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Overview
Bibliotherapy uses books to address mental health. This list is of books mentioned in Emely Rumble's 2025 release Bibliotherapy in the Bronx. This collection is broad and deep, covering many genres and demographics. In cases where authors are mentioned without a specific book, a book has been selected. No time limit because this list is enormous.
Poems are referenced in collections they can be found in. Non-fiction books are specifically labeled as such. I tried to identify the kinds of issues brought up in each book per the original text. They also are useful as content warnings if something hits too close to home.
Poems are referenced in collections they can be found in. Non-fiction books are specifically labeled as such. I tried to identify the kinds of issues brought up in each book per the original text. They also are useful as content warnings if something hits too close to home.
Bibliotherapy in the Bronx Reading List
37 participants (69 books)
Overview
Bibliotherapy uses books to address mental health. This list is of books mentioned in Emely Rumble's 2025 release Bibliotherapy in the Bronx. This collection is broad and deep, covering many genres and demographics. In cases where authors are mentioned without a specific book, a book has been selected. No time limit because this list is enormous.
Poems are referenced in collections they can be found in. Non-fiction books are specifically labeled as such. I tried to identify the kinds of issues brought up in each book per the original text. They also are useful as content warnings if something hits too close to home.
Poems are referenced in collections they can be found in. Non-fiction books are specifically labeled as such. I tried to identify the kinds of issues brought up in each book per the original text. They also are useful as content warnings if something hits too close to home.
Challenge Books
25
We Dare Be Brave: African American moms and the emotional journey of raising children with disabilities
Salina Miller
Non-fiction. A window into the isolation that comes with raising children with disabilities and being mistreated by medical professionals.
26
Legitimate Kid: A Memoir
Aida Rodriguez
Non-fiction memoir by a comedian who used literature to cope with traumatic events.27
27
Yesterday, I Cried
Iyanla Vanzant
Referenced by Aida Rodriguez.
28
(bonus)
Awaken the Giant Within
Anthony Robbins
Referenced by Aida Rodriguez. Careful with this one. Tony Robbins is considered a wellness grifter in some circles, which is why this is a bonus book. I'm reluctant to send people down this path, but some grifters can still be helpful if your personal filter is healthy.
29
(bonus)
Healing Through Words
Rupi Kaur
A workbook for writing poetry. A bonus book because it's not for casual reading.
30
(bonus)
Poetry as Spellcasting: Poems, Essays, and Prompts for Manifesting Liberation and Reclaiming Power
Destiny Hemphill, Tamiko Beyer, Lisbeth White
A workbook for writing poetry. A bonus book because it's not for casual reading.
31
(bonus)
Kwame Alexander's Free Write: A Poetry Notebook
Kwame Alexander
A workbook for writing poetry. Specifically targeted to young people. A bonus book because it's not for casual reading.
32
The Altar Within: A Radical Devotional Guide to Liberate the Divine Self
Juliet Diaz
Not explicitly mentioned in the source book, but this author is mentioned. A non-fiction self-help book for finding sacred space within yourself to develop the self as a resource you carry with you.
33
Diving Into the Wreck
Adrienne Rich
Poetry for doing the slow work of processing one's wounds. "I came to explore the wreck. / The words are purposes. / The words are maps. / I came to see the damage that was done / and the treasures that prevail."
34
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
C.S. Lewis
Explore the concept of an allegory. This story is a biblical allegory exploring the battle between good and evil, which can rage within ourselves.
35
Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?
Jeanette Winterson
Not explicitly mentioned in the source book, but this author is mentioned.
"Fiction and poetry are doses, medicines. What they heal is the rupture reality makes on the imagination." - Jeanette Winterson
36
The Collected Poems of Lucille Clifton 1965-2010
Lucille Clifton
Specifically, the poem "Out of Body" from Mercy, 2004.