Creature Comforts: People and Their Security Objects

This is a very special book to me, because it fills me with joy to see so many other people with security objects. I, myself (a 20-year-old college student), still sleep with my baby blanket. He's faded to a yellowish-gray now, and I have to wash him by hand due to his delicate state, but I would *never* give him up (and, yes, he *is* male!). He's my most cherished possession. Reading this book fills me with such warmth. I think most of us can identify with the need for security. The people featured in this photostory collection range from toddlers to the great-grandparents, proving that age is nothing but a number when it comes to love and security.

I picked up this book at our English department's booksale on my college campus the other day. A quick glance showed to me that it would be a perfect gift for a couple friends of mine who are opening up a coffee shop. I bought the book and walked off to go about my business.Later, when I had a break between classes, I sat down in the main square and started reading. I was not prepared for the effect it had on me. Funny at times, touching at others, the book had me smiling and tearing up at the same time.I won't reveal which people and their objects were my favorite, because they need to be unwrapped and savored on their own. Suffice it to say that they are people of all ages, from all walks of life. I would definitely reccomend this book. I wish I could keep it, but it's obvious this book needs to go to the coffee shop so it can be enjoyed by everyone!

Creature Comforts reminded me of Dingaling (my stuffed horse,) cherished through childhood, used as a potholder in adulthood, and with me still. The book is a sweet read and provides poignant insight in to our human attachment to things. It made me wonder if people around the world behave in the same way. A sequel perhaps?

My friends who are Moms love this book. They pick it up and keep reading until they have read it all the way through and then they begin sharing their memories. The book touches the special memories they've kept of when their children were young and were so attached to that one essential comforting object. My friends who had a "creature comfort" themselves love the book because it brings back all their good memories and validates the importance of their special object. This is a great book for Mother's Day or your Mother's birthday or even for a new mom-to-be who will soon have a child with a special comfort object of their own.

Creature Comforts gives us a fresh, insightful look into what makes us feel secure--a fine example of pictures and words working together effectively.