Bibliotherapy started out as a creative arts approach to therapy. Using the power of the printed word and storytelling to help an individual process trauma or address difficult issues in their life. It has evolved over the years to also include the simple idea of indulging in an ‘escape read’ – literally getting away from reality for awhile by slipping into a fictional world (and isn’t that tempting these days?!)
Way back when I worked as a librarian at my school board’s Central Resource Centre, one of my jobs was to create bibliotherapy kits teachers could borrow when they were presented with a student, or students, dealing with a difficult situation. The kits were an age appropriate mix of fiction and non-fiction on various subjects like:
- grief (oddly specific ‘loss of a pet’ included)
- divorce
- blended families
- social anxiety
- shyness
- racism
- autism
- mental health issues
- cancer
- bullying
The teachers would share the books in a class setting and/or send some of them home with the child in need. The non-fiction books were great starting points for discussion but we found that fiction made the most transformative impact. Especially when a picture book or novel was shared with the whole class.
Example: A grade two child was exhibiting anti-social behaviour stemming from the upset of his parents’ recent divorce. The teacher selected picture books and short novels from our bibliotherapy kit to share with the whole class during their regular story times. The benefits were twofold: first, the student experiencing the upheaval of divorce in his family, saw himself in these stories. He wasn’t alone. Not only did he see himself in these stories, his friends did as well.
Which brings me to the second benefit: his classmates developed (and this really blew us all away) empathy for the boy who was upturning play areas or pushing and shoving in line etc. Instead of escalating the conflict, they demonstrated patience and understanding (these were seven year old kids!) Were the behaviour problems magically solved overnight? No. But they grew less frequent and didn’t escalate, largely because ‘Jonny’s classmates chose not to retaliate. Why? They understood that he was sad, that there was a reason behind his actions and they simply accepted that, which, in turn, calmed ‘Jonny’ down.
Why is this our conversational topic this week? Well, we’re all about the power of words, the power of story here at Best Reads. And did you know that reading fiction actually increases your capacity to empathize with others? Why? Because we live thousands of life experiences through our beloved fictional characters. Our brains actually emotionally connect to fictional experiences as if they were our own, increasing our understanding and the compassion we in turn, extend to others. Is that cool or what? And goodness, but we need a lot of that in this crazy, mixed up world.
So, I thought it would be fun to share some of the Christian Fiction books that have made a profound impact on us. Our faith, our understanding of an issue, a historical perspective or even provided a comforting escape from the rigours of our own lives.
I’m through being wordy, I promise! I’m going to share some ‘bibliotherapy’ topics along with a book that influenced me. I’d love it if you’d share a Christian Fiction book that touched you so I can increase my personal bibliotherapy list. Put it in a comment along with any thoughts you might have, and I’ll enter you in a draw for a $10.00 ecard from our fave CF resource : Baker Book House!
Giveaway Opportunity for anyone willing to shop at https://bakerbookhouse.com
Draw will be held and winner announced on Saturday March 1 2025.
Kav's Best Reads 
Tosca lee wrote a 2 book series The line between and A single light. About a virus and a cult. Survival and how humans could survive if they worked together. There’s different types of survival not just what is in the books. I think of life as a chess game either you figure out how to survive life period and work with others. For me my Mental Illness is teaching me everyday how to work through daily life.
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Ooohhhh, thanks for mentioning this. I read The Line Between which was a way out of comfort read for me but I really enjoyed it. I haven’t read the sequel though — must put it on my TBR for this year. Dystopian novels are a great insight into humanity and an opportunity to showcase what is truly important and the need we have in community. Have you read Jolena Petersheim’s Alliance series? It’s dystopian with that same strong theme of survival and cooperation but set in an Old Order Mennonite community. Really impactful. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Kim – so many levels to what we all experience in our daily lives. Good luck!
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Yes I have read her series too and LOVED IT SO MUCH. When I want a break from reality I reread Marissa Meyers Luna Series It’s not christian fiction but a good distraction for me.
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Ohhh, is that the one based on fairy tales? I’ve had Cinder on my want to read list forever because people keep raving about it. Must make that a priority this year too. I started it once but had to return it to the library so never got to finish it. Ha! I just checked my audible and I actually have it! Got it on sale waaaaay back and forgot about it. What a goof I am. Well, now I have no excuse for not reading…er listening…to it. Thanks for the reminder, Kim!
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Yes it’s a twist on cinderella.
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A book that comes to mind immediately is COAL BLACK LIES by Cindy K. Sproles. My grandfather migrated to the United States at about his time frame. He ended up in a little town whose only source of income was mining coal. My father lived the life of a coal mining family. After a short time, he followed his father’s footsteps. It was all it took to convince my father he wasn’t going to live his life underground as a coal miner all his life. He joined the Army.
That is what drew me to the story, but once I started reading it was WOW this story is amazing! It not only gives you a glimpse into coal mining, being under the vicious cycle of work, spend in the company store, get paid, pay off store and state it all over again, but it covers so much more. It’s a magnificent story of forgiveness, friendship, love, acceptance, second chances and family wrapped in a fabulous thread of faith that will have the reading pausing at times to let it all soak in. There are lessons we all either need to learn or to reacquaint ourselves with. Lessons like hatred only does the person holding it harm and God is always there waiting for us to turn towards Him.
Believe me when I say COAL BLACK LIES is FIVE STAR reading. I’ve kept this book to my permanent library because I see this as a book I not only enjoyed reading, but one I will enjoy just as much or more so reading again at some future time.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
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I’ve heard you talk about Coal Black Lies before, Kay. I really need to nudge it up my TBR priority list it seems. I think part of my hesitation has been just what you describe — the brutal lives of a miner’s life and how the whole family and community is affected. But the, that’s partly what bibliotherapy is for, right? To open our eyes and help us understand something so foreign. And the solid faith lessons in this book definitely sound like they would fit any life, no matter your career or circumstances. Thanks for the extra nudge, Kay. Good luck!
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First off, I applaud you for the wonderful service you provided for teachers & children. I’m sure many little lives were changed so kudos to you, my friend.
When I was going through intense grief over the death of my mother (who was my best friend), I had just “discovered” and read 1 of this author’s books. At the time her books were like none other I’d read before. So I’d get a drink, my sun 🕶, a chair, & park myself in my flower garden with COURTING MORROW LITTLE by Laura Frantz. And there found an escape from my grief, traveling to another place & time. I read it slow purposely.
Another book that helped me with gratitude is one I just finished. In UNEASY STREET the heroine was raised like I was as a child. She went one way, but her sister died of a drug overdose. I’m so grateful Jesus helped me choose to go down the right path!
So many books teach me new things, and I learned so much from Terri Todd’s EVEN IF WE CRY and her other WWII books. UNDER THE MAGNOLIAS by TI Lowe taught me a lot about the depression Era. I love learning in a way that doesn’t feel like I’m studying. THE VICTORY CLUB by Robin Lee Hatcher also taught me about the roles women played & the challenges they faced in WWII.
Sometimes I just need a good laugh to endure physical pain & although not much of a romcom fan, I enjoyed JULIA MONROE BEGINS AGAIN by Rebekah Millet. Too funny!!
TEA WITH ELEPHANTS helped me to appreciate God’s creation a bit more. And HOPE BEYOND THE WAVES by Heidi Chiavaroli will certainly teach one compassion towards those suffering from incurable diseases and are ostracized from society. I could go on & on about the value & enjoyment of books, but I’ll stop here. Interesting subject, Kav!
dianalflowers at aol dot com
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Thanks, Diane. I loved that job! What a beautiful tribute to Laura Frantz’s storytelling! Definitely the type of author who writes the kind of books you can lose yourself in. March is Women’s History Month and I was thinking Laura Frantz’s heroines would be the perfect fictional characters to celebrate with. Such strong, faithful women and she brings history to life and the role our ancestresses played at pivotal points. So much to learn and feel through in her books.
Yes to Uneasy Street — love that you made a personal connection with it. Bonding with books is so therapeutic! I haven’t read Under the Magnolias yet but you keep mentioning how phenomenal it is, so what am I waiting for?! And you’ve just introduced me to a new ‘old’ Robin Lee Hatcher book. Never heard to The Victory Club before! Thanks for contributing to my TBR….sigh…I think! Oh — and Tea With Elephants is waiting for me at the library since they last time we talked. Good luck, Diane!
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Yes to Laura’s heroines for Women’s History Month! She’s such a fascinating storyteller. I told her how her book & God brought me through that dark time in my life & she was so touched. Such a precious lady.
I almost didn’t continue reading Under the Magnolias bc it was so depressing at 1st, but I’m glad I stuck with it. The same with Lulu’s Cafe. Started out pretty distressful, but ended up being such a good read! Reviews are mixed about Tea With Elephants & I’m not sure I would have loved it as much as a young reader. But I looked at it from a different perspective now that I’m a “more mature” lady. LOL! My Ob/gyn calls me that. Does he know women or what? 😉
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I’m so glad you shared that with Laura Frantz – such a blessing to her, I’m sure! Wonderful feedback like that makes up for bad reviews! Glad to hear that about Under the Magnolias. I think I started it when it first came out (library copy) and I was worried it was going to be too depressing for the way I was feeling at the time so I didn’t continue. I have to be in the right mood for that kind of read. Totally agree about Lulu’s Cafe – that’s a true blue bibliotherapy book in so many ways. I’m interested to see what I think of Teas With Elephants – I’ve heard mixed reviews.
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Too funny about Under the Magnolias bc you’re the one who talked me into giving Lulu’s Cafe another chance. lol I like what you said about mood reading bc I couldn’t finish the Mrs. Kip story. The man was on his death bed in the nursing home (I think?) & my hubby had recently lost his brother. I never have picked that one up again although it’s gotten rave reviews. Way too depressing for me. I also have a hard time now reading suspense books if I’m feeling anxious about anything in my life. Which isn’t too often bc whenever I’m anxious I do my best to give it to the Lord.
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I love Laura Frantz’s books, Diane. She’s a fantastic storyteller and such a sweet lady! I’ve had the privilege of meeting and talking to her a couple of times, and she’s a sweetheart! Her books are always so filled with history and romance! I always look forward to reading them.
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Eeeeppp!!! Winnie, I am so jealous! 🙂
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I’m jealous along with Kav! lol You’re so blessed, Winnie! She is so sweet & has sent me quite a few of her books just because. But I don’t mind buying them bc she’s a must read for me every January! She’s not only a great storyteller, but she’s so incredibly intelligent! I wish my history teachers had been as interesting as her books are.
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Yes, if only our history curriculum consisted of historical fiction!
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Amen, Kav!
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Terri Blackstock’s Intervention Series really gave me empathy toward families who are impacted by drug abuse. That is a series that I think about on a regular basis.
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Eeeep!!! Yes!!! That series is amazing. A real service to both families experiencing drug abuse and people who have no clue but need to get one. 🙂 I read that series maybe four or five years ago and then I met a lady at church who had a son on the streets due to drug use. We became friends and having read the Intervention books helped me to know how to be supportive and a good listener. Terri Blackstock was inspired to write that series for sure. Good luck, Rebecca!
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One that comes to mind is A Million Little Choices by Tamera Alexander. I haven’t experienced an affair in my marriage, but I know it can happen to anyone. This books takes you through that situation and the results/outcome.
Also I think someone already mentioned T. I. Lowe. I think many of her books could by considered bibliotherapy!
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That’s a great example too. I haven’t read that book yet, but I can see how emotional it would be. I’d need to be in the right mood to read it. And yes, T.I. Lowe doesn’t shy away from issues in her books and the character development is done so well. Good luck, Patty!
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I just finished a book that come out on March 1. When the Sky Burned by Liz Tolsma. I so enjoyed this because it takes place in Peshtigo, Wisconsin. I lived 38 miles from there for 11 years. I visited the tiny museum with my family. I learned about the fire that took place the same day as the great Chicago fire but was not reported on because of the communication delays. I am so glad the story could be told. The romance that was fictional was a great story of resilience, too.
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I love learning about history through fiction – especially the lesser known bits. I have never heard about that big fire in Wisconsin. Good to know that When the Sky Burned (what an ominous title!) does the story justice. Looking forward to read it. Thanks for sharing. Good luck, Paula!
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I really appreciated An Uncommon Courtship by Kristi Ann Hunter. I think it’s one of the most awkward romances on the planet, but as an introvert who married another introvert, figuring out married life together was often awkward, and I was actually encouraged by this bit of realism in a genre that can set overly high expectations. This book takes the approach that marriage isn’t just passion and attraction and true love–it’s figuring out how to share space and communicate and do life together while you’re still getting to know each other. No matter how well you know each other before getting married, you’ll still be learning about each other after, and there will be awkward moments that you have to figure out together. Just hopefully not quite as bad as for this couple!
rdalquist AT gmail DOT com
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Another great choice! I loved An Uncommon Courtship too. Kristi Ann Hunter has a way of going deeper into a Regency story, taking it to unexpected places. Well, she did that with her contemporary novel too, so I guess that’s her ‘thing’. I haven’t read her latest Regency Romance yet…what am I waiting for. You’ve inspired me! Good luck, Rachael.
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When Stars Light the Sky by Elizabeth Camden was a story set around diplomatic relations in Berlin during WWI, which was really interesting to me. Of course it has a stellar romance as well.
Until I Do by T.I. Lowe was a great story dealing with marriage issues, loved all three books in that series.
Sandyavery at comcast dot net
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That one just came out recently, right? Yes, checked and I have it on hold at my library but it’s still on order. WWI books are always fascinating, I think because they are not as common as WWII books. We can learn so much from history. Good luck, Sandy!
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I have read some of TI Lowe’s books and also L. Frantz and really enjoyed them. Count me in for the gift card. Thank you.
jacsmi75 at gmail dot com
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I just discovered a bunch of her earlier books (T I Lowe) on audible. I wonder what they are like? I’ll have to get one and see. Good luck, Jackie!
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Well, I can see I need to start reading T.I. Lowe’s books. I have a couple of them but haven’t read them yet. So many books–so little time! You are all adding to my already toppling TBR pile. . . or mountain! My favorite genre is historical romance fiction, and there are so many awesome ones! Cathy Gohlke is a favorite author, and I highly recommend her book, The Medallion. It’s not an easy book to read, but it really stayed with me.
Thanks for all the recommendations, Kav, and all the others who commented!
whthomas13 at yahoo dot com
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I haven’t read many Cathy Gohke novels, but I have read The Medallion and I totally agree. Another stellar WWII novel. I bawled my eyes out with that one! Good luck, Winnie!
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I’ve met Cathy, too, and she’s also a sweetheart. It was right before The Medallion released, and I asked her if she had a launch team. She said no, but she gave me her last ARC of The Medallion to read! I haven’t read all of her books, but I’ve loved the ones I’ve read.
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Oh wow, Winnie — you’re like a jet-setting author meeter. lol Awesomesauce!
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The book I just finished, An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon, was about a woman with an autoimmune disease that made her lose all of her hair, and dealt with the self-consciousness and negative self-image that that entailed. It gave a great perspective while shedding light on the struggles and created empathy and understanding for people with difficult medical situations.
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Eeeepppp — I’m listening to it now and it’s driving me crazy because there are so many great bookish quotes. I keep rushing for a pen and paper to try and write them down but it’s impossible to catch them all. I need the print book too. 🙂 I love that it’s highlighting a lesser known autoimmune disease. Such an awesome author. Good luck, Elly!
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I’ve never given much thought to reading as Bibliotherapy, but I can clearly see it now. I can also picture you as a librarian, I’m sure you really loved that. What a gift to the community!
Ijust finished up The Sweet Life by Suzanne Woods Fisher and that one definitely falls into this category. Loss, and dramatic life changes are just some of the themes. Just be sure and read the Cape Cod Creamery series in order because it just flows better that way. I didn’t and regret it.
Summerlin Groves by Elizabeth Camden might fulfill that. There is a mystery but there is loss and moving on as a theme. I was quite impressed with her FIRST contemporary novel!
The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt highlights courage, sacrifice and the resilience of two Polish sisters during WWlI and is heavy but incredibly good. The Divine Proverb of Streusel by Sara Brunsvold would probably fit into that category but just hit me in a bad way from memories of my parents’ divorce.p
Terri Blackstock’s Restoration series also comes to mind and is kind of a dystopian series. It’s an old series, though.
The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip taught me a lot about loss. The Rhythm of Fractured Grace by Amanda Wen has a strong forgiveness thread.
I just started When the Sky Burned by Liz Tolsma, so I can see that this will fit the category nicely when I get a little further along
I’m eyeing so many books here that I need to read: Coal Black Lies, Courting Morrow Little, Tea with Elephants, and A Million Little Choices….so many books and so little time.
And yes, you MUST read Under the Magnolias by T.l. Lowe, it’s so good! Not an easy read, but really anything she writes is fabulous. It has a much cleaner and less violent vibe, but is a little bit similar to Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens (NOT Christian at all!). You also need to look at Low Country Lost (fabulous!), but I don’t think she writes an “easy” book and this one fulfills the category, too.
So now that I have written a book, I’ll send you on your merry way to add to your TBR list!
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My library has a copy of The Sweet Life. A hold has been placed. And I have a copy of Summerlin Grove on my TBR. I got it just before Christmas and I can’t believe I haven’t read it yet. At first I was just reading Christmas books and then I had hankering for snowed in books but now that I have had the real life experience of being snowed in I’m over that and thinking a nice fair weather novel might be just the thing right now. 🙂
I find WWII stories are always so inspirational. The way they highlight the courage and resiliency of ordinary people is so uplifting but oh, I do so wish we would learn from that history!
I’ll have to check out that Restoration series. There are a ton of Terri Blackstock books I haven’t read so good to have a recommended series to check out. And a second recommendation for When the Sky Burned so I’m going to put a star next to that title.
I love that you have a rich collection of bibliotherapy on hand, Perrianne! Such a comfort. And yes, Under the Magnolias is back on my must read soon list now because I trust you and Diane. Thanks for adding to my ‘gotta read ’em all’ anxiety! lol Good luck!
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I read Christmas books until recently. We have had a LOT of 20F degree days, so I’m done with the wintry books, too!
The Restoration series will make you think how hard we rely on our power grid and other things we consider necessities!
I’m sorry to add to your TBR anxieties! Surely we all have that issue???? My biggest bookish dilemma is whether to dive right into Becky Wade’s Uneasy Street or go back and read the series in order? Anyone care to chime in? 🤣🤣🤣
perrianne (DOT) askew (AT) me (DOT) com
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Hi Perrianne. I had to wait a good while between books so when I got to UNEASY STREET I had forgotten who some of the characters were & the family dynamics. It can be read as a standalone bc Becky recaps, but I think the book would be more rewarding if you binge read the entire series. Even though she recapitulated, I felt like something was missing. But maybe your memory is better than mine! 🙃
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I agree with Diane — you will get the most out of the stories from reading them in order. Each book features a different brother but it’s the background family dynamics that add to all the stories and also a secondary plot featuring two of the brothers’ mother. At least read the first book before Uneasy Street — that will be a good introduction. Just my two cents worth
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I finished Coal Black Lies a week ago, and it was so good! You won’t regret reading that one. 😀
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Kav, Amanda Barratt’s The White Rose Resists: A Novel of the German Students Who Defied Hitler opened my eyes to the fact that there were Germans who fought back at great risk to their own lives. It is an amazing novel based on a real story and real people with tremendous courage. It won the 2021 Christy Award for Historical Fiction and I can’t recommend it highly enough. So inspiring!
ckbarker at gmail dot com
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There are so many aspects of World War II that I keep discovering through fiction. Love it! Will definitely check out The White Rose Resists. Thanks, Cheryl! Good luck!
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There are soooo many diverse stories that took place during WWII. I am constantly surprised. One of my favorite eras to read.
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Varina Denman’s Mended Hearts series increased my awareness of how my walk with the Lord impacts others for good and bad. Such an excellent series!
psalm103and138atgmaildotcom
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Yesss!!!! I so loved that series. I need to make it a priority reread – so impactful. I wish she wrote more. Good luck, Caryl!
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Hey, Kav! I didn’t realize you had worked in a library! I’m in a library setting at present. One book the Lord used to minister to me, about fear, is “The Girl Behind the Red Rope,” by Ted and Rachelle Dekker
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Yay for library workplaces! I worked as an elementary school librarian and did a stint at the board central library as well as worked part time at the circ and ref desk at a college library. My whole life was books and I loved it all. Unfortunately I got a wonky infection that floored me and I ended up with chronic pain and mobility issues so I had to go on permanent disability. 😦 This blog is my library thing now. 🙂 Another dystopian title and I’ve actually read it! Amazing how that genre works really well in a bibliotherapy kind of way — awesome that The Girl Behind the Red Rope touched you. Good luck, Stephanie!
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Oh wow! You were in multiple settings! I’m in a high school now but used to dream of working in an academic setting. I appreciate hearing a bit more of your backstory! I definitely see you continuing in that librarian calling with your beautiful ministry! Yay! Glad you’ve read “The Girl Behind the Red Rope!”
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Kav, I’m so sorry that awful infection happened to you & those chronic pain issues are something else! Never had to deal with that everyday till I had neck surgery & my numb leg decided to develop new nerves. Which is a good thing, but OY! And the colder it gets the more I hurt. So I certainly admire your tenacity and your amazing CF ministry born from pain & adversity.
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You know how we tend to see God’s hand in our lives in hindsight? Well, that definitely happened to me when all this health stuff happened. The college was finally posting a full time position and everyone thought I’d be a shoe-in because I’d be part-time there since I was enrolled as a student. I was excited because I was really struggling with the long bus commute out to my school in the ‘burbs and the amount of activity involved working with kids so I really thought that college position was a blessing from God. Closer to home and physically less demanding. Perfect. Only I didn’t get the job! What???????? How was that even possible? I was so disappointed. Two months later the specialist I saw told me I had to stop working immediately and go into a serious physical rehab programme. Whoa! So I went on disability leave from the school board and as I was filling out the paperwork, I realized that had I gotten the college job, I’d have be on a conditional hire status and wouldn’t have had any benefits yet! Because I didn’t get the job, I was blessed with full benefits to live on and the time to work on rehabilitation. I’ve made such inroads…still need the rollator, but not in the wheelchair the doc’s were predicting. Such a blessing! And a lesson to trust God no matter what happens in your life…though I’m the first one to sometimes forget that in a moment of crisis! 🙂
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God is so awesome & He knows what we’re going to face down the road! Such a blessing He took care of your benefits even before you knew you would need them! Before I had neck surgery I heard the word wheelchair one too many times so I said, I better hurry up and get this done! Had both my legs gone numb I shudder to think. Praying for your complete healing. No rollator needed! 🙏
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Wow I’ve never known it has a name but I love to write to help me process. I haven’t done it in a while, it sometimes brings back nightmares. But books have been my refuge and I’ve been able to process a lot. I hope to get back to writing soon.
Some books that have helped me heal and open my eyes to different perspectives are
The Way it Should Be by Christina Suzann Nelson. Dealing with drug abuse and what leads people to choose that and their trials to break it.
Angel Sister by Ann Gabhart. Spiritual abuse.
Spectors in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright. Mental health struggles and how people treat them weird because they don’t understand or empathize. Or say they are all “only in their head”
Thnx Kav! sarahdar0801ATgmailDOTcom
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I never thought about writing being the other side of bibliotherapy — how cool is that! And that you are a writer. Words are so powerful, whether we are reading them, writing them or speaking them. I’m adding The Way it Should Be to my never-ending TBR list! I’ve read another book by Christina Suzann Nelson and loved it. Angel Sister is a blast from the past – the whole Rosey Corner series was my introduction to Ann Gabhart. Worth a reread, I’m thinking. I have a current book of hers on my TBR right now — Sourwood Mountain something, I think. Such a great point about mental health struggles and Spectors in the Glass House. Fiction like this can really help change attitudes and bring understanding to conditions that are hard to talk about. Good luck, Sarah!
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I have to agree that CF hits deeper than mere words on the page! There have been so many books that have touched me in ways like nothing else has…..either taught me a lesson, or reminded me of who God is in my life, or the author spoke right into my life at that particular time through the characters and so many other things. There have been many times I’ve finished a book and felt I needed many days to process the whole thing & felt bereft as if I just lost my best friend. I believe that’s called a book hangover where it’s so emotional that you need time to “grieve” or have the ability to move on. After those times, it takes me several days to even want to pick up another story to begin because I know its not going to be as good as what I’ve just read. Oh golly, I do hope that makes sense!! I tend to ramble when talking about books that touched me so deeply & emotionally that I can’t possibly rationally describe the feeling, lol!
I think one book that stands out to me & God used to set me free of some bondage in my life that had been there for many years was Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. I literally cried cleansing tears, I mean some gut wrenching sobs! I had never had a story or author speak into my life so profoundly up to that point.
Two of the books you chose here also touched me (and convicted me a bit!) were The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip & The Unlikely Yarn of the Dragon Lady. They challenged me to live out my life more boldly for Christ & be His hands and feet. I still don’t do it perfectly (probably never will) but those lessons stick with me.
I think I also find that after a particularly challenging day/week/month I have to resort to a light-hearted read…..so I mostly pick up a rom-com or a witty Regency book by an author who I know can make me chuckle.
Don’t you just love when a book is more than a book and can take you places you’ve never been without leaving your comfy sofa (and warm blankie)? Authors are my heroes & I whole-heartily believe God uses them to speak to us readers at just the right time in just the right way and help us along the path of life God has put us on.
teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
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What a beautifully written comment, Trixi. You said it in a way I never could about God using authors to speak to us and help us on the path He’s put us on. That’s happened to me so many times! I appreciate all these well thought out comments.
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Love this, Trixi! You say it so beautifully. Yes, yes, yes!!! Sometimes I pick up a CF read and it feels like that faith message was written just for me! What a blessing these authors are to us! You can really see how God is working through them to touch our lives. So, so grateful!
And your comments about book hangovers! Totally agree. That sense of loss when you come to the end of a spectacular story is so bittersweet. You’re still basking in the thrill of it all while slowly coming to the realization that it’s all over. Sob! I always have to have a book on the go (well, two really, cause I read one and listen to another) so when I hit that book hangover feeling I reach for a story that’s the exact opposite of what I’ve just read.
Thank you, Trixi, for sharing about your connection with books. Thrills my bookish heart and grows my resolve to seek out great Christian Fiction. Good luck, Trixi!
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Bibliotherapy is fascinating-although I never knew it had a name/definition. I have read CF for years to live thousands of different lives and travel all over the world. But I can see how certain books and the topics they discuss could be therapeutic. T I Lowe’s Low Country Lost came to mind for anyone who has experienced the heartbreak of miscarriage/loss.
My favorite books are those in which the author gives a spiritual perspective that goes behold the reading pleasure. Tamera Alexander’s A Million Little Choices was just such a book. “Live like you’re looking back from the threshold of eternity.” will forever be one of my favorite book quotes.
The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip also falls into the same eternal perspective category.
I’ve always heard if you love to read, you’ll never stop learning and I’ve found this to be true. Reading does make us more empathic/sympathetic to others.
Great topic and discussion! Thanks Kav! tracey14567 at gmail.com
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Exactly — we are culturally richer for traveling through time and to places that would be totally out of our reach if it were not for fiction! Add in the extra depth of an inspirational thread and is it any wonder readers’ empathy increases?
Love that quote from A Million Little Choices…given the subject matter that’s an interesting title too. I haven’t read it yet, but it sounds like I should put it on my list from what everyone has been saying here. Thanks for sharing, Tracey. Good luck!
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Well…when I first started reading it all I could think was this is NOT what I thought Tamera would write for her first contemporary, and then I was wondering what had I gotten myself into. BUT.. stay the course and you’ll be glad you did! If wordpress won’t be all persnickety about links like they sometimes are, here’s mine to A Million Little Choice’s, https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R3AWQCIZG9Q95X?ref=pf_ov_at_pdctrvw_srp
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Yikes — I’m kinda scared but excited now to read this book. Great review, Tracey, and glad you included the encouragement to stick with it. I’m still nervous though.
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Tracey, very well put. BTW ‘A MILLION LITTLE CHOICES’ was one of my fave ever books & I will reread it which is something I typically don’t do. There’s simply no time what with all the new releases coming out! But I’ll squeeze it and also Indigo Isle in somewhere even if it’s next year. There’s a lot of books that are just excellent that I wish I had time to reread, but those two stand out to me.
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Gah — I haven’t read Indigo Isle either. You guys are challenging me today! Okay, both have been put on hold at my library.
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Well, that was easy. Bwahahaha The dual timeline in the past in A MILLION LITTLE CHOICES reminded me a bit of Lulu’s Cafe in the beginning if I remember correctly. See, that’s why I need to reread it! I remember more of the present in that one. And I know you love Beauty and the Beast retellings. Well Indigo Isle is reminiscent of that, but a much more contemporary version.
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What a Wave Must Be by Angela Hunt is an amazing book. It’s a fascinating, realistic, and challenging look into the affects of suicide on those left behind and what the grieving process looks like when you have Jesus as your anchor versus those who do not. If you have personally experienced affects of suicide like I have, then it can be triggering at times. But Angela Hunt wrote tactfully and compassionately throughout the book.
I also really enjoyed The Extraordinary Deaths of Mrs. Kip, as so many others have said.
The book All That Fills Us by Autumn Lytle deals with the topic of anorexia, and the story was though-provoking.
bookgurl60 at gmail dot com
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I have never heard about What a Wave Must Be, so thanks for that recommendation, Elizabeth. Sounds like an emotional read. On my never ending list now. All That Fills Us sounds compelling too. And it’s a debut novel! Thanks for the adding to by ever growing TBR, Elizabeth. Good luck!
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I’ve been amazed at the times a book has shown a spotlight on something I needed to work on, or what the dynamics may look like while working through something. I thought of 2 books immediately: An Overdue Match by Sarah Monzon, which is a new release. The main character deals with an autoimmune disease that caused her to lose her hair. As she faced the realities of people’s perceptions of her without hair, and acting in ways that she felt were expectations, she found herself extremely limited, and in essence, running away from all the joys life offered. I thought of how women experience body shame in many different ways, and how we can live in confidence knowing that God loves us and thinks we’re beautiful. I was crying by the end of that book, and yesterday, I came into contact with someone who had an experience similar to the main character of this book, and I cried with her too. I felt like my heart had been prepared by that book.
The second book was Stay With Me by Becky Wade. The way she addressed transparency when you’re a person who teaches or is in front of people in some leadership capacity. It touched my heart to see the main character struggle over whether she should just repent to God in private and not acknowledge her addiction in front of her followers, or be open about it and publicly confess in front of those who trusted her and what she taught, and step down until she got things straightened out. What a journey! Any time I talk about it, I just want to reread that book.
CF is such a great resource because you can step back and watch it play out in a fictional scenario without you necessarily being the target and feeling pressure. You can be convicted or moved emotionally, and also be entertained. And then the bonus is that faith wins. I can see the character making the right (and sometimes hard) choices, and there are great outcomes, which is such an encouragement to my faith!
Karen Rhoades
kcrhoadesATroadrunnerDOTcom
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Oh Karen, that is so beautiful! I’m reading An Overdue Match right now! And yes, Stay With Me is another great book that can speak to readers on so many levels. Makes your heart grow three sizes! the message of having the courage (and trust in God) to be open and honest and the way He can use that to touch others is so impactful. Two bibliotherapy books that belong on everybody’s shelves. Thanks for sharing. Good luck, Karen!
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I’ve never heard about bibliotherapy before. I do,however, like getting to learn history (even just little tidbits) while enjoying some historically set books
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Learning history from fiction is so amazing because we get the emotional impact as well. Of course, we have trust our authors to have done their research! Sometimes I end up doing my own research because of something I’ve read in a book — love that inspiration that gets me thinking and discovering. Good luck, Bridget!
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Is tax season – so I have been underwater with that. Trying to catch up a little on the blog. You hit it out of the park with this posting and your educating us (me, certainly) with the fictional therapy you facilitated as a librarian. That is wonderful! I so enjoyed your article and then all the enlightening postings from the group. An acquaintance of mine does physical therapy at the local children’s hospital. I learned it was quite different from various physical therapy sessions I have had as an adult. They have to make it more of a “play experience” in order for the child to participate and learn the movements, especially in order to keep up with it later at home. In a way you were making the counseling or guidance more of a play experience, as they learned via fiction.
I hadn’t thought so much about fiction as a learning or counseling experience other than learning history from a diligent-with-research author, typically more war or such as 1930’s. I tend to read biographies or history or how-to non-fiction to learn. Of course, for history/war fiction, one can’t beat Sarah Sundin for education and wonderful characters. Also, Liz Tolsma and Cathy Gohlke.
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Ugh to tax season. My condolences. 🙂 Love the idea of books being fictional play therapy for goods. That’s a good visual. Diligent with research authors are a must for sure or those of us non-nonfiction readers could be lead astray. Sarah Sundin is a perfect example of that kind of author and she brings so many different perspectives to the WWII genre. I always learn something from her stories. Good luck, CC!
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