The Role of Romantic Storytelling in Bibliotherapy

In this week’s episode of Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah, we explore the quiet, transformative power of love stories — and how the romance genre can become a profound tool for emotional healing. From the classic worlds of Jane Austen to the modern intimacy of Sally Rooney, and from the wisdom of Bell Hooks and Erich Fromm to the poetic tenderness of Alain de Botton, we look at how stories of love — in all their beauty and heartbreak — help us understand ourselves and others.

Through the lens of bibliotherapy, I’ll unpack how reading about love can validate our experiences, repair our emotional wounds, and remind us that connection and hope are still possible - even in an age of disconnection.

I hope you enjoy the episode and as always, all thoughts/reflections welcome!

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If you'd like a bibliotherapist in your pocket then you might find my book, Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading a helpful companion.

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