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Time of India
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
10 comfort fictions that feel like a blanket on a rainy day
Stories that feel like a warm cup of chai when skies turn grey There's something about rainy days that just asks for a good book. Not the fast-paced thrillers or complicated high fantasies, rainy-day reads need to be softer, slower, and warmer in a way that makes you forget the world outside. These aren't necessarily "happy" books, but they carry a kind of emotional weight that feels familiar and safe, like an old sweater or a handwritten letter. If you're looking for stories to curl up with when the rain hits the window, here are ten fiction picks that feel like comfort in print. Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman This one sneaks up on you. It starts quirky, even a little odd, but as Eleanor's world slowly unfolds, it turns into a quietly powerful story of healing and connection. Perfect for when you're feeling introspective. The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune It reads like a warm hug. A caseworker visits a magical orphanage and ends up discovering a family in the most unexpected place. It's tender, kind, and softly magical without ever feeling over the top. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman Grumpy old man. Sad past. Unexpected friendships. You'll cry, you'll smile, and by the end, Ove will feel like someone you actually know. Best read with a blanket and zero distractions. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Yes, it's old. But Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy never really go out of style. Their sibling chaos, quiet growth, and small joys are timeless. Rain on the roof, book in your lap, it just fits. Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi Set in a small Japanese café where you can time-travel (with rules, of course), this book is about regrets, unspoken feelings, and how sometimes just a few words can change everything. Gentle and haunting in the best way. The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary Two strangers share an apartment but have never met; one works days, the other nights. They start leaving notes. It sounds like a rom-com (and it is), but it's also deeply comforting and filled with small kindnesses. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery Anne Shirley's imagination, misadventures, and huge heart are the kind of things rainy days were made for. It's nostalgic, wholesome, and reminds you of simpler joys. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig What if you could see all the lives you could've lived? This book walks through regrets, second chances, and what really matters in the end. It's philosophical, but in a deeply human way. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows Told through letters, this story captures post-WWII life on a tiny island, book clubs, friendship, and resilience. It's surprisingly funny in places, and beautifully written in a way that feels old-world charming. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Because some comfort reads never age. Rainy days are perfect for revisiting Elizabeth Bennet, Mr. Darcy, and all the quiet wit and sharp observations of Austen's world. Comfort fiction isn't just about happy endings. It's about softness, warmth, and characters that stay with you long after the book ends. The next time you hear thunder outside and feel like staying in, maybe one of these stories will keep you good company.
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Books to read in 2025: From fantasy to thriller, fiction genres you should explore this year
If you've ever found yourself reading the same type of book over and over, you're not alone. It's easy to fall into a reading rut, gravitating toward familiar authors or genres that feel like comfort food. But books are meant to be doors, not boxes. This year, why not twist that doorknob and peek into something new? Different genres offer different experiences; some take you on magical quests, others pull you into high-stakes mysteries, or quiet emotional landscapes. Here's a walk-through of some fiction genres that might surprise you, move you, or keep you turning pages well past bedtime. Fantasy: For the dreamers and the detail-lovers Fantasy isn't just about dragons and wizards; it's about building entire worlds. Whether it's the A Song of Ice and Fire or the lyrical beauty of The Name of the Wind , fantasy invites you to live somewhere else entirely for a while. Magic systems, strange creatures, and epic destinies await. If you've never explored this genre, start with something like Stardust by Neil Gaiman or The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune. Thriller: For the ones who crave adrenaline Thrillers are for those who enjoy tension. They make your heart race and your mind spin. The best thrillers don't just rely on action, they build suspense by keeping you unsure of who to trust. If you liked Gone Girl or The Girl on the Train , there's a whole world of nail-biting reads out there. Try Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris or The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides for an intense ride. Historical fiction : For time travelers without a machine This genre is perfect if you love stories grounded in real-world events but with a human lens. Historical fiction brings the past to life sometimes through war, sometimes through quiet family dramas. Books like The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or Pachinko by Min Jin Lee do more than just teach you history; they help you feel it. It's a genre that blends emotion and education in a way few others can. Science fiction : For the curious and the big thinkers Sci-fi isn't just for tech geeks; it's for anyone interested in what's possible. Whether it's exploring artificial intelligence, colonizing other planets, or imagining alternate timelines, sci-fi is about asking 'What if?' You can go hard and heady with authors like Isaac Asimov or more contemporary with Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. It's a genre that stretches your imagination and sometimes your beliefs. Contemporary fiction : For real-life stories with heart If you want something rooted in everyday reality, contemporary fiction is a genre that often gets overlooked but delivers powerful emotional payoffs. These books reflect the world we live in, relationships, identity, mental health, loss, and love. Think Normal People by Sally Rooney or Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. It's like eavesdropping on lives that feel strikingly real. Magical realism: For those who want wonder in the ordinary This genre blends the everyday with the mystical, where magic quietly lives within the mundane. Think of books like Like Water for Chocolate or The Ocean at the End of the Lane . Magical realism isn't flashy, it's emotional, often poetic, and deeply human. You don't need to suspend disbelief; you just need to be open to wonder. Literary fiction: For the lovers of language and nuance Literary fiction focuses less on plot and more on characters, writing style, and emotional depth. It's the genre that asks you to slow down and notice. Books in this category may not always be easy, but they stay with you. Try A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara or The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. Expect to be moved, challenged, and maybe even changed. This year, make your bookshelf a little more adventurous. Step out of your usual reading comfort zone. A good book in a new genre can do more than entertain; it can shift how you see the world. Whether you want escape, thrill, tears, or questions, there's a genre that's waiting to surprise you. So go on take a chance. Your next favorite book might be one you'd never have picked before.
Telegraph
10-03-2025
- General
- Telegraph
Social justice is destroying the pleasure of reading
In news that will depress English teachers like me everywhere, new polling suggests that 40 per cent of Britons have not read or listened to a book in the past year. There are some fairly predictable demographic differences: people who have picked up a book in the past 12 months are more likely to be older, women and middle-class. Yet the overall picture remains the same: whether paperback or hardback, fiction or non-fiction, physical or audiobook, people simply aren't reading as much anymore. Screen-time is the obvious culprit. We are so used to consuming the world in snippets on our smartphones – posts, video clips, episodes – that the sustained concentration of reading has become too challenging for our overstimulated brains. Mornings previously spent reading in bed are now replaced with scrolling through social media; commutes have become time for composing e-mails rather than devouring spy thrillers; quiet evenings are dominated by binge-watching limitless TV while books lay untouched. In our world of shiny new toys, we have collectively forgotten what a gift reading is, and the dopamine hit from our omnipresent screens will always win over the more subtle and long-term pleasure of the page. As the Harvard biologist E. O. Wilson put it: 'we are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom.' Yet, as someone who is regularly searching for reading recommendations for reluctant teenage readers, there is something else that I have noticed: it is increasingly difficult to find a really enjoyable story. If students (and adults) are going to push through the addictive pull to look at their phones rather than a paperback, then they need something entertaining or escapist. But what readers want and what readers get are no longer the same. Publishing is stuck in an ideological cul-de-sac. Books must be about 'lived experience', social justice and trauma. Award-winners are chosen for the correctness of their message or the cultural experiences they represent rather than the quality of their writing. Identity has trumped character, and timely 'issues' such as race and sexuality have trumped narrative. Take The Trinity Schools Book Award. It showcases contemporary fiction for 11-to-14 year olds. This year, for their older readers, among the books they have shortlisted are Hurricane Summer by Asha Bromfield, which explores 'colourism' in Jamaica, and The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, a 'queer fantasy'. These 'timely' topics may appeal to some young readers, but in my experience students tend to prefer books that aren't easily summarised by hashtags and buzzwords. The Arc of a Scythe series by Neal Shusterman, for example, is a dystopia that is exciting precisely because it is morally grey. Reading is ultimately a habit, and habits need to be practised. Parents need to role-model reading to their children; teenagers need redirecting to a book rather than a blue light before bed; and adults need to remember that reading is one of the best activities to do in our busy world. For reading to be a habit rather than a chore it needs to be enjoyable, and publishers should focus on giving readers a diverse range of really good stories rather than a good range of really diverse characters.
Emirates Woman
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
10 editor-approved books to add to your reading list
Life by Ruman Baig 26 seconds ago Winter is still ongoing in Dubai and if you're looking for ways on how to spend time indoors, we've got you. Lately, we've mad a conscious effort to put down our digital devices at the end of the day and pick a book that will keep us hooked. From light reads to historical fiction adventure — we've put together a list that covers it all. This season gives you the perfect excuse to stay indoors and curl up with captivating books. via GIPHY But with so many options, where do you begin? Fear not, fellow bibliophiles. This list offers 10 tantalizing books across various genres, guaranteed to transport you to their thrilling worlds, igniting your imaginations further. Historical Fiction Adventure: 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir Ryland Grace wakes up on a spaceship with amnesia. Thrust into a thrilling quest for survival, he must piece together his mission and uncover the secrets of a global catastrophe. Weir, the mastermind behind 'The Martian,' delivers another science fiction masterpiece that will leave you breathless. Find the book at: Cozy Mystery Caper: 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' by T.J. Klune Linus Baker, a caseworker for a magical youth care agency, embarks on an unusual assignment – evaluating a young orphan with questionable magical abilities. This heartwarming and humorous fantasy with a touch of mystery will melt your heart. Find the book at: Non-Fiction Must-Read: 'Braiding Sweetgrass' by Robin Wall Kimmerer Experience the beauty and wisdom of the natural world through the eyes of a Potawatomi botanist. Kimmerer's lyrical prose explores indigenous knowledge, ecological balance, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Find the book at: Young Adult Fantasy: 'The Love Hypothesis' by Ali Hazelwood Olive, a brilliant PhD student, devises a fake-dating scheme to avoid her matchmaking friends. But the lines between reality and fiction blur when she chooses an infuriatingly attractive (and accomplished) professor as her pretend witty and charming romance is perfect for fans of slow-burn love stories. Find the book at: Chilling Horror: 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Travel to the mist-shrouded Mexican countryside with Noemi Taboada, a socialite sent to check on her ailing cousin. This gothic horror masterpiece will keep you guessing until the very last page. Find the book at: Poetic Adventure: 'Piranesi' by Susanna Clarke Find it at: Get swept away by this captivating blend of mystery and fantasy. Piranesi, a man who has lived his entire life in a vast House filled with statues, embarks on a journey to unravel the truth about his world and himself. So, grab your favorite iced beverage, settle into a comfy spot, and let these ten captivating reads transport you to unforgettable summer destinations. Happy reading! You can buy the above mentioned books by clicking on the image, it will redirect you to the website. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied Amazon & Feature Image: Instagram @thewhiteocean
