I am “generation Harry Potter” (and please, I really do not wish to discuss JK Rowling right now). What I mean is that I was just the right age when the books where first published and I grew up with them being a few years younger than the protagonists.

Now I did not have the most ideal childhood. My home situation was complicated and I was home alone a lot. I also was a sickly child and had to stay home from school often. I did not get much but I wish for a new book every now and then and when I was home alone because of a tonsilitis my mom bought me Harry Potter. I was 9.

Since then HP somehow became my comfort zone, my safe space. Whenever I felt like shit I would hole up in my room and read through the HP books. As a teen I never told anyone since I already understood it was weird to read a book again and again to flee from reality. But I figured it will phase out once I am an adult and “figured stuff out”.

Well, it didn’t. You can guess how old I am given the above information and through all my 20’s and then 30’s til now I kept turning to the HP books whenever something bad happened. Especially something grief and death related.

Yesterday my grandmother died completely unexpectedly (I mean, she was old but she was relatively well until now and she was out for a coffe and cake and then dinner the day before yesterday with my parents even. Sudden fatal heart attack not even 24 hours later. I missed the chance to see her again after months of not visiting. We had planned a day together on Dec 1st. I am incredibly sad and full of guilt).

I took off of work today and now I am at home, sudden crying outbursts all the time and it’s like my whole body and mind scream for my personal method of “relief”: Lay in bed with a hot cup of tea and HP and the sorcerers stone and just nope out of real life. I know this is not healthy and a little weird but it helps me so much.

I just wanted to know if others know this feeling as well… and what your comfort book and story is.

  • Patricier21@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Don’t ever feel bad about discussing harry potter; after all, scientifically speaking it’s supposed to make you a better person, right? :-) The series also speaks the truth about what is truly is, not unlike a toy spaceman Realizing that he’s not actually a space ranger…. :-)

  • w11f1ow3r@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    The awakening. I’ve read it so many times I know exactly what to expect and will turn to different parts to read depending on my mood

  • rjames24000@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    books like anne frank feel comforting

    hear me out i know that sounds wrong. but after reading it. I feel so much better about my life knowing i dont have it that way. its humbling

  • TheSwedishOprah@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I’m in the middle of my annual November/December listen through of the 1981 BBC Radio production of Lord of the Rings and it is absolutely my little cocoon of safety and warmth.

  • snow_wet@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    …we are the same person!! i’m younger than you but other than that this is creepily similar to me.

    i’m so sorry about your grandmother

  • snow_wet@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    …we are the same person!! i’m younger than you but other than that this is creepily similar to me.

    i’m so sorry about your grandmother

  • theGoddex@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Firstly, I am so sorry for the loss of your grandma 💜💜💜 The Fellowship of the Ring is my comfort book. I was born before HP was popular but I totally understand how you feel. I hope the books are able to give you that comfort in this time 💜💜💜

  • civilwar142pa@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Yes I have a handful of books like this. Also HP but twilight too and some other non-series novels and a couple nonfiction books.

    When I’m sick or sad or just don’t feel like reading something new, I go back to one of them. Some ouve read dozens of times, practically have them memorized. Doesn’t make them lose their magic, though.

  • w11f1ow3r@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    The awakening. I’ve read it so many times I know exactly what to expect and will turn to different parts to read depending on my mood

  • rjames24000@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    books like anne frank feel comforting

    hear me out i know that sounds wrong. but after reading it. I feel so much better about my life knowing i dont have it that way. its humbling