Bibliotherapy: The Girl's Guide to Books for Every Phase of Our Lives

As an above-avid reader, I was excited to find a book that is divided into sections with headings like, "Bad Girl Books," "Hearing-Your-Inner-Voice Books," "Bad-Hair-Babe Books," and "Existential Crisis Books." How refreshing to be able to locate a great book to read based on how I'm feeling or how it might relate to my life rather than just the blurb on the dust-jacket! Many of these books I have read or are on my reading list. Quite a few, I have never even heard of, and they are now also on my required reading list. Along with each title recommended (or not, as may be the case in "Books To Be Thrown With Great Force") the authors give an overview and then expand on it by briefly describing what the book means to them.This is an honest, informative look at books, both fiction and nonfiction, that will guide and comfort you through every stage in your life.

I got this book today, on a whim, while I was bored at the airport. I proceeded to rip through it in a few hours, fascinated by the opinions of the authors. I can honestly say that this book will probably increase the number of books on my wishlist by at least twenty or so. This is one of the best books a literate female can read, just because it will suggest some of the best literature.I quickly ripped through the different lists of books (divided by themes such as bad girl books and books about sex) and discovered that the few I've read, I agree are pretty fantastic. In fact, now I want to go back and reread a few of them. Quite a few of the books listed I already have on my wishlist because I keep hearing about how terrific they are. Some I've never heard about and those will be the recommendations I treasure the most, I think.Another great little feature were the few books the authors mentioned to avoid. I hate reading a book only to find its message is sexist or boring or both, so I'm glad to hear someone voice a negative opinion once in awhile when I read these sorts of lists. I particularly enjoyed reading about the authors' past experiences with certain books and their histories and feelings towards those books. I love to know *why* a person enjoys a book or why they hate it, not merely how they felt about it.What I wasn't thrilled by were the quotes. They seemed included just to take up space when I would have preferred another book suggestion in each chapter instead. Overall, this was a terrific book and if you're a female who loves books and who looks good book recommendations, then please pick up this book. It really was a great find. I plan to go home tonight and reread a few of the books they mentioned that I own and to order a few of the books that I don't own.

I bought this book and read it while walking to and waiting for the bus. A nosy little fellow started reading over my shoulder, laughing. Ha! My girlfriends have gotten a kick out of the book as well. I'd read most of the mentioned books already, but enjoyed seeing which chapters the authors placed them in.

Nancy Peske and Beverly West have created the must have reference book for any collection. Bibliotherapy is both witty and intelligent. This book will put the fun back into reading! Combined with a synopsis of selected novels, Peske and West describe their reactions to the book and why it would be a good read. Peske and West believe that reading is more than 'killing time on the bus.' They view reading as a means of informing and healing. This is an awesome book for both, the women who are just starting their reading journeys, and for the seasoned reader. Bibliotherapy, has provided much enjoyment and information about books that must be read! Through their suggestions the reader will be able to take their reading to a higher level.