Escapists Uncensored: A Book for Every Mood

Escapists Uncensored

Escapists UncensoredSo this past week I had a pinched nerve in my back. If you’ve had one then you know how painful it is. If you haven’t…well consider yourself lucky. Anyway, I had a pinched nerve and I was basically bed ridden for 3 days. Not fun. I did get to catch up on my reading though which is always a good thing. But it got me thinking about how my moods effect what I read.

I have my books that I call my ‘comfort books’ just because I read them when I’m sick or just feeling puny. These books are the ones that I can read in one sitting, even when I’m sick, and they always have a happy ending. These books are usually historical romances (anything by Loretta Chase is always a good choice…start with Silk for Seduction) because I know everyone is going to have a happily ever after.

I also have my ‘could be worse books’. These books are a little different than my normal comfort books. These are the books I read when I’m sad or lonely or feeling blue. Because no matter how bad my life is the characters of these books always have it worse. Think Kate Daniels in the Magic series by Ilona Andrews (starts with Magic Bites…if you haven’t read it yet you need to). I love her as a character but I am so glad I don’t have her life. Well except for Curran…him I want.

And then there are the books I read when I’m in a bad mood. You know what mood I’m talking about. The mood where everyone is stupid and people suck and you just want to stay in bed and avoid the stupid. For those days I pick up books that are a bit violent. The Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost comes to mind. I love reading about Cat and Bones fighting their enemies (and occasionally each other). Halfway to the Grave always satisfies my thirst for blood and violence.

And then there are the books I read when I’m happy. Well, honestly I’ll ready anything when I’m happy but I’m more open to reading new authors or books I’m not sure I’ll like when I’m in a good mood. I find some good books when I’m in a good mood. I also find some lousy books. The thing is though, since I’m already in a good mood, it doesn’t make me mad I’ve wasted a couple of hours on a book I’ll never finish.

And then finally there is the ‘meh’ mood. Probably my least favorite of all my moods. This is when I don’t want to watch TV or read or play video games or do anything really. Well, except lay on the couch and eat Thin Mints. The ‘meh’ mood is hard to get over but I’ve found my favorite books help with this. And my favorite books are all over the place…The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkein, The Hawks of Kamalon by Michael Reisig, Neverwhere and Good Omens by Neil Gaiman, and Wit’ch Fire by James Clemens. Anyone of these books is guaranteed to put me in a better mood.

While getting this post ready I realized that what I read is directly effected by my mood. I always thought that the books I read are what affected my mood. Maybe it goes both ways? Anyway, I want to know. What do you read when you’re sick, mad, lonely, etc?

About Courtney 33 Articles
I teach Special Education and have three demented dogs. Between my students all day and my dogs all night my stress relief is reading. It is the only thing that keeps me from going crazy. Or should I say from going crazier? I read anything but I prefer fantasy, sci-fi and steampunk. I also love urban fantasy and historical romances. If it has dragons and magic, vampires and werewolves, crazy machines and corsets or aliens and spaceships then I’m happy. Mix in a Scotland laird or two every once in a while and I’m ecstatic!