Healing Through Books: The Evolution and Diversification of Bibliotherapy

by Natalia Tukhareli

This is an excellent resource into the emerging field of bibliotherapy, which is the intentional use of the therapeutic potential of literature in a variety of clinical and creative schemes. The book advances a simple, accessible, and cost-effective way of addressing a variety of physical, emotional, psychological and social issues by revealing how bibliotherapy helps people restore meaningful connections with themselves, with others, and with the world around them in times of difficult transitions and physical, psychological, emotional and social challenges. [Amazon]

206 pages, Hardcover

First published May 15, 2014

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was introduced to the subject of Bibliotherapy by the author herself through a talk in the local library and personal conversations. These sparked my interest in reading “Healing Through Books”. I was surprised that, even with a degree in psychology, I had never heard about this form of therapy before as the history section of the book states it is around for about 100 years at the time of publishing. “Healing Through Books” is a thorough introduction to the subject, starting with an overview of its history, followed by an explanation of its two branches, the clinical and creative Bibliotherapy, and a chapter describing the author’s three months Bibliotherapy program on HIV/AIDS in Johannesburg. There are references to studies of Bibliotherapy applied to different populations and the kind of health issues Bibliotherapy has a positive effect.
I recommend the book to everyone interested in the transformative and healing power of reading, and who likes to have a comprehensive theoretical introduction to Bibliotherapy. At the end of the book, one finds an extended bibliography for people who like to further deepen their knowledge of the subject.

[Jennine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, accessible and a fantastic resource on the merits of bibliotherapy.

[Jude Morrissey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book, but be warned - this is not a fluffy book you read for fun. This is serious stuff. Do you like to read profession library science articles? Then you will like this book. Are you interested in the development and current uses of bibliotherapy in clinical and non-clinical settings? Then you will find this book very informative. It is not undertaken lightly, but it is definitely worth reading.