Off-topic request

[isaytoodlepip.livejournal.com]

This is really an off-topic request. I've always thought that the Housefic community, be it H/W or any other ship, is remarkably tasteful and discerning for the most part. This is an off-topic request in that I'm looking for recommendations of any genre/medium, be it H/W fic, gen fic, or just a really appropriate novel that you've read in your life that you think will speak to this situation.

My father died. Two weeks ago. I've been trying to distract myself from the fact that my best friend and home is gone, but I can't seem to latch on to anything. I don't know what sort of book or fic I'm looking to read. Probably not something featuring a main character or father dying, or even recovering from cancer, but beyond that...I don't even know if I want something dramatic or funny or pornographic or what. So, I know this is a remarkably personal request, but if anyone has ever been in that sort of mindset where you know you'd feel completely empty if not for the backbreaking burden of grief and has read something that is marginally cathartic or distracting or mind-blowing or...something, please let me know.

Comments

[daisylily.livejournal.com]

Whenever I feel emotionally overwhelmed, for whatever reason, I find that it helps to read old favourites (whether fanfic or books) - in the case of books, I tend to go for children's books since I know the story and don't have to worry about anything 'bad' happening, and can immerse myself in them. When my father died (nearly five years ago) I passed that on to my mother, and she borrowed my 'Little House on the Prairie' books for that very reason - she found it helped her to 'switch off' for a while and then she was ready to carry on again.

[isaytoodlepip.livejournal.com]

Thanks for that advice. I picked up an old favorite in the days between his death and the funeral but I felt so disconnected from the person who used to love that book and that was even more depressing. I think the children's book idea is great. The only thing I have with me now that I'm back in the UK is a Harry Potter book so I think a trip to the nearest bookshop is in order. Working on my PhD in literature, I spend most days reading, but I can't even conceive of being able to concentrate on literary theory at the moment. I used to love watching the television adaptation of Anne of Green Gables. I wonder if the books are just as enjoyable.

[daisylily.livejournal.com]

I adore the Anne of Green Gables books. I first read Anne when I was about ten years old (far too many years ago, cough), and have read it numerous times since - it's a very old friend. I think I must have just about every book that L M Montgomery ever wrote, and I love them all.