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The Healing and Happiness Train

8/8/2015

39 Comments

 
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 I still remember, with absolute clarity, the day I decided to give up reading.

I had just left my college adviser, who, upon looking over my upcoming schedule for the spring, pronounced that once the semester was over, I’d graduate with a degree in journalism.

“Really?” I said, absolutely astounded. 

Not always the sharpest pushpin on the bulletin board, I sat for a moment to take it all in.  “Really?”  I repeated.   

In my defense, that reaction was understandable.

I had already spent more than five years at two different four-year universities, banging and bouncing around between three dissimilar majors.  On top of that, I’d taken a year off to attend the famed Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Clown College, and then became a professional Big Top buffoon.  And, whilethat particular journey provided lots of valuable lessons, none of those life skills translated into college credits.  So when I returned to school after the road, getting a degree seemed light years away. 

Yet that time would soon arrive—and with it, the shiny promise that after decades of required reading, I would no longer be forced to open another book, ever, ever, ever. 

A few weeks later, though, I realized that I might want to rethink this no-reading rule.

First, I recognized the fact that I’d probably want to keep reading, and here’s why: with professors no longer dictating book choices, I would finally be able to read what I wanted.  This, of course, made all of the difference in the world. 

Second, and I didn’t have to dig deep for this one either, I couldn’t help but read: I was hardwired to be a bookworm.  I also knew that wasn’t going away any time soon.  Indeed, I had received my first library card in first grade and have been current, no matter where I’ve lived, ever since. 

So it was that I began my post-college reading with restraint—choosing a handful of magazines and newspapers. This made perfect sense because most of the articles were short and to the point. 

I soon discovered Bob Greene, the famed columnist for Esquire; he became the reason I bought that publication every single month.  Too, in preparation for my move to New York City, I was soon gobbling up The New York Times, and for my weekly alternative fix, The Village Voice. 

These days, I’m still reading… and happy to report that books returned to the mix a long time ago.  

I’m especially attracted to big fat tomes of short stories and essays.  I’m particularly fond of those by Joan Didion, the greatest essayist in the world; Joyce Maynard, who, wonder of wonders, is a Facebook Friend, and the late, great, remarkable Nora Ephron, who not so coincidentally, once penned the essay Reading is Everything (part of that delightful prose is here, at www.goodreads.com/quotes/146811-reading-is-everything-reading-makes-me-feel-like-i-ve-accomplished.  Her long-ago first husband and I also once shared a kiss, yes, on the lips.  But that’s really another story for another day.)     

Of course, there are plenty of other fave genres. 

Always on the alert for well-written memoirs, The Glass Castle has become a beloved book.  And maybe because of my background as a television producer who put together a lot of true crime stories, I still enjoy a good Ann Rule read.  And, no matter how many times I read it, I continue to find Fatal Vision by Joel McGinnis an absolute page turner.  Put the two genres together and you have the wrenching Lucky by Alice Sebold.            

Like every voracious reader I know, there’s also my favorite book.

You’ll probably recognize its author—Ira Levin, famous for Rosemary’s Baby.  But a lesser known Levin novel from 1970, This Perfect Day, is flawless in every way. A futuristic thriller with scores of twists and turns, I inhaled this several-hundred-pages book the first time in one night; it was that good.  Every few years, I take out my tattered copy and go through its heart-stopping pages again.  (Here’s a summary, at www.amazon.com/This-Perfect-Day-A-Novel/dp/160598129X)

Yup, I am definitely one contented girl clown when I crack open a book of my choosing.   

But now, besides the already-known benefits of reading, such as mental stimulation and vocabulary expansion, it turns out that those of us who read a lot can be something else.

Boarding the reading train, it turns out, can also help us heal from traumatic events, and may even make us happier.      

These ideas aren’t new. 

In fact, they’re all part and parcel of a type of mental health treatment called bibliotherapy, first used by ancient Greeks. 

In broad strokes, it means the practice of encouraging reading for therapeutic effect.  Often, today’s professionals doing this sort of work see clients in the midst of major and minor calamities, such as a career rut; nursing a broken heart, or feeling unsettled about upcoming parenthood.  With the latter, for instance, a reading therapist might lend his patient a copy of To Kill a Mockingbird, because the protagonist, Atticus Finch, is the perfect father in nonfiction. 

What’s also very cool about bibliotherapy is that it can take many forms. 

There are literature courses for prison inmates and reading circles for seniors suffering from dementia.  For some, it can mean a one-on-one session for lapsed readers who want to enjoy books again but can’t find their way back to the train station alone.  (If I’d only known about this, my reentry back to loving reading would have come much sooner.)

Here are a few more benefits for us readers: opening a book for pleasure has also been shown to put our brains into a pleasing, almost trance-like condition.  In fact, it’s a feeling much like meditation, and even brings the same health benefits of deep relaxation and inner calm.  Regular readers also sleep better; are less stressed, and have lower rates of depression than non-readers.

So, while it took a while for me to find my way back to the reading train, I’m so glad I did. 

My advice for today?  If you have a library card, use it.  If you don’t, go get one. 

Right now. 

Is reading a part of your life, and if so, what’s your favorite book or books?  I look forward to hearing from you! 


39 Comments
Kevin Fagan, San Francisco Chronicle newspaper reporter link
8/7/2015 06:43:22 am

I second, third and fourth this emotion! In addition to the new stuff, I find myself re-reading old favorites by John Steinbeck and Edgar Rice Burroughs -- interesting how you interpret and incorporate the information differently at various ages. Sometimes makes the info new all over again, and sometimes it's just like visiting an old friend with a few new things to talk about.

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Hilary
8/7/2015 07:03:26 am

Absolutely. Our life experiences definitely color the way we read--whether it's an old favorite or a new discovery. :)

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Jerry Lazar link
8/7/2015 06:58:12 am

Yes, virtually all my "solo time" at home is spent with a book or online publication, devoured a handful at a time (i.e. in rotation, not simultaneously!) ... Therapy or madness, not sure which, but it keeps me engaged and sane... I unplugged the TV years ago, and occasionally catch "must see" shows (or usually clips) via Netflix etc... Here's a hot tip: most folks aren't aware that you can reserve and check out ebooks online from your local library -- go to its website (e.g. LAPL.org) and poke around... More interestingly, NE was a former colleague of mine at Esquire, all those years ago, and I'm inferring that you're referring to DG, who I also worked with (as well as his 2nd wife), so sounds like you've got stories to tell!.. Which perhaps I'll read in one of your future books!... BTW, bibliotherapy sounds like one of those words that makes NYers laugh at Angelenos --- at least its Greek roots give it some semblance of gravitas.. Keep on turning those pages!...

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Hilary
8/7/2015 07:09:33 am

I'd love to hear some of those Nora stories. And yes, DG is the person I'm referring to. I was visiting NYC, not living there yet, and... it's a long story. Anyway, he made me promise to get in touch again when I moved there, and so, I did, more than a year later. He was VERY weird over the phone and I realized later that Wife Number Two was probably standing right there! I think it would have, if anything, developed into a nice friendship and I probably would have met you then, too! He has been with Wife Number Three for a very long time and is now a successful children's book author. Oh, also good to know about yet another service our libraries offer!

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Hilary
8/7/2015 07:25:18 am

All of the bibliotherapy stuff came from an article in The New Yorker! :)

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Larry Grant
8/7/2015 07:35:56 am

Books have been a part of my life for all of my life beginning with The Little Engine That Could and Ferdinand the Bull being read to me by my parents and grandparents.

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Hilary
8/7/2015 09:37:11 am

Not surprising that those are two of my favorite children's books as well... and two that were gifted to Katie when she was a baby. xo

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Jackie C.
8/7/2015 12:04:17 pm

Anne Lamott is my go-to author for a good laugh or a bit of necessary advice about life. But she is just one of many. I also love stories of simple, mundane issues that transport the reader to simpler times, like the stories written by Anne Tyler or Fannie Flagg. Nothing better than escaping into a great read!

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Hilary
8/7/2015 12:57:35 pm

Oh yeah, Lamott is wonderful... I especially loved Operating Instructions and then the book she wrote a few years ago about her son having a baby of *his* own. :)

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Ron Jarvis
8/7/2015 01:17:51 pm

Book therapy is the best... I started reading Greek and Roman Mythology at a very young age. I used to pretend I was a Spartan. I moved on to Jack London and Percival Christopher Wren (Beau Geste) and have read them many times over. Today I read a lot of history and biography's. Nothing gets me out of my head faster than a good read or an occasional Pratt-fall.

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Hilary
8/7/2015 02:39:07 pm

I remember studying Greek mythology in grammar school and loving it. And of course, there's that terrific Star Trek episode, from the original series, where Kirk and his crew actually meet some of those Greek gods. Hubby also loves Jack London and historical fiction, especially books of naval historical fiction. As far as pratfalls, you're singing to the choir. :o)

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Carol Stern
8/7/2015 01:42:15 pm

A delightful look into your wit and the wily roads of your growing up and graduating. I too love libraries and books. Hard to pick a favorite. It changes. I just love a good story whether it be true or fiction. I also adore listening to books on CDs which probably stems from my beloved storytellers in the NY Public Library of my childhood. In fact my love of reading all goes back to that childhood library where I worked in high school and college.

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Hilary
8/7/2015 02:44:41 pm

Thank you Carol!
Great storytellers are few and far between; I've been lucky enough to hear some really good ones. Re: CDs... I know that lots of folks love listening to books on tape, and I even had a journalist friend, years ago, who recorded books for the blind. I could just never get into it... but again, I'm not into Kindle either. I love the feel of holding a book and turning its pages.
ps. I'm sure you have some GREAT stories about working in the NYC Public Library, Carol! :)

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leslie spoon
8/8/2015 01:17:49 am

Hilary I understand how you felt about reading in college. I was so excited when I graduated because I could now read what I wanted to read. I went on a reading binge that lasted for many years.

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Hilary
8/8/2015 02:48:25 am

Lucky for you that you were excited to start on that binge right after graduation! :)

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kerri
8/8/2015 03:59:22 am

Another great, well written read by my favorite blogger! Man, you are so talented- now I know why- COLLEGE!! I am seriously impressed.

I can't wait to read the books you mentioned. I love to read- a good book, that is. I do belong to a bookclub, and for some reason I approach bookclub books kicking and screaming sometimes. I think I have become too addicted to tv. Being OCD, I will more often than not trudge through a bookclub book even if I hate it. But ahhhh, when I get lucky and find a book I enjoy reading, it is one of my favorite things to do- usually outside in the sun with my feet up, a cat or dog nearby, and something to drink. Sometimes I fall asleep. It's so peaceful.
Two books that come to mind as page burners for me- Unbroken and Book Thief.

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Hilary
8/8/2015 04:41:34 am

Thanks, Kerri! I spent some time in a book club but soon found out that a majority of the members never read the book--it was more about socializing. That's nice, but NOT what I wanted out of it! I *loved* Unbroken and also Seabiscuit--so well done and so meticulously researched. Did not read Book Thief but finally got to see the movie thanks to Netflix, and absolutely loved that. :)

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Cindy B
8/8/2015 05:42:19 am

Fun blog post Hilary! I love seeing what books other readers have enjoyed. I never considered reading as therapy and meditative but that makes sense! And yep, I'm in 2 Book Groups and often don't read or finish reading the books because they're so angsty (is that a word?). My all-time favorites include the Ann of Green Gables series, the Time Trilogy by Madeline L'Engle, The Secret Life of Bees, MFK Fisher's The Gastronomical Me & Consider the Oyster. I have The Glass Castle in my bookshelf - guess I'll give it a go : )

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Hilary
8/8/2015 06:44:06 am

Oh yes, grab The Glass Castle... it will pull you right in! I also loved The Secret Lives of Bees because it's one of those books that is such an original coming of age story. For me, a book needs to have more than an interesting topic and/or protagonist: it MUST be well written. :)

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Carol Harrison
8/8/2015 11:24:52 am

Atticus Finch was indeed the perfect father, and the hero of an excellent book for a therapist to recommend. I wonder how those patients will feel to meet the earlier, intolerant version of him in Comes a Watchman.

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Hilary
8/9/2015 03:12:22 am

Good question! The therapist could stick to the Atticus Finch we all grew up with. BTW, Gregory Peck also played a wonderful father in the movie Gentlemen's Agreement, which was a book before a film. No sequel/prequel to muddy up the waters on that one, either! :)

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George Marshall link
8/8/2015 12:53:55 pm

Yes Hilary, reading is very much a part of my life. It is very hard to say what is my favorite book because there are so many and of different kinds. My standard answer for novels is The Grapes Of Wrath, but since so many people have read this novel, I like to put a plug in for an author they might not know about. For example I have read all of the novels by B. Traven. He is best known for his novel The Treasure Of The Sierra Madre because of the John Huston movie, starring Humphrey Bogart and John's father Walter Huston. His magnum opus are what are known as The Jungle Novels.
There are six in all. Each novel is approximately 250 pages, so altogether around 1500 pages.
In this order: 'Government, The Carreta, March to the Montaria, Trozas, The Rebellion of the Hanged, and General from the Jungle. These novels take place in Chiapas and are about the plight of oppression endured by the Indians there in the first decades of the twentieth century.
They are historical fiction based on the realities the author came to know well by befriending the Indians of that region.
On the cover of every book is a quote from the New York Times Book Review, "readers who ignore the genius of B. Traven do so at their peril"
One word of warning however, portions of these six novels are extremely grim. My favorite of the six which can be read separately is the second one, The Carreta.

He has also written six other novels and collections of short stories. The one I have mentioned already, Treasure etc.,
The Death Ship, his first, is unlike the others, The Bridge in the Jungle, this novel is a good introduction to his writing. The Cotton-Pickers, The White Rose.
That's five, maybe that's it.
The author himself was quite elusive about his identity and kept people guessing his entire life but that is a story in itself.

This is the first that I have heard of bibliotherapy and I find it very interesting. Although, I have to say that when I read a great deal , I have trouble sleeping.
Thank you Hilary for your article.
Stimulating as always.

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Hilary
8/8/2015 01:26:44 pm

The film Treasure of the Sierra Madre is absolutely wonderful, so I would expect the book to be as good, or better. Hubby would probably like to read the B. Traven series... I think it's right up his reading alley. Don't think I would like to read anything scary or grim before bedtime... shorter articles from The New Yorker seem to do it for me, along with herbal tea. :)

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Mike Bringold
8/8/2015 09:30:33 pm

"Regular readers also sleep better.." Not if it is a really good book you can't put down.....I have always read, used to get yelled at in Elementary School for reading a fun book when the teacher was lecturing about something I already knew and she thought I should have been paying attention to her.
My wife and I have our own small library with books in almost every room. I mostly read science fiction now, though throw in some joke books, magic books, self help, and more.
And Ron Jarvis-I was a Spartan-go Michigan State!
Last shameless plug: my Clown College roommate, Steve Donaldson, is the author, with Fritz Galt, of Destiny of the Dragon.

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Hilary
8/9/2015 03:17:30 am

Ha! As an adult, people have gotten annoyed with me for carrying a book or magazine everywhere. Re: a small library in every room, I think we do, too. Cookbooks in my kitchen (a LOT); books in the living room and in all of our bedrooms and of course, my office. I even have a collection of 1940s and 50s women's magazines to look at while spending time in the powder room. :)

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Kim Fonturbel
8/9/2015 07:25:31 am

Another great article Hilary! Thank you. I am the type who 'makes myself read'. It is a goal of mine to read much more, I do notice how it relaxes my body and calms my mind. I particularly like an autobiography or a psychology book -both of which help me learn about how to get thru life with tips, lessons, perspectives; Some favorites books: Penny Marshall's My Mother was Nuts. How to Control Anger before it Controls You. Summer Pony= a young reader's book; about a girl wanting her first pony more than anything in the world; the story is just how you picture it would really happen. How I loved ponies when I was young. My favorite pony's name was Mortimore. A stout dark dapple pony with long white mane and tail. Kim : )

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Hilary
8/9/2015 03:11:47 pm

The Penny book was a quick read and very entertaining; I liked it, too. When you talked about horse books, I flashed back to my favorite as a little girl... King of the Wind by Marguerite Henry. Ohhhh... Henry also wrote Misty of Chincoteague, another classic. I absolutely *LOVED* horses as a kid, and now, Katie does to. She has become a much better rider than I ever was, though. :)

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Brenda Turnbow
8/9/2015 04:09:26 pm

I so enjoyed your article and learning about the term "bibliotheraphy"

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Hilary
8/10/2015 01:50:46 am

Thank you! I'd never heard the term until I read an article about it, in The New Yorker. Makes a whole lot of sense. :)

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Keith Cornell
8/11/2015 05:10:54 am

I can't go an hour without reading something. The written word is like oxygen to me.

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Hilary
8/11/2015 06:14:48 am

We're on the same page! (Pun sort of intended :) )

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Jim Nolt
8/12/2015 07:52:00 am

I credit my mother, my kindergarten teacher (Mrs. Stewart), and my first grade teacher (Miss Miller) for introducing me to books and for teaching me the fundamentals of reading. My mother read to me often, and for Christmas 1951, Mrs. Stewart presented me with a copy of Elizabeth Squires' "David's Silver Dollar" which I still have on the shelf by my bed. Miss Miller taught me the fundamentals of reading, and I remember boasting to her near the end of first grade that I had seven books on my shelf.

I've gone through many different phases and instead of a stack of books beside my bed I have a Kindle. It doesn't have quite the same "feel" as a book, but for convenience it can't be beat. My current phase is Scandinavian murder mysteries. For fun I'm currently attempting (with moderate success) to learn Swedish, and I find that reading stories about nefarious doings in the dead of Sweden's long, dark nights keeps me motivated. Jag gillar att läsa om mord ... på kalla och mörka nätter.

Read on!

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Hilary
8/12/2015 09:32:18 am

I had to look up David's Silver Dollar, and here it is, a classic from 1940!
www.amazon.com/Davids-Silver-Dollar-Elizabeth-Squires/dp/B000PKM666/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1439421771&sr=1-4&keywords=david%27s+silver+dollar
A picture book I loved as a child was Me Too, about a mischief-making duckling published in 1945! I still have my copy from that year!
And I found it here...
www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=2301484096&searchurl=x%3D39%26prl%3D10.00%26y%3D11%26sts%3Dt%26sortby%3D1%26tn%3DMe+Too%26an%3DFritz+Willis%26recentlyadded%3Dall
What can I say? Reading is THE BEST. :)

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Jim Nolt
8/13/2015 04:15:57 am

That's the one, but mine looks a little the worse for wear.

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Hilary
8/13/2015 07:14:37 am

Mine does, too, but only because it was loved to death. I suspect the same is true of your copy! :)

Karen Shapiro
8/12/2015 04:07:52 pm

I would like to read more nonfiction; need to make the time. One of my favorite books is "The Curious Incident About the Dog at Nightime".

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Hilary
8/13/2015 02:40:04 am

Pretty sure I've heard of that one. And yeah, I need one of those bumper stickers that says "Too Many Books, Not Enough Time" -- :)

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Marianne Erickson
8/14/2015 06:20:09 pm

Hilary's essay above is tremendous! I think her analysis is right on target. And, I agree, "Too many books, not enough time." I read a lot of non-fiction because I am a scientist...lots of microbiology articles and reports. But, I am also a news junkie, so I like to read newspapers and news magazines too. However, since I am also a pet lover and a hospice volunteer, I have found the book by David Dosa,M.D., "Making Rounds with Oscar" to be particularly inspiring. And, I have a cat, Murray, who seems to follow in Oscar's footsteps, visiting the elderly in their last days. Life is short, so we need to savor it, I think.

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Hilary
8/15/2015 02:32:57 am

Soooo, you HAVE to read certain material as a scientist but still love to read books for pleasure. That's wonderful! And "Making Rounds with Oscar" sounds terrific; I am going to see if my library carries it! I am a huge animal lover myself, and have seen, first hand, the difference they can make on those who need a little special care and/or hug. Re: life is short... oh, I sense another topic for my blog... :)

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    Hilary Roberts Grant

    Journalist, editor, filmmaker, foodie--and a clown! 
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