Read for Your Life: Literature as a Life Support System

David E. Kemp, a former professor of drama at Queen’s University, is
the author of The Pleasures and Treasures of the United Kingdom.

This accessible and practical book deals with the therapeutic effects of
reading. Its main thesis is that living in the world of books is not an
escapist act, but rather a way to fully understand life. According to
the author, reading on a daily basis can lead to sound mental health and
a sense of personal well-being. For all their usefulness, computers
neither promote emotional growth nor help us to cope with life’s
problems.

Gold provides ample evidence that reading has a restorative function,
enabling us to get in touch with our inner lives. His lively, anecdotal
book includes reading suggestions for children, adolescents, and the
elderly, as well as reading suggestions for times of crisis, stress, and
anxiety. Read for Your Life is highly recommended for teachers,
librarians, and general readers.