Comfort Reads

The literature equivalent to hot chocolate.

Rain, check. Snuggly cashmere knit, check. Ugg boots, check. Hot chocolate, check. Now take me to a place that’s not here, with four exotic reads that are a silver lining to those cold, grey days stuck inside.

@3minionsplus1

The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles

Set in a time before Trip Advisor, this classic read is a true traveller yarn. Deep in the heat of North Africa following a clueless high-brow American couple as they seek to discover lands unspoiled by vile ‘tourists’. So sticky with despair and beauty hard not to become addicted to the pages.

@riverrunbooks

Trout Fishing in America by Richard Brautigan

Unlike the title implies, this is not really a book about fishing but a psychedelic creek romp across the country. Brautigan is a cult read from the ‘60s, in a time of San Fran bohemia, with a very real power to make you laugh until your tummy hurts.

@novelpassages

In Other Words by Jhumpa Lahiri

This story reads like fresh water for those thirsty for an exotic land. Italy calls like a forbidden lover consuming us with desire. For author Lahiri, she couldn’t ignore her lust any longer and relocated to the lively city of Rome. This is her memoir of what it is like to take a leap for the love of a new language.

@thebookstorepodcast

The Dud Avocado by Elaine Dundy

Deliciously funny. Like listening to your girlfriend tell you about her debaucherous night of affairs. Only it’s the 1950s and you're an American tourist in Paris. Indie actress Greta Gerwig noted this as one of her favourite reads, so you can bet it’s chock-full of screwball comedic moments she’s famous for.