Special thanks to @literapy_nyc & @rowhousepub for my gifted e-ARC‼️

What’s the best thing to prescribe when dealing with depression, trauma or you’re seeking to heal? Sometimes medication isn’t enough? But you know what could be? The right book! 

When I first learned about bibliotherapy it was from following Emely’s IG page and seeing her promote and share with the book community what she does as a bibliotherapist. Some may think to themselves well how is a book gonna help me deal with a real life situation? 

Bibliotherapy in the Bronx gives readers a thorough understanding of what it is, how reading was established as a form of therapy, the utilization of poetry and music in therapy, the different ways literature can heal, the importance of libraries, backstory on how reading helped real-life clients, and the way literature itself can shed light on lived experiences that relate to a client’s situation. 

Broken down into 3 sections the author delves deeply into the practices of bibliotherapy, how it can be the doorway to finding peace, and using it as a path to empowerment and collective wellbeing. Each chapter explores the different methods used in a case and personal insight into how books have helped her evolve as a person and therapist. Get ready to annotate because she also name drops authors and literary works that have inspired her or impacted her clients. 

I loved Emely’s vulnerability and honesty letting us know that not every book will be for everyone. But there is the right book out there that addresses exactly what someone is dealing with. “The healing power of stories can transform your life through bibliotherapy.”

Overall, I enjoyed reading this and found it to be very helpful and informative especially the reflections. It honestly had me thinking about the type books I read and why I gravitate and connect with certain stories more than others. So, here’s another book worth adding to your TBR especially if you’re an educator or therapist!