Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading

by Bijal Shah

'Utterly fascinating. I have long felt that books can be medicine. Now I understand why. Read this book. Feel better.'Beth Kempton, bestselling author of Wabi Japanese wisdom for a perfectly imperfect life'One of the most fascinating books that I have read in years! Beautifully written and full of insights, this book demonstrates the healing power of stories and how you can transform your life through bibliotherapy.'Simon Alexander Ong, bestselling author of Energize, international keynote speaker and award-winning coach. In this unique and transformational guide to healing, bibliotherapist and counsellor Bijal Shah explores the restorative power of reading.Bibliotherapy traces the history of how therapeutic reading evolved - including the important role played by the best writers such as the Stoics, Montaigne, Eliot and Wordsworth. In doing so, Bijal offers first-hand stories from clients who have found solace in great works of literature when struggling with grief, relationships or illness. Full of practical advice and insights into how bibliotherapy really works, Bijal offers an A to Z reading list of books for every mood and need. A much-needed reminder of how comforting and life-changing reading can be, Bibliotherapy is a sumptuous celebration of books that will invite you to see them as more than just an escape, but a legitimate form of self-care.

Genres: Nonfiction, Books About Books, Psychology, Self Help, Mental Health, Personal Development, Health

320 pages, Paperback

Published December 16, 2025

Reviews

[Hannah Greendale (Hello, Bookworm) · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful guidebook on using literature to achieve good mental health.

"Reading ignites our imaginations, clarifies our emotions and honours our own very human problems. It also offers respite, or solutions to these problems, as well as offering a sense of meaning, enriching us."

Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading poignantly demonstrates how literature can be prescribed as a form of therapy.

The book opens with a brief introduction to using the novel as a form of therapy and how this practice compares to other forms of therapy. It then gives examples of effective implementation ranging from a couple for whom romance has died and a person uncomfortable with being asexual to a woman seeking representation and a child struggling with dyslexia.

Various forms of tangential therapy are introduced, such as literary journaling (journaling about a book while reading), narrative therapy (externalizing and re-authoring one's personal narrative), letter writing (writing letters to characters with whom the patient identifies), and more.

One of the most touching examples of bibliotherapy in the book concerns a couple for whom the flame of romance had died. They were prescribed an epistolary memoir to read as part of a date-night book club, and they were encouraged to write letters to each other in between their weekly date-night book club meetings. Adorable!

The final section of the book offers helpful tips on how to curate an arsenal of books, followed by an A-Z list of book prescriptions (for topics including abandonment, bullying, infertility, parenting, regret, trauma, and more).

Shah's book is both personal, heartfelt, and professionally sensitive. Highly recommend for those in need of bookish therapy or as a useful tool for those who work in a field that aims to improve the mental health of others.

--

My heartfelt thanks to Little, Brown UK for sending me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephanie Affinito · Rating 5 out of 5]

If reading is like breathing in and writing is like breathing out, then this book is the kind of breathwork we need to soothe our souls. Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading by Bijal Shah was an inviting, exciting and insightful look at the power of the reading life. Filled with research and science behind the why of reading alongside real-life examples of how people changed their lives through specific books and writing techniques, this book is a prescription for a better tomorrow through literacy. As a life-long reader and someone who knows firsthand the power that reading can have on our physical and mental well-being, this book felt like a trusted guide and companion to deepen my understanding and provide new techniques for bibliotherapy. I’ve got a stack of books that I’ve added to my TBR, a list of writing ideas to try and a sense of hope for taking my favorite pastimes and harnessing them to create a better tomorrow.

[Bojia Hadjiivanova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Харесва ми идеята да извлечем още ползи от четенето 🤓
Аз все бързам към следващата книга и често избягвам да си задавам много въпроси или ги оставям неотговорени и не назовавам породените емоции, освен ако не са много силни след края на историята. Приемам каквото има за приемане и продължавам. Някои книги остават с мен дълго след прочита им и пак не съм се замисляла защо е така и защо точно с тях.
Авторката ме накара да се замисля за воденето на литературен дневник. Мислите, които една книга може да провокира, често са ефимерни — ако не ги приютим в дневник, изчезват без следа, също както сънищата, за които на сутринта помним само усещане.
Вярвам в щастливата случайност при откриването на книги повече от курирания списък за четене, тъй като има безкрайни комбинации от герои, сюжети и сцени, които могат да провокират идеи и асоциации с важни за нас теми, които не се намират в книгите за самопомощ или книги с тази главна тема.

[🌶 peppersocks 🧦 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reflections and lessons learned/the content of this book made me feel…
“Our relationship with literature remains our most intimate, because books possess the unique ability to mirror our deepest needs and aspirations. We feel seen, heard and held”

I chose to work as a librarian for multiple reasons including the organisation of information, enjoying working with people to encourage and help with access, and of course because I love books. I think that I may have hubristically started this book thinking that I was a part bibliotherapist but this book I feel demonstrated the full role of the job - not as obvious as you may think. Includes a great list too at the end broken down by subject categories to aid the search, and insights into how lovely reading is


“If we are lucky, we may average 4,880 books in our lives. In a world where there are more than 100 million books, it's easy to grow anxious over the lack of time we have for reading. Life is literally too short to read everything we would like to, and so our to-be-read pile grows and grows, acting as a physical reminder of all the books we'll never read. And yet, we'll walk into a bookshop and spot another book that's calling out, 'Read me instead! You'll enjoy me more!, and thus the cycle con-tinues. So how do we break the pattern and ensure that we're choosing books that are worth our time, that will enrich our lives, that will offer a sense of wonder - and, well, that we'll actually read?”

[B.P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't realise that bibliotherapists prescribed books and writing exercises to compliment and enhance other types of personal counseling and therapy. The author is qualified in both bibliotherapy and counseling and outlines fascinating bibliotherapy techniques such as literary journaling. She also provides a suggested reading list (book prescriptions) for different themes. I found this book fascinating and I used it to self-prescribe books to deal with my latest life problem. I also hope to try literary journaling in the future.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful look into all the applications of reading for therapeutic purposes.

Many examples in different contexts. Even includes questions and reading lists for different emotions and mental illnesses.

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I liked the idea and suggestions in this book, I’m not sure why it was so long. Really, the middle section could have been condensed into one broad example.

[Stiliyana Angelieva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Винаги съм знеш а че четенето и книгите лекуват , сега просто знам ма хиляда процента и начина по който избираме кои книги да четем

[Ellie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Авторката откроява значимостта на библиотерапията и как ние самите бихме се възползвали от възможностите, които ни се предоставят без значение от жанра на книгата, с която сме се захванали.
Книгата се чете и разбира бързо, представят ни се различни истории на хора, крепящи се на литературата. Представят се всички емоции, които съществуват, както и тяхното обяснение и подбрана литература. Също така са представени и често срещани проблеми, с които се сблъскваме.
Аз самата й давам ⭐️⭐️, защото:
- голяма част от информацията, поне 90% от книгата не са нещо ново, достатъчно е да имаш малко обща култура и емоционална интелигентност, която също да не е задълбочена ,че да разбереш за какво става на въпрос
- техните и темите, които захваща са достатъчни да се обяснят за 15 минути

[Louise Richards · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very informative guide about how Bibliotherapy works and how books can act as a tool for helping with your moods when you relate to the protagonists in novels and stories.

[Urska Anchea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since I started working in the library – 15 years ago – I have encountered elements of bibliotherapy in my work, which sparked my interest in exploring this field further. I have been expanding my knowledge by reading various articles, so the publication of this book truly delighted me, as it offers a concise overview of the history of bibliotherapy and the possibilities for its application. Particularly valuable are the practical examples, which I can compare with my own experiences in practice. One example is even strikingly similar to an experience I had in a reading group, which originally inspired me to start exploring bibliotherapy. I recommend this book to all librarians involved in bibliopedagogical work and those who lead reading clubs. In addition to the book, I also recommend the online seminars conducted by the author.

[Amanda Witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently enrolled in this online course and this book describes several personalised reading lists prepared for people experiencing different crises in life, from loss of children to women feeling 'stuck in the rut' of life.

At the back is a full alphabetical-by-emotion list containing appropriate books in all categories that are good to read when experiencing that struggle/emotion.

[Jo Milkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really fascinating book about the use of literature (fiction, non-fiction, plays and poetry) as a therapeutic medium.

The book covers an introduction to Bibliotherapy - its history, development and current usage - as well as ten case studies and a really useful section of book prescriptions for a range of issues and themes.

Definitely a book to keep on the shelf and dip into when times are tough and I need a bit of book healing.

This quotation from the book pretty much sums it up:

"Through literature, you never hold your feelings directly. You observe them in others. Someone else carries your pain."

[Irene Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly well-researched and pioneering book on Bibliotherapy. Really enjoyed all of it from the history of therapeutic reading, to the client stories to the last section which talks about literary curation and also showcases a variety of reading lists across fiction, non fiction and poetry. Highly recommend to anyone who has ever been curious about the healing power of reading.

[Shelf-Help Therapist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bijal has sparked my curiosity and excitement as a therapist! Already working my way through the virtual course.

[Druss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. The theory and practicality explained brilliantly

[Urmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical guidance on harnessing the therapeutic benefits of reading. Whether you're a bibliophile or someone seeking comfort in books, this book beautifully highlights the transformative potential of literature in navigating life's challenges, with some wonderful book recommendations throughout the book.

[Katerina Chobanova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Книгата представя библиотерапията – практика, която използва литературата като инструмент за емоционално и психологическо изцеление. Биджал Шах изследва как четенето може да помогне при скръб, тревожност, самота и други житейски и психологически предизвикателства. Включени са лични истории на клиенти, препоръки за книги според различни емоционални състояния и практически насоки за прилагане на библиотерапията в ежедневието.
Като нехудожествена книга, "Библиотерапия" не съдържа конкретни литературни персонажи, но представя автентични примери от реалния живот. Историите на хора, които са открили утеха и промяна чрез книгите, правят съдържанието по-достъпно и лично.
Биджал Шах пише с ясен и ангажиращ стил, който комбинира научни изследвания, лични наблюдения и конкретни примери. Тя успява да представи сложни концепции по разбираем и практичен начин, което прави книгата подходяща както за специалисти, така и за хора, които просто обичат да четат и искат да задълбочат връзката си с литературата.
Една от най-ценните части на книгата е представянето на конкретни терапевтични методи, които можем да включим в своето ежедневие. Тези техники са представени достъпно и могат лесно да се интегрират в ежедневната рутина на всеки, който иска да използва четенето като средство за емоционално здраве и себеопознаване.
Книгата е вдъхновяваща и мотивираща. Историите на хора, които са намерили утеха в литературата, докосват и карат читателя да се замисли за собствената си връзка с книгите.
"Библиотерапия: Лечебната сила на четенето" е ценен наръчник за всеки, който вярва в трансформиращата сила на книгите. Тя предлага както теоретични основи, така и практични техники, които можем да използваме в ежедневието си. Препоръчвам я на любителите на четенето, психолозите, терапевтите и всеки, който иска да задълбочи връзката си с литературата и със себе си.

[Liane Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. I borrowed it from the library but will buy my own copy to refer back too. So many good takeaways. The only reason I dropped a star is because it just sort of ends. There’s no summary or conclusion about bibliotherapy or how to take the knowledge and apply it to your own life (I know how I can), but I guess I was just expecting a ‘round up’ at the end really. Otherwise superb and highly recommend.

[Martin Baca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bibliotherapy (from βιβλίον, book and θεραπεία, healing) is a form of therapy (which includes supportive, behavioural and cognitive therapy and counselling) and it has both a long history and a short history. There is a long history of (an unofficial) bibliotherapy, because we can find (a proto) bibliotherapy in ancient times, such as in Plato’s and Aristotle’s works ('Ion,' 'Respublica' and 'Poetica' to name a few). On the other hand, there is a short history of bibliotherapy because an academic psychology is not very old discipline and psychologists and therapists firstly were focused on different matters (for example curing psychosis, dealing with neurosis, or define normality); I could say, an official history of bibliotherapy and bibliocounselling lasts about one century and—sadly to say—there is still shortage of literature about this field.

I am endlessly and profoundly thankful that appeared book about bibliotherapy. It is authored by Bijal Shah, bibliotherapist and—unsurprisingly—ardent reader. She titled her book as 'Bibliotherapy' with added subtitle 'The Healing Power of Reading.'

When novice in field is interested in bibliotherapy, it is expected he/she can raise about three queries. The first one is: "What is bibliotherapy?" (This query concerns about definition and connection with other fields.) The second one is: "How can I make bibliotherapy?" (This query concerns about procedure[s], method[s], instruction[s] and practical activities.) And the third one is: "What books should I use during bibliotherapy?" (This query prolongs previous one and it concerns on unique person, his problem and appropriate reading material.) Reviewed book offers good, efficient and reliable answers for all three queries! I will not write Bijal’s answers for these three queries, only I declare that she provides answers which are proper and respectable, based on theoretical understanding of human emotion and thinking, also there are based on practical experiences made by author (Bijal Shah) and other bibliotherapists.

From the whole book I would like emphasize four a memorable and fundamental passages. (α) Bibliotherapy for Bijal does not mean only reading. It is also includes discussion and writing down. Writing down means try to verbalise reader’s emotions, opinions, thoughts, etc, but—and this is important—also means creative own writing, such as writing letter or creating piece of artwork, usually own poetry (see pp. 56–61, 102–103, 136–38, 173–74). (β) Although bibliotherapy is individual procedure, it can be also as group bibliotherapy. I myself consider it as quite creative and in certain cases it is more beneficial than individual bibliotherapy (see pp. 184–87). (γ) During bibliotherapy (which includes discussion, writing down emotion and create own text-poetry) client can show inner emotions, even the deepest and the most private emotions. It includes crying, it is therapeutic crying which is be considered as form of purification, purgation and catharsis (like Aristotelian κάθαρσις). If it happens, it can be crucial moment of therapy; if it is managed correctly it can lead to understanding situation, hint solution or immediately heal person (see pp. 193–95). (δ) Bijal in bibliotherapy uses not only common, standard books (novels, poetry, plays, popular science), but also graphic novels. Reason is that some clients suffer from dyslexia, autism or learning disabilities and this kind of literature is the most accessible for them. Thanks to graphic novels bibliotherapy is beneficial for patient with various limited abilities (see pp. 201–19).

Bijal Shah also made 'List of books,' i.e. 'Book prescriptions,' which can be used during bibliotherapy, either with therapist or individually, as self-directed therapist/reader. Mentioned List is divided into section, each one is focused into particular illnesses and problems, such as cancer, depression, motherhood, self-esteem, wisdom, etc. Several brief remarks about Bijal Shah’s List. I appreciate that she offers not only Western books, but also Eastern ones. She prefers newer books than 100+ years old books. She does not offer religious and the holy books in her list. She always offers list of several books for one problem. She offers wide spectrum books, for example novel, novellas, poetry, graphic novel, play as well as non-fiction, such as memoir, psychology, sociology. (Note in brackets. I expect everyone will suggest adding another books into list and it can be endlessly annoying for Bijal; I am not different, but I limited myself to write just three books, each from different culture. My addition is: 'Book of Job' from 'The Bible,' 'Symposium' by Plato and 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenace' by Robert Pirsig.)

Bijal Shah’s 'Bibliotherapy, The Healing Power of Reading' is undoubtedly a good book, or rather a wonderful and marvellous book! This book ought to be mandatory book for all bibliotherapists. Moreover, her 'Bibliotherapy' will be unquestionably useful for psychologists, social workers, teachers of literature, writers, literary critics, philosophical counsellors as well as readers.

Well… let us embark on a journey of reading that will lead us to healing!

[Mrs Bethan Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting concept behind the psychology of reading but not an easy read so skimmed quite a bit. Read like a textbook.

[Sara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not finish
This is more an american style self help book than anythibg else. Not my cup of tea.

[Esra ÖZATALI · Rating 5 out of 5]

BİBLİYOTERAPİ

BİJAL SHAH

Herkese Merhabalar Benim Sevgili Dostlarım

Yeni yılın ilk postu için özellikle seçtiğim bu eseri sizler ile paylaşmaktan büyük mutluluk duyduğumu dile getirmek işitiyorum.

Sizlere iyi gelecek, ruhunuza dokunacak ve her zaman savunduğum kitapların iyileştirici gücüne tanıklık eden bir eser ile geldim. sanırım böyle bir esere herkesin ihtiyacı vardı. Ama bugün size eseri anlatmaktan çok, eseri okurken kendi yaşadıklarımdan bahsetmek istiyorum. Tabi ki eser hakkında belirli nüanslara değineceğim. Bir insan bir kitabı kaç defa okuyabilir? Kaç defa kendinle yüzleşebilir. Kitap okumak insana nasıl bir fayda sağlayabilir? Aradığınız her sorunun cevabı bu eser de.

Eskilerden günümüze dayanan ve yaşadığı tecrübeleri, gördüğü ilmi, duyduğu sesleri, dokunduğu nesneleri vs. bilgi akışı ve iletişim adına ulaştıran değerlendir. Yazar bir cümle kurmuş ise, kitap okuyanın o cümle altına yazarın ruh halini anlatmasıdır bence. Şiirler, dizeler, mısralar… ruhun teslimiyetidir. Geçilen zamanda olan eseri, günümüzde okuyan insan oğlunun, o dönemlerde olan olay ve olgulara şaşırıp, empati kurması ve o zamanın hayatı hataları her ne varsa kendine ders edinmesidir.

Yazmak ve geleceğe ulaştırmak. O anki ruh halin ile yazdığın acı hayatından bu güne ders çıkarma olgusuna yerleşen duygu durum halindir.

Kitap okumaya, okumayı söktüğüm zamanda başlamış ve bu zamana kadar devam ettirmiştim. Her düştüğümde bir el beklemiş, uzanan o elin kitabın ta kendisine şahit olmuştum. İyileştirdi mi? Hem de defalarca. Acımda, mutluluğumda. Her zaman iyileştirdi. Koşulsuzca…

En iyi arkadaşlarım onlar oldu. Kitap karakterleri ile sohbet edip içimi döktüm. Aynı masada sevgimizi dile getirdik. Bir sıcak kahvenin ve bir kitabın çözemeyeceği hiçbir sıkıntı yoktur ilkesini, temelimize koyduk. Geçenlerden gidenlerden yas nasıl tutulur hep birlikte keşfettik. Sancıların azalmasına zaman verdik. Ben ve dostlarım kitapların basit bir kağıt parçası olmadığına insanları ikna etmek için adeta mücadele verdik.

İlk okul öğretmenimin yokluk ile mücadele ederken, tezek bulaşmış gazete kağıdı küpürünü temizleyip ezberleyene kadar okumasını anlattığı dönem, inanılmaz etkilenmiş ve, okumanın nasıl bir yolculuk olduğunu o anda öğrenmiş biri olarak, siz sevgili arkadaşlarıma söylemek istediğim, hem bu eseri alıp okumanız, hem de hayatın size verdiği en büyük nimet olan Bibliyoterapistten sonuna kadar faydalanmanızdır.

Böyle değerli bir eseri bizlere sunan sevgili yazarımız BIJAL SHAH’a ve MONA KİTAP’a sonsuz teşekkürlerimi bir borç bilirim.

Kitapla ve sevgiyle kalın.

[Cláudia Guedes da Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Biblioterapia – o poder transformador da leitura", de Bijal Shah, agradou-me pela forma como combina conhecimento técnico com uma profunda sensibilidade humana. A autora, biblioterapeuta e conselheira, não se limita a explicar métodos de leitura terapêutica — ela convida-nos a mergulhar no verdadeiro sentido de ler: compreender, sentir e transformar.
Apreciei a forma como a leitura é apresentada: como uma ponte entre culturas e experiências de vida. Ao mesmo tempo que aprendi estratégias para tirar o melhor partido dos livros, percebi também o valor das histórias na construção da empatia. Curiosamente, tinha lido pouco antes "A Lista de Leitura", de Sara Nisha Adams, e foi através deste livro da Bijal Shah que entendi melhor as ligações culturais e históricas que me tinham deixado intrigada (não compreendia bem a ligação de uma família indiana à África Ocidental — só depois é que tudo fez sentido!).
No fundo, este é um livro que nos ensina tanto sobre a arte de ler como sobre a arte de compreender o outro — e talvez seja esse o verdadeiro poder transformador da leitura.

[Peter Leyland · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book. Bijal Shah gives us the history of bibliotherapy, interleaved with her own history as a reader and writer, and followed up by her work as a bibliotherapist. This is a fascinating account, showing the painstaking care she takes with those who come to her for assistance with 'reading recovery'. Among them are Annette and David who needed support in their marriage; Reena, Devi, Deborah and Amee, who had lost children either through miscarriage or accident; and Leo who had fallen behind at school through on account of autism. For these and others Bijal tells us about how she tailored remedies for their problems from her vast reading repetoire. She ends the book with variety of suggested solutions for a vast number of other conditions like Ageing, Jealousy, Overthinking and Regret. It is a book to be savoured.

[The Brown Paper Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

Curiosity led me to this book with two simple questions, what is bibliotherapy and do I need it? What I discovered surprised me. I am an avid book reader, lately, compulsively so. Guilt was creeping in, I started to wonder if I was hiding in books. If I understood what bibliotherapy was all about a few months ago I would have understood that the books I was choosing and leaning into were in fact helping me. With thanks to Bijal Shah for introducing me to bibliotherapy and shining a light on my reading world in a way I had not thought about before. The book is clear and, concise, well researched, offering a tome of advice on reading recommendations, case examples and, best of all, An A-Z of Book Prescriptions. You have to read it to fully appreciate it.

I highly recommend this book for readers who want to delve deeper into their personal literary journey.

[Hannah Drinkwater · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful, informative, thoughtful and well-researched. It is going to be absolutely instrumental to my Major Publishing Project and has already led me down many more paths that I’m hoping I’ll have the time to go down 😂😂.

It has also, on a personal level, instilled a further interest in me about this type of work. Mental health has always been a topic close to my heart, and I have always enjoyed helping people, and I of course have forever held a lifelong appreciation and adoration of literature and its creative practice. Definitely worth thinking more about.

The future is limitless. Books make me believe that more than ever. Especially books like this one, which prove the thinking, research and analysis behind the importance of literature in this sphere.

[Sanam Chida · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating exploration of how literature can serve as a powerful tool for emotional and psychological healing. The book delves into the many ways books support mental well-being across the ages, combining historical insights, scientific research, and practical guidance.

What makes this work particularly compelling is its ability to bridge theory and practice. It examines the psychological mechanisms behind reading—how stories can foster empathy, provide perspective, and offer solace during challenging times. I also love how the book details the curation of our own reading lists, selecting books tailored to our specific emotional needs. A valuable resource for therapists, educators, and booklovers.

The writing is engaging and thoughtful, weaving together anecdotes and research.

[Tim Corke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bijal has curated a wonderful definitive guide to the world of bibliotherapy that is accessible, moving and wise all at the same time. I’ve had the privilege of speaking with Bijal and gleaned some absolute nuggets of wisdom that have helped me enormously. I already felt drawn to the bibliotherapy world and the power of literature and completing this book has moved me ever closer.

I found the client stories immensely powerful - and found myself scribbling down notes and points of reflection of my own situations, musings and experiences as they emerged with clarity during reading. It was very moving.

A big thank you Bijal for this marvellous read.

[Meera Menon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is nothing short of a literary balm for the soul. It beautifully explores how stories can comfort, guide, and transform us in our darkest or most uncertain moments.
The author strikes the perfect balance between personal insight, scientific research, and literary wisdom. I found myself underlining passages, revisiting old favorite books through a new lens, and discovering new titles to add to my reading list. What stands out is the compassion woven through each chapter. You can feel the author's genuine belief in the power of literature to heal and connect us.