Ads promoting “bibliotherapy” began appearing on my social media feeds.
I’m always skeptical about things that show up on social media, but it turns out that bibliotherapy is a genuine practice.
According to the American Library Association, bibliotherapy involves using books chosen based on their content in a structured reading program to aid in the recovery of patients with mental illness or emotional disturbances. The process ideally occurs in three phases: the reader personally identifies with a character in the recommended book, resulting in psychological catharsis, which then leads to rational insight regarding the relevance of the suggested solution in the text to the reader’s own experiences. It is advised to seek assistance from a trained psychotherapist during this process.
During a visit to the library, I discovered a book called “The Novel Cure – From Abandonment to Zestlessness: 751 Books to Cure What Ails You” by Ella Berthoud and Susan Elderkin.
This book recommends “After You’d Gone” by Maggie O’Farrell and “Incendiary” by Chris Cleave for dealing with the death of a loved one. Since I have recently lost two very special people in my life, I plan to check out these recommendations.
Berthoud and Elderkin also suggest that if you’re feeling stuck professionally or personally, reading Tom Rachman’s “Imperfectionists” can help snap you out of it. This book humorously depicts a collection of newshounds from around the world.
There’s a sense of humor in some of the recommendations. For example, under the section for “Children,” the book instructs readers to see themselves as “Broke, being; Busy, being too … Children Requiring Attention, too many; and Trapped by children.” Although my own children have grown, I can still relate to some of the experiences described.
Another ailment mentioned is being a compulsive book buyer, and the cure is investing in an e-reader. Alternatively, you can designate a shelf in your home for your “current reading” books. I personally like this idea. The shelf would hold a small selection of books you’re currently reading or plan to read soon, and the rule is to only buy a new book after finishing one. I have been decluttering by donating books to the Little Free Library in my neighborhood and passing them on to others.
However, for me, a different form of bibliotherapy involves simply being in a bookstore. I have a tendency to spend quality time in bookstores whenever I have the chance. Recently, on a Saturday when my tennis partner was out of town, I took a trip and explored Magpie Bookshop in Catskill. I had been wanting to visit for a while.
If Magpie Bookshop were a cure in the bibliotherapy book, the ailment it would address is the need for charm and delight. Occupying an old blue building on Main Street, Magpie is both charming and delightful. It also smells wonderful. The shop features an eclectic and well-organized collection of used books, as well as a decent children’s section.
I spent some time browsing and picked up books like Ursula Le Guin’s “No Time to Spare,” Sarah Broom’s “The Yellow House,” Katie Kitamura’s “Intimacies,” Deborah Levy’s “Swimming Home,” and a few more. Now I need to place them on my “current reading” shelf. I also had a pleasant conversation with the owner, Kristi Gibson, discussing books and our mutual acquaintances in the local book world.
If you’re feeling malaise (“Super Sad True Love Story” by Gary Shteyngart), stress (“The Man Who Planted Trees” by Jean Giono), or zestlessness (“Ragtime” by E.L. Doctorow), I highly recommend taking a quick trip to Magpie to find those titles and cure what ails you.
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