I know a good book helps me reset, but this concept of prescribed fiction is lovely. I'm all for it 😜
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0266323
Thoughts?
Book recommendations?
An interesting idea! I would question the finding that there were "no observable benefits" to reading alone, though, simply because you don't find what you're not looking for (so there may be benefits such as self-compassion, creativity, etc, that weren't part of the study as it was focused on anxiety and depression).
I tend to read non-fiction, but I can appreciate the joy that comes from reading a fiction book together.
Sounds like the early planning stages of a Cuddle Comfort book club, @MissAdventurous ! 📚
While this is interesting, the study itself seems to indicate that:
I mean, I like the idea that reading fiction improves the mind, but this study seemed to do little to prove that. Sigh.
So, to summarise. Fiction is brilliant but doesn't seem have any particular benefit for anxiety or depression. However, we already know that friendly social interaction is helpful, and talking about books is as good a way of doing that as any.
It's also the case that fantasising about unreality can be helpful in reducing stress: we know this too. I tell my students to do it during exams... if it's all going to pot, put your pencil down, take a deep breath, shut your eyes and imagine yourself somewhere nice. On a beach, a happy moment during a recent holiday, whatever. Enjoy that for a moment, and you'll come back to the exam in a much better frame of mind.
As for me, I can't read fiction. It's too anxiety-provoking. Also, it's too demanding in terms of concentration - you have to remember what happened. It's all very depressing because I used to read a lot.
I love discussing books and I think it can really help foster connections. Generally my tastes lean toward non-fiction but I do enjoy reading SF. I was the nerdy kid in high school who read Robert Heinlein, Issac Asimov, Harlan Ellison, Larry Niven, Kurt Vonnegut, Douglas Adams etc.
One of my favorite books however is in a completely different genre. “WLT: A Radio Romance” by Garrison Keillor….the story of the bunch of people at a Minneapolis radio station in the 1920s-1950s. It’s a very funny book and of course working in broadcasting I will read anything related to my passion 🙂
I cuddled someone with whom we both discussed books and our interpretations of them and she also liked me to read to her while she squeezed and cuddled me. I really liked it. Too bad she moved away, but we still discuss a book or show from time to time. She mainly liked me to read GOT and Anne Rice books.
@IsMeArrggh Being read to is the best!! 🥰🥰🥰
~ Sunset Snuggles
I'm loving all these responses 😂
“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” — Walt Disney
Hidden treasure and connection comes in all forms, even literature. 😊
I have read and probably know way too much about various serial and spree killers. Have read technical books on forensics, crime scene investigation techniques and other deep kinds of books to relax and learn.
I've listened to hours of court transcripts and pick my way through currently unsolved crimes in an effort to make sense of it all.
After my last and final relationship blew up in my face I dove into everything I could put my hands on about narcissism and emotional abuse. I am a walking encyclopedia on that now.
Currently giving this another listen.
@KYtransplant I LOVE LOVE that book!!
@KYtransplant I love reading about serial killers and trying to make sense of the why's and how's of how they became to be. I bet you'd really enjoy Mindhunters, I love the show and the book is a great read. It's when the FBI first began interrogating serial killers. They play actual recordings of real life serial killers being interrogated. Oh, man it's so intriguing. They're in the process of doing the next season.
I just ordered my next three books 🙌🦋💗 I use BOTM, book of the month happens to have great selection for your reading needs 😉
https://www.mybotm.com/fdciei2hkt?show_box=true
Use my link if you're interested, girl needs free book credits 😂😂
Okay. I need some bibliotherapy.
recommendations for new books, I will read just about anything people 😉😉 💓🥰👋
I love this idea. I absolutely find reading fiction to be a stress relieving activity. And I felt very sad during the years that my brain could not focus well enough to do it.
I am currently reading the ghost mountain shifters series by Audrey Faye.
Stranger in a strange land by Robert Heinlein
@interplanetary0 I just recently was gifted that book by @Spud424 for my birthday over the summer, it was an excellent read 📚 👌 I might revisit it because of how much detail is in it.
@KYtransplant I liked the suggestion, it'll be my next book - Thanks! @MissAdventurous great thread, dear!
Six Harvests in Lea, Texas might be a good one. It's short (about 200 pages), free to read online. Sci-fi, but with a kind of fantasy/folk tale feel. If you like Zenna Henderson's stuff you'll probably enjoy this.
I love Zena Hendersons stuff so it's right up my alley I'll check it out today over my cup of tea @DaringSprinter
I've got a bet on with myself that you'll like it, @MissAdventurous. I hope you'll let me know whether I've won or lost!
Got a lot of therapy to catch up on 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 my full library room is upstairs in guest room....
There is an art to reading books, and buying them lol 😆
@KYtransplant i also have that book by Faith G Harper. So good!!!
I swear by this book of the month club. Newest books 😁😁
If you are interested: https://www.mybotm.com/fdciei2hkt?show_box=true
I used to read all the time. Mostly science, fiction and fantasy. Then my ex-wife started choosing reading books over spending time together. I have not had the urge to read since before I got divorced. I mostly get lost in television or movies. I’ll read articles and such now. I still love looking up information. Have not read a good book in a while.
