Connecting with Fiction
Guest blog by Anisha Patel, a curator for Biblio
I absolutely love reading. I particularly love that moment while reading when I truly connect with a book. The moment when I realise a character is experiencing something similar to me or the author is deliberating questions on my mind.
I can remember those magical moments with clarity, when fictional narratives ran parallel to experiences in my life:
- After a break-up, I read Shantaram. His fugitive life forces him to break bonds and abandon relationships. The book, based on a true story, made me understand that sometimes we have to let people go from our lives.
- At the start of my career I was questioning if I was on the right path and picked up The Alchemist while in South America. I loved it. It guided me to recognise that sometimes, the treasures are in front of us. I stuck to my job and got promoted that year!
- A friend recommended The Razor’s Edge. Larry, one of the protagonists, captivated me. He was pondering several existential questions I had on my mind. Larry challenges the status quo and his journey inspired me to be proactive, adventurous and search for my true path.
These are a handful of books that coincided with experiences in my life or thoughts on my mind.
But imagine if you could purposefully and proactively gain insights and connections from fiction when you wanted them. That would be life-changing, for me at least!
Discover life-changing books
I valued the magical moments because they took me by surprise and had an impact on me. They etched a message, evoked an emotion, created a connection strong enough that years later, I still remember the book, the message I interpreted and where I was reading it. That’s what connecting to a book means to me. And that’s exactly what bibliotherapy is. It’s books recommended to you based on what’s on your mind, how you’re feeling and what you’re experiencing.
It’s good to read
We’ve heard it’s good to talk and a problem shared is a problem halved. But I believe it is also good to read! When a character is enduring experiences in my life, that connection often feels stronger than the sympathy or even empathy of a good friend.
We’re obsessed with virtual connections and online friends in this digital world. I propose we explore the untapped potential of ‘fictional connections’. Open your mind; you may just reap fresh perspectives and empathetic ‘friends’ through the power of literature.
About Biblio:
Biblio is building an online community connecting readers with book curators. It is the UK’s first reading for wellbeing platform.