A while back, I was browsing on The School Of Life website (great stuff over there, thank you again Alain de Botton) and I was introduced to the world of Bibliotherapy.
Now, I'd always felt, for as long as I can remember, that the books of my childhood had a deep effect on me. That, they had in fact, been a fair sized part of shaping my thoughts and growth.
And, I now know, there's a name for this!
Bibliotherapy.
This can be defined as an expressive therapy that involves storytelling or the reading of specific texts with the purpose of healing. It uses an individual's relationship to the content of books and poetry and other written words as therapy.
The most memorable books of my childhood are the ones listed below. Many of them still have pride of place on my bookshelf 40 years later. They are laden with nostalgia and intense feelings of connection still.
The entire Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper
The entire Narnia series by C.S. Lewis
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Lord of The Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudge
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner
The Three Investigators books by Robert Arthur
The Hardy Boys books by Franklin W. Dixon
The Secret Seven books by Enid Blyton
The Hill of The Red Fox by Allan Campbell McLean
A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle
The Pale Invaders by G. R. Kesteven
As I got a little older and moved into my teens, Where Late The Sweet Birds Sang, The Outsiders, My Side of The Mountain, 1984, and various others came in to play.
Most featured magic, mystery and mayhem... adventure and curious minds. These are still part of my world today. I love a good mystery, and hunt for the magic in my everyday moments.
Many featured girls as strong, courageous and capable characters who could do brave and wondrous things! And, when they didn't, and the focus was on boys, I remember thinking 'I could do that!'
They all featured compassion, mate-ship, collaboration, persistence, commitment and open mindedness in various ways. Different personalities, looks, and ways of 'being' were all celebrated. Girls were also shown as independent entities who could set boundaries and speak their minds.
Whenever I was feeling down and out, the familiar characters in my books were there to guide the way and shine a light on possibilities.
I'm very attracted to this idea of finding a book with circumstances similar to my own to see how the characters deal with it. Finding solace or possible solutions as I read and devour the stories of others in similar situations makes sense to me. A way of reaching out and pushing for emotional growth with time to ponder and process for myself.
As an adult I've continued to find solace and camaraderie in the books I've read. I even refer to my books as my always available friends.... ever in reach, never too busy, always up for a visit. Any time I need to soothe myself or remind myself I'm not the only one these things happen to, one of my much loved books will be there to tend the wound.
Skimming a paragraph, reading a poem, beginning again from the start, dipping in and out.... the ways of 'meeting' with my 'friends' are many.
Often a series of books, again usually fantasy (as they mainly were in my childhood), provide me with characters going through all manner of trials and tribulations I can relate to. All of Raymond E. Feist's books strike a deep chord with me... I feel like I'm entwined with the character's lives. I can sink into their world for vast passages of time, and come out feeling renewed, strangely understood and invigorated. One of the characters even provided me with a much loved saying I've used often over the years (and still do). It's an integral part of my self care tools and visualisations.
Phil Rickman's books (of which I own a stack) and Robert Goddard's books (another large collection) are also reliable mentors and counselors no matter which ones I pick up. They always have something to 'teach' me.
And, of course, there's this book and the series it belongs to.... such a strong connection and valuable insight.
In the middle of the night, after a hard day, during times of immense emotion or sadness.... there they are.
It's possible that as an introvert, and an INFJ on the Myers Briggs, this type of 'therapy' is eminently more suited to me than it may be to some others, but no matter your 'type', if you're a reader, I think it's a beautifully simple way to boost your self care and growth.
Do you have any books that have helped you through a hard or weird time?
Does 'bibliotherapy' make sense to you like it does to me?
Linda. xox