse during these times.

[@drawntostories5940]

My comfort reads are The Hobbit by Tolkien, The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa, and Azumanga Daioh (manga) by Kiyohiko Azuma.

[@juditkovacse]

I would love a recommendation too. In the past few months what I have been enjoying a lot is books about being in therapy, and dealing with emotional issues. I recently read Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, and it was both an emotional ride and yet strangely comforting. Something else along those lines, or something that is an emotional growth story from a female perspective would be great.

[@jenvcampbell]

Here you go: 1. tinyurl.com/yce4pvtx 2. tinyurl.com/rxq2q85 3. tinyurl.com/qpf3qt2 x

[@thesocialpalm]

Just finished Maybe you should talk to someone too and it was amazing! If you like memoirs dealing with psychology (one of my fav genre’s), I’d recommend Weekends at Bellevue by Julie Holland (memoir about working in a psych E.R.), Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan (memoir about a medical mystery misinterpreted as a descent into madness) & An Unquiet Mind by Kay Redfield Jamison (memoir about manic depression mixing theory & personal experience). The Glass Castle (Jeannette Walls) & Wild (Cheryl Strayed) were equally fascinating, moving reads 😄

[@dawn307]

@@jenvcampbell Rabbits for Food might also be of interest. It's about a writer with chronic depression and despite how difficult she and those close to her find their relationships, there is a real grit to the main character, Bunny which I really enjoyed and admired. Although I could only read it one chapter at time, the prose felt very dense which was also really effective.

[@AliceandtheGiantBookshelf]

I've been enjoying your channel so much Jen, but I only just found this video! The Harry Potter audiobooks were the only thing that comforted me during the start of the first lockdown, especially when I was first told to shield. I will definitely listen to them again when I feel the need. Agree with pretty much all of the children's book choices, especially the Angus Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging series, I think I've re-read that more than any other series, possibly even Harry Potter, and it's still so hilariously good. My other re-read that gives me so much nostalgia and comfort is the The Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper. Those books are so good!

[@rissajaneen]

Other comfort reads I would recommend are the Alchemist and East of the Sun West of the Moon. I liked that you mentioned Ballet Shoes- in that same vein I also love the Secret Garden and the Little Princess, both of which are free audio books on Librivox. I also like light, friendship books such as Love, Rosie by Cecilia Ahern. (It is also a truly lovely Netflix movie if anyone needs something to watch.) I'm currently reading the opposite of a comfort book since it is set in a world in which a pandemic has changed human civilization, but Station Eleven is very thought provoking about what do we value most. As far as recommendations, I liked Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger and My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares so I wondered if you had anything else in that vein.

[@jenvcampbell]

I recommend Night Waking tinyurl.com/v9666kg x

[@rissajaneen]

@@jenvcampbell Thanks Jen! I hope you are staying well!

[@chelseaz5376]

I would love a rec for a YA fantasy book/series, one with great characters and magic system that completely grips you from the start!

[@jenvcampbell]

I'd recommend The Cruel Prince tinyurl.com/t79pbqj

[@user-xz4yd8mn2c]

I'm an essential employee who wants to escape but cant handle anything to weighty right now. I love stories with nature, magical realism, fantasy, and found families/friends play a big role. I don't have a specific book in mind as a jumping off point though.

[@jenvcampbell]

Here you go: 1. tinyurl.com/y8wejv5u 2. tinyurl.com/yjnaxpr5 x

[@Tinahgirl83]

My current comfort reads are: any of the fantasy series by David Eddings, Agatha Christie, Mary Higgins Clark, Paddington books and the Freddy the Pig series by Walter R. Brooks. I’m looking for a gothic novel perfect for someone who loves the Brontës, Rebecca, and The Woman in White. Also, any form of humorous book similar to PG Wodehouse.

[@jenvcampbell]

I'd take a look at the British Crime Classics tinyurl.com/r9haqen x

[@rahmawatirahmawati9944]

I love you channel for presenting various literary books. I love you more for loving Wonderstruck. 😍

[@meganmeaney3900]

I’d love a recommendation for a book like Never Let Me Go, by Kazuo Ishiguro. I’ve never been a fan of traditional sci-fi, but this one broke down the barriers to entry into that genre for me. The story rattled me and has stuck in my head for over a decade!

[@jenvcampbell]

The Age of Miracles tinyurl.com/ycw54gac x

[@Psychodix]

Thank you, Jen ♥

[@Himynameismai]

Hi Jen :) I’m an engineer and an immigrant (Latina living in Germany). I used to read mostly classics/modern classics before and would like to read more contemporary authors. My favorite authors overall are Jane Austen and Kurt Vonnegut, I also really enjoy Ishiguro and Celeste Ng. I also don’t like historical fiction when it is set before the 19 hundreds.

[@jenvcampbell]

I'd recommend The Bass Rock tinyurl.com/w5aju4z or English Animals tinyurl.com/y8wejv5u x

[@KatrinDh]

Your suggestions always bring me joy even if I don't end up reading all the lovely books you mention. Thank you. :) And I would like to ask if you can recommend something similar to The Humans by Matt Haig. Something sci-fi with humour or witty nuggets of wisdom, giving us a look at humanity from someone else's perspective.

[@jenvcampbell]

Curious Incident isn't sci-fi but has a similar feel tinyurl.com/tfaeea2, same with What Milo Saw tinyurl.com/uj9ka9t x

[@KatrinDh]

Thanks so much. I've never heard of What Milo Saw, it sounds like a charming tale.

[@annabrigance770]

My all time favorite is East of Eden by Steinbeck. I love a family saga and a deep study of character. Lately I’ve really been enjoying well written romance novels. I’m a sucker for beautiful writing (writing that makes me want to write). I tend to gravitate to darker themes but will read anything.

[@jenvcampbell]

Try A Place For Us tinyurl.com/y5ccj8mb x

[@agw4877]

I'm bit late to the party, but I haven't found anything as great as The Diviners, by Margaret Laurence. It's about a woman who grows up poor in a small country town and eventually becomes a writer, but the book focuses more on the evolution of her life and her relationships with other people. It felt so empathetic and human, and I loved every minute of reading it. I'd love to hear recommendations for that sort of introspective, realistic (but in a nice, profound way) story. Thank you!

[@jenvcampbell]

The Crimson Petal and the White tinyurl.com/yczjrfqq (main character is a sex worker in Victorian London who longs to be a writer) x

[@lyadmilo]

For the Nostalgic Childhood ones: Phantom Tollbooth!!!

[@leyna5453]

Hello Jen! I’d like to read a romance story with not too many cliches and characters that are not too flat 😅 yet with that warm fuzz to it and, most important thing, with a happy ending I don’t have any reference as romance hasn’t really been my genre so far, but I guess these are strange times in every sense.. As always, thank you for the company and take care

[@jenvcampbell]

Here you go tinyurl.com/ycfh5mcg x

[@carleybarnes4365]

I enjoy photography and I love reading books set in nature.

[@jenvcampbell]

Then I'd recommend Robert Macfarlane's books: tinyurl.com/w4jonnp and the Birds and the Bees series: tinyurl.com/ukz5brf x

[@BunsBooks]

I’ve been trying to read more fiction involving themes of mythology. I devoured both of Madeline Miller’s books, as well as Silence of the Girls, Gods of Jade and Shadow, and the Bird King last year and I can’t get enough, I just find them so familial. I’m going to see if my library as an electronic version of Elisabeths Lists, it sounds wonderful 💚

[@jenvcampbell]

Have you read Natalie Haynes? tinyurl.com/u5ynk3c Would also recommend The Penelopiad tinyurl.com/t6eccyk and Weight tinyurl.com/s4ln369 x

[@Sam-du5oe]

I recently read I Capture The Castle by Dodie Smith and absolutely loved it, I found it comforting in that even when bad things happened the protagonist’s voice and tone was so charming and optimistic that it felt like a lovely warm read. I also love to hear inconsequential details of life, particularly from days in the past when things were much simpler or people had to work harder but appreciated their pleasures more.

[@jenvcampbell]

I'd recommend Doreen www.persephonebooks.co.uk/doreen.html x

[@clarelinton6562]

Totally agree about nature writing. Have you read How to Catch a Mole? I loved it! X

[@jenvcampbell]

I haven't - I'll give it a google x

[@evelienterhuurne6642]

I also absolutely loved and have The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society as a comforting read. I would love a recommendation for a similar book with the aspects I that made me fall in love with it. Like love for books, quirky townspeople and the historical setting. Doesn't have to be set in WWII or post WWII.

[@jenvcampbell]

84 Charing Cross Road tinyurl.com/tydbj6f Diary of a Bookseller tinyurl.com/rfqmhmt Three Things You Need to Know About Rockets tinyurl.com/ydgmn728 The Bookshop That Floated Away tinyurl.com/ybpqc9uz x

[@evamelas4839]

I love reading books with magic realism and historical books set in the 19th century. I would love to read a book that combines both elements. I am a historian and also interested in folklore and stron female protagonists.

[@jenvcampbell]

The Book Collector tinyurl.com/ydh7gylx Jonathan Strange tinyurl.com/stffslm The Night Circus tinyurl.com/wtd76at Once Upon a River tinyurl.com/vpj2rwm x

[@milkpowell1]

I love your channel!! Thank you for the wonderful recommendations.However, I'm having a very hard time reading during these social distancing times.

[@jenvcampbell]

sending all best wishes x

[@Liba_Elena]

What a nice video and nice recommendations. Can you recommend me a cozy mystery book? Book with no violence and gore, more with Agatha Christie vibe. Something fun and happy. With a wholesome mystery like a lost favourite tea cup?😊Thank you❤

[@jenvcampbell]

Have you read Agatha Raisin books? I haven't read them myself but know so many people love them: tinyurl.com/ryup3go I'd also recommend the British Crime Classics tinyurl.com/r9haqen x

[@thesocialpalm]

Bíba P. I’d recommend Zen Attitude (part of the Rei Shimura series by Sujata Massey) - a mystery novel set in Tokyo following Rei, an American-Japanese antiques expert & amateur sleuth.

[@jessicawatson7360]

The Trouble With Goats And Sheep

[@jessicawatson7360]

That video idea is such a cool idea.

[@tutdunsthemouse]

I would love to get a recommendation for a book similar to All the Light We Cannot Seeee or The Shadow of the Wind; something with a beautiful descriptive writing style.

[@jenvcampbell]

Try these: 1. tinyurl.com/y5at22ub 2. tinyurl.com/quj72ph 3. tinyurl.com/ssvdr2t x

[@FrodoTheShortOne]

This Green and Pleasant Land is wonderful - would highly reccomend!

[@rosielove6431]

Love this ^__^ I'd love some recommendations for fiction or non fiction around Russian folk tales, Baba Yaga, anything related to witches. These could be for adults or children as I have 2 little ones too. Thank you for being a comfort during this uncertain time Jen x

[@jenvcampbell]

Have you read books by Ludmilla Petrushevskaya? For you, not for the children: tinyurl.com/vhocvet x

[@rosielove6431]

@@jenvcampbell I haven't but I certainly will now!! Thank you 😊 xx

[@rosielove6431]

@@jenvcampbell also thank you so much for taking the time to read, consider and recommend books to all the comments 😊x

[@katecarrubba3326]

I'm looking for books that are similar to studio Ghibli movies for that cozy and homey feeling I like children and ya literature mostly but I'm open to adult ones as well

[@jenvcampbell]

Definitely The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland: tinyurl.com/ycl9ydbx x

[@cierraintherye]

Would love a recommendation similar to Names for the Sea but any different countries. Or just anything multicultural, bonus if it's translated literary fiction. Or just amazing travel writing, I'm really trying to transport to a different place. I basically want the book version of Sense8

[@jenvcampbell]

Elisabeth's Lists tinyurl.com/y2sbzhuv Undreamed Shores by Frances Larson: tinyurl.com/we2929q Reading Lolita in Tehran tinyurl.com/y9rf2ufp x

[@Larissa_KD]

I just finished 84 Charing Cross Road (and The Duchess of Bloomsburg Street, it was included in my edition), and absolutely loved it, I laughed so much!

[@yoshuareece8785]

Your outfit is also comforting!

[@lizastevens8291]

My comfort read is The Summer Book by Tove Jansson 🥰. I’ve recently loved Convenience Store Woman and would love something like that - I also loved Lullaby by Leila slimani - I think I like the spare writing in both, with underlying emotion.

[@jenvcampbell]

I'd recommend The Faster I Walk, The Smaller I Am tinyurl.com/y3gnd6ry x

[@hannahwooster1706]

Such a lovely idea! (Hope I’m not too late). I’ve been really in the mood for something atmospheric and hazy set on a Greek island or similar. Basically anything that will transport me from my living room! Would love to hear if you have anything that springs to mind. Thank you x

[@jenvcampbell]

Hot Milk by Deborah Levy for literary fiction, My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell for cosiness and nostalgia x

[@hannahwooster1706]

@@jenvcampbell Thank you so much!

[@annemariemanzano6328]

Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfield, wow that takes me back, thanks for the trip down memory lane

[@cecilld]

Hi Jen! I am working a lot right now with everything going on so I was hoping you might be able to recommend some short story/fairy tale collections. Perhaps something a bit unusual or a new take on some classics. Bonus points for anything to do with Mermaids! Many thanks, your videos are providing a lot of comfort right now!

[@jenvcampbell]

I'd suggest A Portable Shelter tinyurl.com/zzyyl8k Diving Belles tinyurl.com/yb4s6pef Sweet Home tinyurl.com/gnke58y and Blue Beyond Blue tinyurl.com/ycn6fmoy x

[@sonofares7889]

I would love love a fantasy book set out at seas. I always look for a book that ships and magic. But I always have a hard time finding any.

[@jenvcampbell]

I haven't read Robin Hobb but those who love her books really, really love them. tinyurl.com/tx3uk57 x

[@janicewinkler9494]

Dear Jen, thanks so much for your videos, I ADORE them. I'm from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and I consider myself one of the three biggest fans of Ali Smith in my country, ha :). So I got to your videos searching for news and reviews on Ali's work and ended up being a fan of yours as well and bought The Bookshop Book, which might arrive anytime soon, I hope. Lots of love. Janice

[@thelibrarianofalexandria6200]

I get comforted as well by rereads. I also get comforted by Meg Cabot books, espesially by her mediator series. Also the stephanie plum books really make me smile. I love time travell, witches, pirates, books about books, myths(greek, norse, egyptian etc) retellings, fandom books(geekerella, fangirl, queens of geek). Also I WILL NOT READ A BOOK WITHOUT A HEA.

[@jenvcampbell]

Meg Cabot meets fandom: www.goodreads.com/book/show/41150487-red-white-royal-blue x

[@thelibrarianofalexandria6200]

@@jenvcampbell Alredy read and love it but not a bad rec if not.

[@inmimisbowl]

Dear Jen, The first thing that I saw in this video is one of the books behind you on the shelf, A Tale for the Time Being. I absolutely loved that book, especially the family dynamic between the grandmother and granddaughter and how Buddhism is interwoven into the story. I would love to know what your recommendation would be for me. Hope you're well :) Much love, Michelle

[@jenvcampbell]

Firstly, I'd recommend her other two novels, if you haven't read them yet, especially My Year Of Meats tinyurl.com/y8tkvnum I'd also recommend this tinyurl.com/y8ncaj3k x

[@booksandhounds]

I'm really into shape shifting books right now. People turning into animals. Time periods I'm drawn to are the 20's and 1800's. Myths and folktales. My favorite reads so far this year are Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman and The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell. One of my fave authors is Charles Lint. I love non fiction about animals also. I am interested in The Wolf Border and Underland! Thanks for the great suggestions! They all sound great! 😊

[@jenvcampbell]

If you're interested in The Wolf Border then I think you'd also like this: tinyurl.com/y8wejv5u as for the other themes you mentioned, I'd recommend: 1. tinyurl.com/yae2m8gj 2. tinyurl.com/y8e3d64n 3. tinyurl.com/tedcyj6 4. tinyurl.com/yamklbsb x

[@macklinloosley-millman9215]

Oh I love Return to Oz and wow you’re right Circumnavigated is a perfect book pairing for that film. Ballet shoes is also a childhood favourite of mine. Definitely reread it a lot. My other favourite comfort read is Little White Horse. Lovely video as always.

[@LettersAndLeaves]

I've never found a book that made me feel the way The Secret History by Donna Tartt did. If you could, I'd be eternally grateful!

[@danceswithvirginiawoolfs8963]

Me too!

[@jenvcampbell]

This is on my TBR but it's giving me major Secret History vibes tinyurl.com/tvduaj x

[@LettersAndLeaves]

@@jenvcampbell the link isn't working for me darling, but thank you for the reply!xxx

[@jenvcampbell]

@@LettersAndLeaves Don't know what happened there - here you go tinyurl.com/tvduaja x

[@carolaustin6374]

It's a wonderful book, isn't it?

[@Naomi-sx5mi]

I’d love a recommendation for a book that falls somewhere between fleabag and normal people by Sally Rooney, they make me feel so seen. Thanks!

[@jenvcampbell]

Mrs Gaskell and Me by Nell Stevens tinyurl.com/y4fy7oo6 and The Bass Rock by Evie Wyld tinyurl.com/wq7blwd x

[@saranevano4485]

Never seen a squirrell in real life. When all of this will be over, i'll go and find one somewhere to say hello to. Thanks for the comforting recommendations, some of them are my favourites too, but I'm noting down all the other ones.

[@Monica-rr7ko]

I love hot chocolate with Enid Blyton books, especially her school series (Naughtiest Girl, Mallory Towers, St Clairs). Would you have any recommendations about ordinary people going about normal lives with no 'extraordinary' drama. For eg. I LOVED the magic in Harry Potter, but what really provided me comfort was just the regular growing up parts like friendship, first crushes, etc. Thank you

[@jenvcampbell]

Eleanor and Park tinyurl.com/vhy7kuc perhaps revisit old Judy Blume books, too? I used to love Just As Long As We're Together tinyurl.com/r4d2ml5 x

[@Monica-rr7ko]

@@jenvcampbell Thank you!!!! I've read Eleanor and Park, but (embarrassingly so) have never read Judy Blume. Really excited start now

[@ella5452]

Your videos are always such a delight! Thank you lots and lots💚 🌻 💚

[@K.Kitbex]

I've been trying to find a book similar to 'Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell' for eons. Any suggestions? I'm currently rereading 'A la recherche du temps perdu' / 'In Search Of Lost Time' Comforting, in that it keeps your mind occupied with questions. Would love to find similar philosophical serieses. P.S. LOVE the bumble bee colours you've attired self with, today 😊😘

[@ЮлияАнтюфеева-ш2г]

I'd love to read something like Jonathan Strange! Have you read Matthew Shardlake? Wonderful historical fiction/mystery. Not like Strange but I love the way the author invokes England under the rule of Henry VIII

[@rosepetal34]

have you read her short stories as well?, i know what you mean though that is such a unique and wonderful book, gormenghast for the kind of gothic magical element perhaps?, or i'm reading a very funny german book at the moment called 'the city of dreaming books' its similiar in that moer creates such a rich mythology for this very bookish world

[@AuburnAfterglow]

OMG I just wanted to ask about books similar to Jonathan Strange as well ;D

[@brunokulic8070]

I would recommend Sorcerer to the Crown by Zen Cho. Ann Leckie perfectly described it: "If you like Austen or Patrick O'Brian, or magic and humour like Susanna Clarke, or simply a very fun read, you will really, really enjoy this." It's a Regency era England magic story with what feels like a period-accurate writing style and it has Austen's style of humour based on observations of society. Would highly highly recommend!

[@jenvcampbell]

You might enjoy these: 1. tinyurl.com/sth55aw 2. tinyurl.com/qvv6lgr 3. tinyurl.com/u5l6ndk x

[@maddisonbrake1012]

Thanks for your heartwarming content, it's been a relief in this period of uncertainty. Your ideas are doing good and I'm hoping you're keeping well, safe and loved. I'm a cook at heart, interested in playing the piano and how we can write about the body. Lately, I've been keen on Salt Slow, In the Dreamhouse, The Secret History, The Gloaming, Written on the Body, some Sarah Moss in the mix too and eager to pick up more non-fiction - any suggestions? Wishing you all the warmth, Jen!

[@jenvcampbell]

I'd recommend Salt on Your Tongue tinyurl.com/rlgeb5w Turning tinyurl.com/yce4pvtx and Names for the Sea tinyurl.com/y8hdo2tu x

[@lullyweb]

Thank you for this video, much needed and appreciated x

[@artjournalstories7313]

I would love a book that includes regency period, fun characters, lighthearted story, downton abbey vibes. I love Georgette Heyer for example. Thank you Jen, you're the loveliest!

[@jenvcampbell]

I'd very much recommend The Other Bennet Sister tinyurl.com/qods5om x

[@ornleifs]

About your book recommendation - I'm a bookworm but I also have a degree in philosophy so that means I love novels which have a philosphical thread or examine some philosphy in the plot. Novels like "Immortality" by Milan Kundera or "To Loud a Solitude" by Bohumil Hrabal or "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" by Richard Bach - If you have any recommendation in that vein I would love to hear them.

[@jenvcampbell]

I'd recommend Einstein's Dreams tinyurl.com/jltbslm x

[@Merima28]

One of the most intriguing books I've read so far is Vita Nostra by a husband and wife duo. It's as if Harry Potter was written by Kafka. And I love love anything by Karen Maitland ( the vanishing witch- Wunderbar) please something alonge those themes..

[@jenvcampbell]

Have you tried The Bear and the Nightingale? tinyurl.com/yx88vg5p x

[@mariajosealarcon4820]

I would love a recommendation from you, I like adult fantasy, preferably a stand alone, I like mythology and fairy tales retellings, some of my favorites are Circe and the song of Achilles.

[@jenvcampbell]

I'd recommend A Thousand Ships tinyurl.com/u5ynk3c Penelopiad tinyurl.com/vggzrpp and Weight tinyurl.com/s4ln369 x

[@mariajosealarcon4820]

Jen Campbell thanks!! I’ll check them out :D

[@amandanicholls2796]

Hi Jen, please recommend a book; I adore gardening, the countryside and my three dogs. Mysteries, historical fiction, and gothic feel reads are my favourites. Right now I could do with something pretty uplifting. thanks x

[@jenvcampbell]

This book isn't entirely uplifting, but it isn't sad either. tinyurl.com/y8wejv5u x

[@annibidopsis]

I would love a recommendation from you! I enjoy science fiction and fantasy most and my favourite series is the Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson, I love everything science as I'm about to start a PhD in cancer research and I'm a big fan of skepticism and science communication! I absolutely love all your content, sending you lots of love xxx

[@jenvcampbell]

I'd recommend Arcadia if you haven't already read it tinyurl.com/u5l6ndk x

[@annibidopsis]

That sounds like I will absolutely love it, thank you so much! xx

[@NoFaceInTheCrowd]

Thank you so much for making these kind of videos! It's so nice to think about comforting things right now. Hope you are ok

[@CosyMidlifeBookNook]

Great video Jen, just what I needed. My go to comfort books are The Dalai Lama's Cat series by David Michie, they have been with me through so many anxious times. The audible books read by David are also gorgeous. Stay safe xx

[@paigeb9703]

I sometimes like to process events through fiction. I just re-read Station Eleven. And loved it just as much as the first time I read it. Other apocalyptic fiction I’ve enjoyed is The Last One and The Day of the Triffids. I think I crave the survival of these stories and the emotional journeys the characters take. If you could recommend something along these lines, I’d love it! Thank you for the lovely videos.

[@jenvcampbell]

The Chrysalids tinyurl.com/yb2926bz The Age of Miracles tinyurl.com/ycw54gac Never Let Me Go tinyurl.com/htvdcxh Oryx and Crake tinyurl.com/m3zhf6e x

[@vivireadsbooks2242]

Thank you so much for these type of videos!!! I am definitely getting The Bookshop Book, Underland, and The Other Bennett Sister! Take care💜

[@chatelaine7325]

I cannot get audio books from my usual supplier. Found my tape and cd machine into dark corners to old audio ! It will be good lots of Ian rankin to start with. Will be noting books you mention as usual. Keep safe xx

[@paige9344]

I'd like a book that is similar to A Little Life in that it follows characters' lives or just one character, deals with friendships/relationships, but specifically more so aimed at people in their 20's.

[@jenvcampbell]

I'm afraid I really wasn't a fan of a Little Life, so it's difficult to draw comparisons between that and books I love, but all of these have complex relationships: 1. tinyurl.com/y5ccj8mb 2. tinyurl.com/y8ar35v3 x

[@laurahoner3722]

I've been trying to find a book that gives me similar feelings to 'Call Me by Your Name' or "The Virgin Suicides". Do you have any suggestions? I love a good read that completely shatters my heart, but in the most beautiful and poetic way.

[@jenvcampbell]

Tin Man tinyurl.com/y5uloso5 x

[@Yenlover23]

I've been looking for strange books on historical anomalies or anything non fiction but eccentric like "The Anatomical Venus" or "From Here to Eternity: Traveling the world to find the good death" but it doesn't have to be related to death, merely the strange.

[@jenvcampbell]

A Time To Dance, A Time to Die tinyurl.com/yd4ehvq6 Princesses Behaving Badly tinyurl.com/qnqe8uv The Dragon Seekers tinyurl.com/yxx554wf x

[@miaarndt9501]

City of Light, City of Poison: Murder, Magic, and the First Police Chief of Paris - very strange nonfiction that I thoroughly enjoyed!

[@Rain-oy5on]

Hi Jen :) Thank you so much for being here for us, it helps a ton. And thank you even more for your offer of recommendations, I love the idea and it makes me very happy that you want to take this time for us. I would like to ask for a recommendation for a friend, as I'm doing fine currently but she is not coping well with the situation. She studies physics and often struggles with not finding much sense in the world and especially in her life. She describes this as a nihilistic view of life. She doesn't like that she views the world this way but it seems logical to her and she can't quite see it differently. Right now this is even worse. Her usual coping mechanism she uses to find joy in the world despite all is spending lots of time with people, keeping very busy and connecting a lot with others. Which means that right now she feels even more lost than usual. I would love to gift her a book that gives the message of 'not everything needs to make sense to be purposeful'. Something that tells her that her place in this world is valid, even if she can't understand it fully. Something that tells her that it's fine to feel joy and to relax. Other than physics she enjoys nature (looking at beautiful trees and flowers for hours) , animé, Japanese culture in general, cooking, she is interested in herbal medicine, she boulders and she draws. Edit: I'm so sorry this is so long

[@jenvcampbell]

Here you go: 1. tinyurl.com/y5skrknu 2. tinyurl.com/jltbslm 3. tinyurl.com/tjhyqao x

[@Rain-oy5on]

@@jenvcampbell Thank you so so much, these are all wonderful recommendations

[@Emmareads15]

Oooh, I would love one. I love The Time Traveller's Wife, Gone with the Wind, The Remains of the day, and ballet contemporary fiction (like Astonish Me, Girl Through Glass and The Cranes Dance).

[@jenvcampbell]

The Cranes Dance is my go-to recommendation for ballet fiction, I'm afraid. But for books similar to the others, I'd recommend The Lighthouse tinyurl.com/vr3e982 and Arcadia tinyurl.com/u5l6ndk x

[@Emmareads15]

@@jenvcampbell Thanks for these two, they both seem exactly my type of book. Thank you so much Jen, this must've been so much work for you to think of books for us all, it's really appreciated.

[@jenvcampbell]

@@Emmareads15 You're welcome! Just realised that first link was broken, so have amended just in case: tinyurl.com/vr3e982 x

[@Emmareads15]

@@jenvcampbell Thanks so much! I'd found the book from googling, but this link is great. You've worked so hard on all this, thank you!!!

[@naomisackett9210]

I've just started the Sarah Moss Names for the Sea! Enjoying it so far. As always, a lovely, welcome calm moment watching your videos Jen, thank you.

[@naomisackett9210]

Ps Also just got your Bookshop Book... A hug is a good description!

[@jenvcampbell]

@@naomisackett9210

[@katherineallen4239]

I'm reading Underland right now (thanks for the recommendation) and it's such a beautiful and fascinating read.

[@harrietthomas-bush7274]

My favourite book of all time, that I'm currently re-reading, is The Night Circus! I'd really love something similar or just magical realism/urban fantasy. Thank you!

[@Merima28]

Loved the night circus. Maybe try and source : Vita Nostra - it's translated from Russian by marina dyachenko ( and her husband) . I loved it.

[@jenvcampbell]

You might like these: 1. tinyurl.com/yae2m8gj 2. tinyurl.com/vpj2rwm x

[@alisonmassey9998]

Any chance for recommendation for a book that might grip me in the same way as "The Blind Assassin" by Margaret Atwood? It was so unique, felt like reading a thriller and also an autobiography. I also loved the setting at the turn of the century, just a time I find fascinating. The first person narration from the unique perspective of an older woman was also great. Love your videos Jen, they are so inspiring! X

[@jenvcampbell]

Have you read The Robber Bride? tinyurl.com/qt65wsx x

[@alisonmassey9998]

@@jenvcampbell I haven't!! Thank you so much!!

[@Dani__Happy]

I recently fell in love with Maggie Nelson's writing. I'm looking for anything that is similar to Bluets or The Argonauts in terms of style, and how personal and raw it is.

[@jenvcampbell]

Bestiary is what you're looking for tinyurl.com/ychdjjb6 x

[@cynthiakrysak4461]

Hi Jen, thank you for the video. Besides reading, my hobbies include playing piano, going for nature walks, learning languages, and learning about history. Any recommendations for books? Thank you for your great content! :)

[@jenvcampbell]

I'd recommend The Illumination of Ursula Flight tinyurl.com/y9a9jml9 Margaret The First tinyurl.com/rv4tyao and the Mistresses of Cliveden tinyurl.com/v928gaz x

[@cynthiakrysak4461]

Thanks Jen! :)

[@paulajohnson6480]

I absolutely loved the very first Persephone book I bought - Mariana by Monica Dickens. It was honestly such a warming, charming read that I had to slow myself down because I didn't want to finish it too quickly. I have some more Persephone books on my shelves but I'm nervous that none of them will pack quite the same punch (in a gloriously cosy way, of course) that Mariana did so I've not got to them yet! Any suggestions?

[@jenvcampbell]

Doreen by Barbara Noble is my favourite x

[@caitlinquinn79]

Dear Jen, I'm looking for a book with the warm, small town, personal feeling of Shaun Bythell's Diary of a Bookseller, it makes me feel like I'm curled up with a hot chocolate when it's raining outside, and everyone is facing issues but it's not the end of the world. I'm not explaining that to make the ask more specific, I just wanted to explain why I loved it so much. Also, Scottish humour 👌

[@caitlinquinn79]

Off the read The Bookshop Book! (And look for it on audible)

[@jenvcampbell]

@@caitlinquinn79 Afraid none of my books are available as audiobooks yet. Have you read Jessica's book 'Three Things I Know About Rockets'? tinyurl.com/ydgmn728 Would also recommend The Bookshop That Floated Away tinyurl.com/ybpqc9uz and, of course, 84 Charing Cross Road. tinyurl.com/tydbj6f Shaun also has a second book out, too. tinyurl.com/rjlquw3 x

[@paulwinchell6904]

I've got a small pile of books i cant keep a lot books its a small room. I find my self drawn to urban magic and books on walking journeys of transformation. I guess im going to have to download Audible. I do have your Bookshop Book. Its my bucket list book. I'm finding videos of wildlife in now empty cities fascinating. The stuff we normally don't see.

[@moreorlessruth4449]

Ooo yes please to the audio book video. I'm looking for some recommendations x

[@Ghadeerreads]

Dear Jen, thank you for creating content in this difficult time! You are such an inspiration! I would love that you recommend a book for me! I love violin, I am actually an amateur violinist. I also love nature and books and I like books about books! On another note: I have a small channel for book reviews (in Arabic). I read in Arabic and English and I review fiction and nonfiction from all around the world! Now I am on a mission to find your books in English in Egyptian bookstores!

[@jenvcampbell]

My 'Weird Things...' books are available in Arabic, but not the others. I hope you can find them in English :) As for book recommendations, you might like: 1. tinyurl.com/ybpqc9uz 2. tinyurl.com/w5elcoz

[@emmabulgin3083]

Hi Jen, I’d love a recommendation. My all time favourite book is Rebecca, I have read this so many times and currently rereading. I love Sebastian faulks, Jeanette winterston, Kate Atkinson. Recently I have enjoyed Elizabeth’s lists and audiobook handmaids tale. Thanks x

[@jenvcampbell]

I'd recommend The Bass Rock tinyurl.com/wq7blwd and The Paying Guests tinyurl.com/y4erk4qq x

[@clairemarge5310]

I picked up A Place for Us in paperback when I was in the US last year and I've been meaning to pick it up - so I definitely will now!! These were all wonderful recommendations and everyone I read, I was nodding along! If I could request a recommendation, I'd love to read something similar to The Name of the Wind - particularly the writing style rather than something purely fantasy (though, I am reading a lot of fantasy at the moment!) Thank you! I hope you and Mr M are keeping well! X

[@jenvcampbell]

I'd recommend Once Upon a River tinyurl.com/vpj2rwm and Arcadia tinyurl.com/u5l6ndk x

[@mkmccord50]

A book I find really comforting is Happiness by Aminatta Forna. I would love a book recommendation for books like Once Upon a River (one of my favorite books!) and The Snow Child.

[@jenvcampbell]

I'd recommend books by Carys Bray tinyurl.com/uvcdqlp x

[@sadeemalsughayyir4786]

I dont know if i'm late to the party or not, but i just got to reading after years of putting it on hold, i loved to kill a mocking bird by harper lee, the harry potter series, take a moment by mind, and five mintues in the morning a focus journal. basically books that are fantasy or for the wellbieng and midfullness so i would love it if you recommended something similar to these! xx

[@jenvcampbell]

I'd recommend His Dark Materials for fantasy tinyurl.com/y8faabv8 And I'd recommend The Art of Asking for mindfulness tinyurl.com/zvd93jq x