Books for the soul

Got home today, rough day....a nice shower later, my books and music refueled the soul.  And a hot cup of tea. And sufi music.  Nusrat, Abida, you don't rock....you are better.

What is it about books that comforts?  I don't know and don't really want to delve deep and mess it up for moiself.  Books I always go back to reread and regroup....

- Little Women, Jo's Boys, Little Men - Louisa May Alcott
A preacher's daughter, she took up writing to feed her family.  Jo in the book is modeled on herself.  The fun, relationships, trials and challenges, romance and tears of a family with four girls.  And a neighbour's 'nice chap' grandson who joins in the fun. This is ideal with real mixed in.

- As The Crow Flies - Jeffrey Archer and Kane and Abel and Prodigal Daughter
I love the way he does these series of paragraphs and punches in the last sentence...witty and unexpected. History along with the personal.  So what if it is sneered at as 'mass fiction'?  Maggi with eggs is mass food and super comforting at the same time!

- My secret trove of historical romances.  Several authors who make you laugh, cry and happy at the same time.  And no, this is not about the 'scenes'.  The ones who write with humour and pathos...you guys regenerate souls out there!

- Erma Bombeck.  Anything by her.  Esp. 'If Life is a Bowl of Cherries, Then What Am I doing in the Pits?' or 'Family - The Ties that Bind....And Gag' or 'Motherhood, The Second Oldest Profession'
My hero, you make my sides ache with laughter - you have me at the title, every title.  My stunned husband comes running in from the other room to see me hysterical on the bed.  Our neighbours don't love you because I read at weird times.  What a gift to take daily life and convert into food for the soul!

- Dennis The Menace.  Need I say more?  I love you.  Between pages.  Did not realize that loving you this much would make one such as you materialize in real life.

- Asterix and Obelix.  And Vitalstatistix.  And a ton of other cleverly worded names and words and dialogues.  Google celebrates your 50th...need I say more?

- James Herriot.  All the 'All' series.  One day, when I can still walk and talk and see, I want to go to North Yorkshire and see your 'Darrowby'.  And drive through the country you describe.  The animals are not in my destiny in this lifetime....that's okay, the way I am travelling through this life, I have a few more coming up.  Maybe then!  God, you listening?

- P G Wodehouse.  A colonial hangover right up there along with Enid Blyton. On a side note, those who call her racist, your argument holds little water with me.  A few small PC changes later, I think her series of books for all ages....almost a graduation from summer to the next are fantastic.

PG, another rock star.  This one is the 'intellectual' read, until you get the understated humour and are howling right along on Erma's lines.  His aunts and butler, his pigs and weird situations.  Works for me everytime.

My readers, please add your favourites.  I would love to dip into your soul food reading bowl!

G'night!