Why We Return to Comfort Reads

There’s something comforting about returning to a beloved book, isn’t there? 

We all have those stories we keep coming back to, even though we know them inside and out. It’s not just about reliving the plot—it’s about the emotional connection we’ve built with these books over time. 

Comfort reads offer a sense of familiarity and safety, a chance to immerse ourselves in worlds and characters that feel like old friends. And I want to explore why these stories hold such a powerful place in our hearts, how they bring us comfort, and what it is about them that keeps drawing us back. 

So, grab a cozy blanket and settle in—let’s take a closer look at the emotional bond between readers and their favorite books.

The Science Behind Comfort Reading

The science behind comfort reading reveals that it’s more than just a habit—it’s rooted in psychological and neurological benefits. 

When we turn to familiar stories or characters, our brains experience a kind of emotional security. Fiction, especially the comforting kind, can trigger the release of dopamine, the “feel-good” chemical. This is part of why we often feel a sense of calm or joy when revisiting a favorite book or character.

Comfort reading also provides us with a way to manage our emotions. It offers a safe escape, which can help ease stress and anxiety. 

By connecting with stories and characters we know well, we engage in a form of emotional regulation. This is especially true for “comfort characters” who serve as emotional anchors, providing us with a sense of familiarity and safety. 

And this is why fanfiction is so popular — when people connect with characters deeply, they want more of them, even if they have to create the stories themselves. 

These characters often embody traits we admire or wish to emulate, which can provide us with a feeling of belonging and comfort, even if only for a brief moment.

The Emotional Bond: Why Certain Books Matter (More)

The emotional bond we form with certain books is a deeply personal experience, and it often transcends the mere enjoyment of reading. These books aren’t just stories—they become integral parts of our lives, reflecting who we are, what we value, and how we navigate the world. The attachment we feel can be so strong that these books seem to offer us something more than just entertainment—they offer companionship, guidance, and understanding.

At its core, the emotional bond with a comfort book is about familiarity. 

As we read a book repeatedly, we grow attached to its characters, themes, and the world it creates. These elements become like old friends or familiar places we return to for a sense of peace. The sense of security and predictability they offer is comforting, especially when life feels chaotic. 

This bond also deepens because we tend to return to these books during times of emotional vulnerability. A comforting book can provide a gentle space to process complex feelings or find solace when we’re overwhelmed.

For example, I read A Court of Mist and Fury while I was in the hospital, feeling scared and stressed out. And ever since then, it’s the book I turn to when I’m at my worst — because it got me through it once and it does almost always. I’m aware that the book itself isn’t perfect, but I love it anyway for the comfort it gives me. 

The power of this bond is also rooted in shared emotional experiences. Books have a unique ability to tap into our emotions, often making us feel understood in ways that real-world conversations can’t. 

When we see characters struggle, grow, and succeed, we connect with their journeys — sometimes reflecting our own. This shared emotional experience allows you to feel that you are not alone in your thoughts or struggles, which is why a beloved book can feel like a true friend.

What makes certain books stand out is their ability to speak to us on a deeper level. It’s not just the plot or the characters, but the themes and messages that resonate with us. Whether it’s the triumph of the underdog or the exploration of personal growth, these stories offer a mirror into our own lives, helping us better understand our emotions and desires. 

Rereading as a Journey of Self-Discovery

Rereading a beloved book isn’t just about revisiting the plot or characters we know so well — it’s a journey of self-discovery. 

Each time we return to a familiar story, we bring with us new experiences, perspectives, and emotions. This means that the book doesn’t stay static, and neither do we. What we once found comforting, funny, or tragic might take on new meaning as we evolve, revealing layers we may not have noticed before. The act of rereading allows us to engage with a story in different ways, uncovering deeper insights about ourselves in the process​

Psychologically, rereading can also help us reflect on our personal growth. 

The familiarity of a favorite book offers a safe space to explore past emotions or situations from a more mature or informed perspective. We may now understand a character’s motivations differently, or recognize parallels between the story and our own life​

Each reading acts as a small journey, allowing us to rediscover ourselves in the context of the stories we love. 

Comfort Reads as Rituals: Creating Emotional Resilience

Comfort reads can also be deeply ingrained rituals that help us build emotional resilience. Just like any ritual, comfort reading creates a predictable routine that fosters a sense of control and emotional safety, especially during times of stress or uncertainty.

These reading rituals are a consistent, calming touchstone. When life feels unpredictable or overwhelming, returning to a familiar book can act like a grounding exercise, offering a space of emotional comfort. 

You’ve probably noticed how helpful it is to reread an old favorite when you’re feeling stressed out. For me, that’s You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle, or Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte — even some fanfics sit on my roster of what I call stress-reads. 

Old favorites can reduce feelings of anxiety, offering a soothing form of escapism that doesn’t require much mental energy. In fact, studies suggest that engaging with comfort books can lower stress levels, acting as a form of emotional regulation. 

The act of rereading can also let you approach difficult emotions in a controlled environment. We know the outcome of the story, which helps us process our feelings with less fear of the unknown. 

The Power of Predictability: The Appeal of the Known

When we read a book for the first time, we’re intrigued by the twists, turns, and surprises. But when we return to that book again and again, it’s not for the plot. We already know what will happen. 

What we crave is the emotional reassurance that comes with predictability. 

There’s a certain comfort in knowing how the story will unfold, in being able to anticipate the highs and lows, and in understanding how it all resolves. This sense of certainty can help ease anxiety and stress, offering an emotional “safe space” where we can relax without worrying about the unknown. And this is why new books sometimes just don’t work when you’re already anxious or stressed. 

This predictability also taps into a fundamental psychological need for structure and control. Life is often unpredictable, and facing constant challenges can leave us feeling unsteady. But in the world of a comfort read, the outcome is always the same, providing a sense of closure and stability.