Books as Prescription
Avid readers have known for a long time that books can have a profound effect upon a person. They can, in fact, be life changing. It seems that doctors in the UK are agreeing. The Smithsonian Magazine reports in their article "Doctors Are Now Prescribing Books to Treat Depression" that UK doctors are prescribing books for depression. It seems to be limited to self-help books such as "Mind Over Mood" and "Overcoming Depression."
Currently there are no hard statistics to support 'bibliotherapy', but it will be interesting to see any forthcoming results. Is this a partnership that we could develop by working with doctors and counselors to recommend library books and databases? It does not have to be limited to depression.
Speaking of which, do you have a favorite book to read when you are depressed?
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... a memoir by David Sedaris. It always makes me laugh!
David Sedaris was on our plane coming back from PLA. He was close enough that I could have reached out a touched him though I don't think he would have appreciated it.
In addition to more serious ailments, like depression, sickness and death, the book The Novel Cure: From Abandonment to Zestlessness: 751 Books to Cure What Ails You, by Ella Berthoud and Susan Elderkin, includes some unusual ailments such as Burning Dinner, Lack of Common Sense and Itchy Teeth.
When I'm feeling depressed, I make sure to sit down, put my feet up, and scrupulously avoid reading anything by any Russian writers whatsoever. It does wonders.
Aside from that, Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson is the novel equivalent of blasting "Eye of the Tiger" through your alarm clock. It's short, high action, and reads like somebody put all the good bits from The Matrix into a blender with a George Carlin essay on ancient Babylonian linguistics. Plus, the main character is straight-facedly named "Hiro Protagonist." It's a surefire cure for the blahs.
hahaha.. Russian literature is my latest obsession read. No wonder I'm feeling a bit depressed...