What is Bibliotherapy?

As Book Riot describes it: "The Guardian reported recently that some doctors in England are set to begin prescribing books instead of drugs for their patients with mild-to-moderate mental health concerns, so why not have someone whose job it is to prescribe books for whatever ails you, be it physical or existential? I suppose you might already have access to this kind of service if you are particularly close to a bookseller or librarian (or if you have poor boundaries and tell anyone who will listen about your issues–speaking of, there’s a book for that). How great would it be if you could make an appointment or have a regular date with your bibliotherapist where you could dish about your mood, your travel plans, the annoying thing your husband is doing lately, your recent bout of insomnia, and the song that won’t get out of your head, and they would prescribe the perfect book to make you happy again?"

This is what I propose to do for you, my dear readers. Contact me (see the form in the sidebar) with your stories, problems, your woes and worries. Where it asks for a name, write any tagline you wish that sums up your message. I will post your message and my reply here on this blog within 24 hours. Please include a preferred format: fiction/non-fiction, poetry, essays, short story. You may also make a note of any type of writing that you absolutely cannot stand to read. PLEASE NOTE: If you accidentally put your real name or any identifying info, I will keep it out of the post and change your name to match your message's content. I will keep everything private to protect your identity. I only want to help you, so here's my promise to never use the knowledge you give me for anything other than bibliotherapy.

I have always sought and found solace in books my whole life. I wish to share that peace and joy with you, my darling fellow readers.

With great love and compassion, best is a book twice read,
Your Bibliotherapist

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Dear Bibliotherapist, from Anxiety Girl

I have an anxiety disorder and lately life has been such a roller coaster that I have been losing too much sleep and unable to quiet my mind much at all. Might you have a suggestion of some sort of fiction that will help me get outside of my own head?
-Anxiety Girl


Dear Anxiety Girl, 
I'm so sorry about your roller coaster life, and your anxiety disorder. I too suffer from both of those, so keep your head up, and know that we both fight the good fight!! As for your request, I have in mind a few books to help, but I would also like to suggest two non-fiction books that will hopefully strike your fancy. 

 The first book I want to suggest to you is Heroes and Monsters: An Honest Look at the Struggle within All of Us by Josh Riebock. When I read this about two years ago I had no idea what I was in for. I was often bewildered, in a good way, at the journey I was taking with this book. It's a very entertaining read that doesn't pull the punches. It's gut-wrenchingly honest, but doesn't leave a sour taste in your mouth like some other books that claim "utter real-ness". It may help you sort out your roller coaster ride life by the end of it. 

 The second book I want to suggest is a memoir by Rachel Friedman: The Good Girl's Guide to Getting Lost: A Memoir of Three Continents, Two Friends, and One Unexpected Adventure. This one has stuck with me over the years, Rachel's memories of traveling to Ireland and Australia creating a mouth-watering wanderlust in my heart every time I think of them. You say you want to get outside your own head. Whenever that plagued me during my college years, my mom used to tell me to volunteer or do some sort of self-challenging work, and my father would tell me to travel. If you can't really do either at the moment, why not read about both? 

 The last bit of fiction I'll offer you are two different authors whom you can choose freely of their works: William Wordsworth and the great F. Scott Fitzgerald. Both of these authors are so popular and so fantastic, I can't suggest just one certain work to you in fear you've already read it. I suggest Wordsworth because his poetry, along with Longfellow's, has always had a soothing effect on my soul. Fitzgerald is such a genius with his novels and short stories that they utterly transport you to another time entirely.

 The two non-fiction books I want to suggest to you I will suffer myself to only just mention them, seeing as this post is probably running entirely too long. John and Stasi Eldredge are masters in their field of Christianity and seeking out one's true self. Two of their books may do you some good in this troubled time:  Captivating Revised & Updated: Unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul and Becoming Myself: Embracing God's Dream of You. These books have changed my life every time I have read them. I hope they help you.

 One last bit of advice, have you tried journaling? Take deep breaths, Anxiety Girl. You'll get through this season. 

Happy reading, and many thanks for writing to Bibliotherapy, etc! I hope that I have helped by guiding you to a good book.


Best is a book twice read,

Your Bibliotherapist


P.S. Totally forgot one more book. The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. He's a god among authors. 







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