Comfort Reading You've Tried Chocolate (Too Fattening), Analysis (Too Expensive) and Gin (Never Again). but Better Than Any of These If You're Feelingwretched Is a Course of Cheering Literature. Hester Lacey Asks Some Readers and Writers for Their Prescriptions

Beginning of article

FALLING IN LOVE with a book is a life-long affair rather than a brief fling; which is one of the philosophies behind Channel 4's forthcoming series, Booked. While the programme will review one new title a week, the guests will also be talking about their favourite volumess. Given that the guest list reads like a Who's Who of the literary world and will include Muriel Spark, Will Self and John Irving, plus the likes of Anthony Minghella and Clare Short, it promises to make passionate viewing. Rather than following publishers' hyping of the Latest Big Thing it will celebrate volumes that are truly cherished.

Meanwhile, Radio Four has spotted the popularity of …