I associate the winter months with comfort reading. Nothing beats the feeling of cuddling up under a blanket with a hot cuppa and a good book.
As I’ve gotten older, I find myself losing patience with not-so-great books. Unfortunately, my job as a book reviewer, forces me to read many average and below average books. So, when I want the comfort of reading a truly good book, I re-read my favourites. There are some books that never lose their charm, despite having been read 5-10 times over the years! In fact, I often discover something new I like about that particular book when I read it after a few years. Today, I’ll share a list of the books and book series that I love, which I have re-read over and over. All these books are works of fiction as that is my favoured genre. I would love it if you shared your favourite books in the comments section below- we may have some in common!
- GONE WITH THE WIND BY MARGARET MITCHELL:
This is my all-time favourite book. The unusual love story between Scarlett O’Hara and Rhett Butler caught my imagination at a very young age. Apart from the love story, America’s Civil War and the difficult period that followed it, is portrayed beautifully from a Southerner’s point of view. In fact, this book inspired me to study American History in college. It’s a large tome of over 1000 pages but I finished it in 3 days, and re-read my favourite portions over and over till the book was in tatters!
Buy “Gone with the Wind”
- HARRY POTTER SERIES BY J. K. ROWLING:
If you’re a 1990s or 2000s kid, you probably love the magical stories of child wizard Harry Potter and his friends. I remember the frenzy when a new book would release- the mad dash to buy and finish your copy before someone revealed the ending to you. Mind you, these were days before social media, so it was easier to stay ignorant of spoilers 🙂
I love this series so much that I re-read it during my pregnancy, in the hope that my son would love them too!
Buy the “Harry Potter 7 Volumes Boxed Set”
- AGATHA CHRISTIE NOVELS:
Every mystery novel by Agatha Christie is totally binge-worthy. Her plots are unique, easy-to-read and transport you to England in the last century. I have re-read most of her books numerous times, despite knowing the endings- it is such a pleasure to dive into the world of Poirot, Miss Marple and others.
Buy “Hercule Poirot: Boxed Set” and other books by Christie
- WHAT THE BODY REMEMBERS BY SHAUNA SINGH BALDWIN:
This book is set during the partition of India, but it’s also a fantastic profile of Punjab in the 1930s and 40s. I fell in love with the poignant story and the relatable characters when I first read it as a young girl, and have since read it many times.
Buy “What the Body Remembers”
- THE ENGLISH PATIENT BY MICHAEL ONDAATJE:
Set during the second world war, this book shows how difficult times often lead to love between unusual pairings. It moves me to tears every time I read it. More than a tragedy though, I would call it a story of hope and love.
Buy “The English Patient”
- THE THORN BIRDS BY COLLEN McCULLOUGH:
This Australian novel was gifted to me by my mother as she had loved reading it. A family saga based in rural Australia, it introduced me to a different world and a thoroughly memorable set of characters.
Buy “The Thorn Birds”
- THE VISH PURI SERIES BY TARQUIN HALL:
This Delhi-based detective series solving Indian crimes, is a complete winner. So far, there are four books which focus on a peculiar Indian incident or practice. I thoroughly enjoy reading these novels over and over, because I can relate to everything as a Delhiite. They are funny, interesting and thoroughly engaging. I can’t wait for the next book’s release!
Buy the first book in the series, “The Case of the Missing Servant”
- THOSE PRICEY THAKUR GIRLS BY ANUJA CHAUHAN:
I picked this book up expecting a light ‘chick-lit’ read, but I was pleasantly surprised that the book packs in much more! Set in the 80s in Delhi, the book focuses on the 1984 riots, while maintaining its romantic subject. Each character is memorable and the story is delightful.
Buy “Those Pricey Thakur Girls”
- ALL BOOKS BY P. G. WODEHOUSE:
No list of favourite books would be complete without mentioning the king of comedy, P.G. Wodehouse! Similar to Christie, he recreates the life of the English aristocracy with plenty of tongue-in-cheek humour. These books are the ultimate ‘pick-me-up’ and can be read repeatedly for a generous amount of laughs.
Buy “The Jeeves Omnibus: Vol. 1”
This is the round-up of the books I love, and I want to know your favourites too. Let me know in the comments below and do share this post with other bookworms!
______________________________________________________________________________
*This is not a sponsored post.
**Copyright in pictures and content belongs to nooranandchawla.com and cannot be republished or repurposed without express permission of the author. As I am a copyright lawyer by profession, infringement of any kind will invite strict legal action.