First of all, I did not expect what was inside this book. I don't know what to point out exactly but I had a little struggle with almost everything at some point, so it's just not my cup of tea. Also the chapters read somehow like book reviews?

This was not what I expected but I think it will be a great gift for book lovers who read everything.

Reading about the library is always interesting. I had a lovely time reading from cover to cover.
Despite, many book titles/ topics that I'm not familiar with, I gain much insight from the literature in the past.
Some of my favorites are topics about The Tiger Who Came to Tea, The Pillow Book, and An Artist of the Floating World.

The world is very wide and many things to explore. The exploration can start with the library.
Thank you Netgalley and The School of Life for providing digital ARC in change of honest review.

Hi everyone!
So this book wasn’t what I expected…
It’s a very aesthetically organized list of books, mainly older ones and classics, divided in 12 categories:
Philosophy, Politics, History, Religion, Psychology, Memoirs, Nature and Science, The Arts and Architecture, Coffee Table Books, Essays, Fiction and Poetry.
Every book has a very detailed explanation with usually the original cover on the side.
It’s a very well made collection of books you should read once in your lifetime!

I found the overall idea of A Therapeutic Library interesting but I feel that the book lost its way. It starts by promoting a different way of reading books - encouraging a more personalised and less linear approach to reading.

The book then progresses to putting this idea into practice, which is where it falls down in my opinion. These chapters read more as book reviews than anything else. Some are chosen not because anything within them is deemed therapeutic but because of the reaction to the publication.

Originally I had though this could be an interesting read for someone studying bibliotherapy or for the wider public. However I now feel this book is aimed at people interested in the educational value of literature.

This book had so much more than I expected. It contains a wide range of book recommendations, some well-known and others are fairly obscure. Recommendations range from ancient texts to contemporary publications, with a wide variety of cultures, countries, and genres, including a few children's books. This truly has something for everyone.

This book took me ages to read. Not because it was difficult or boring but because I wanted to relish every delicious detail. It encompasses so many books and ideas it almost took my breath away. The photos and illustrations are a wonderful added extra. Definately one to buy.

I can't really speak to whether this is a good book or not, but I can say that it wasn't at all what I was expecting. Nor was it what I wanted it to be. I was looking for a delicious cornucopia of book suggestions selected to offer comfort and support in times of need, maybe sort of a "take *this* book for *that* ailment (broken heart, apathy, terror, etc.). And I couldn't wait to see how quirky the list might be (I pictured books about nervous system regulation side by side with, say, Winnie the Poo). But whereas my dream compilation would be heart-oriented (backed by plenty of science, sure), this was more of a head thing. Plato's Republic, the Highway Code (?!)...I think the author was trying to be clever instead of comforting. Now, if someone would just write the book I *thought* this was going to be...!

A Therapeutic Library : 100 essential books that teach fulfilment, calm and well-being. The introduction to this book and the chapter on how we read, books, and how to read well, was really interesting and I couldn't wait to get into the books themselves. However the book choices and their dissections were a bit disappointing. The majority just didn't speak to me at all, and were books I would not pick up when I felt like a bit of therapy. The books I did enjoy the discussions for were 'The Tiger Who Came To Tea, Miffy, and Jilly Cooper for example. They were books you could actually look at in a different way, and see so much more to them. I would have liked the discussions to have a bit more depth though. Overall the idea is good, but the book selection in general did not really speak to me.

As a dedicated bibliotherapist, I've always held the belief that books are not just vessels of knowledge and stories; they are portals to the vast spectrum of human emotions, offering therapeutic insight and enlightenment. "A Therapeutic Library," curated by The School of Life, is a treasure trove of 100 books that resonate with the very essence of bibliotherapy.

In a world where time is precious and opportunities are limited, this book is a guiding light for those of us who read not only for pleasure but also for emotional guidance and support. The true power of literature lies in its ability to console, inspire courage, and help us discover untapped wellsprings of generosity, confidence, creativity, and resilience. It's a roadmap to healing, a companion in our life's complex, fascinating, and sometimes painful journey.

What makes "A Therapeutic Library" exceptional is its expansive range. Drawing from world literature and spanning across history, it presents a collection of book-friends, some familiar and others waiting to be discovered. These selections are thoughtfully categorized into sections that encompass themes like politics, fiction, religion, history, and philosophy. The aim is clear: to introduce the concept of therapeutic reading, where the act of reading is more than just a pastime—it's a path to leading "less agitated, pained lives."

The book redefines the notion of being "well-read." Instead of measuring our literary prowess by the sheer quantity of books devoured, it encourages us to savor and cherish the ones that impact us profoundly. By choosing well-chosen titles that resonate with our individual needs, we embark on a journey of therapeutic reading. This is the art of reading that, like therapy itself, heals, comforts, and uplifts.

The beauty of "A Therapeutic Library" lies in its versatility. Whether you're seeking solace in the pages of a novel, philosophical insights, spiritual guidance, or a deeper understanding of history and politics, this book provides a curated selection to cater to your unique emotional and intellectual requirements. The School of Life has assembled a collection that speaks directly to our hearts, offering solace and wisdom with each page turned.

As a therapist who specializes in bibliotherapy, I wholeheartedly recommend "A Therapeutic Library." It is not just a book; it's a valuable resource that reminds us of the therapeutic potential that resides within the pages of carefully chosen books. This book is a journey into the heart of bibliotherapy, inviting us to embrace the transformative power of literature and, in doing so, discover the means to lead more fulfilling, enriched lives. It's a profound testament to the idea that books are more than mere words on paper; they are guides, mentors, and true friends in our pursuit of healing and personal growth.

This was an interesting collection of books with some concise and helpful descriptions/synopses of each one. However (and maybe this was my fault), but from the title I had expected this to be a collection of books about psychology/therapy/mental health. This is not that at all, but rather a collection of historical books on various topics that are not really related to therapy at all.

Really interesting and quirky book about books! I enjoyed viewing the selected texts with accompanying pictures. I am not sure I agreed with every choice and the narrative was a little quirky. Great originality. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy

I have received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher. So thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this opportunity!

I have added so many novels from this book to my tbr!
This was a great reading experience as I love this topic. I loved how it talks about books and it has interesting thoughts and descriptions about reading and what it means to different people.
4,5/5

I loved this, this was so useful to me! I enjoyed reading about all the books, and I've added many titles to my TBR list thanks to this book! Such a good idea :)

A Therapeutic Library aims to guide the reader through the world of literature and thought to help us to ask ourselves questions about how we should live. The book reminds us that reading the latest books simply because they are on our radar means that we can miss out on a world of thoughts and ideas from centuries and authors past. A thought-provoking and interesting read that is likely to add to your list of books to read and explore.

"A Therapeutic Library" is an informative, and easy-to-read reference book containing short yet insightful descriptions of a large number of historical books that have the potential to offer interest and therapeutic value to the reader today. I was intrigued by the variety of the books selected, from Klein and Winnicott to The Highway Code and The Tiger who came to Tea! I think the choices would be great for book club discussion topics. The book would also sit great as a coffee table read. It also added to my 'books to read' list! A must for all book lovers out there who seek self improvement or pleasure through reading.
I am grateful to the publishers and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy of this lovely book and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

This would be a great coffee table book! I enjoyed reading about all of these interesting books - most of which I'd never even heard of before, but would probably enjoy reading. It gave me some ideas of titles to add to my TBR pile!

Fulfillment and understanding are what we might describe as "contentment". As we go through life, we need intellectual concepts and narratives to help us understand and feel fulfilled. Do we matter, do we have a purpose, can we look out at the rough and tumble of life and the life around us and yet still be satisfied or at peace? Books have been aiming to do that, build contentment, since books began. This book, A Therapeutic Library, is a broad global and historically long look at the books that we can use as therapy for contentment.

I've never seen a list so broad and one that makes you feel content just reading it. This is a reference work, why do I feel so joyful reading it? Because the authors took the time to dig deep and explain the works and how these books are important to building contentment. To do this they have had to look at the problems we face and say how we might find contentment. In showing the path they begin the journey with you.

I cannot praise this book enough; I cannot recommend it more highly.

The title of this book was so intriguing and felt on-point - therapeutic. The organization of A Therapeutic Library highlighted different topics, such as philosophy, psychology, fiction and identified works spanning from before the common era to the 21st century. I really found this book to be enjoyable. It brought my attention to books I had not previously heard of, books I have put in the back of my mind and want to read ASAP ( including Donald Winnicott's Home is Where We Start From), and books I probably won't ever read, but I feel I benefitted in learning about. The overarching theme of A Therapeutic Library is empowerment. The book empowers the reader to find comfort in past authors' life lessons, musings, and teachings, allowing us to not feel alone in our experiences. I would recommend this is a great starting point if you're trying to find literature outside of your "comfort zone" in an effort to feel more connected and in-tune with yourself!

Thank you to The School of Life and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!

This is a book about… books!

I’m always looking for something new to read & I also like a self-improvement book. I figured this would be a good place to expand my reading & also be entertained. Sadly this wasn’t quite the case.

The books chosen are divided into different themes including philosophy, fiction & poetry. Each book is succinctly written up in a page, often with information given on the writer but mostly with the main themes talked around. These pieces are easy to read which is good. There is also a mix of books so there’s some surprises in there (such as Miffy and Jilly Cooper). However, mostly the books chosen are quite highbrow. This rather put me off. I have read a couple of the books mentioned, but I wouldn’t choose to read any of the others. For me this feels like the premise of the book has been lost & which is why I’ve only given it 2 stars.

If you are looking for something quite highbrow and also to leave on your shelf to pick up for reading inspiration when you see fit, this book is for you. It’s not something to sit & read cover to cover.

Thanks to the authors, publishers & NetGalley for access to this arc.