We are a group of passionate readers and we read a historical novel together every month. This group is mentored by me, Bela Beirão, a journalist and booktuber living in England. With extensive experience as a reader, I have also become a bibliophile, i.e. a lover and scholar of books. During each reading, three lives take place. In the first, I read the first chapter live to those watching. In the second, we talk about everything that happened halfway through the book and the third is the final live, when we talk about the whole story. The conversations are in-depth, covering aspects of the narrative and reflections on important points that we can take into our lives. The sharing of ideas contributes to diversity and the analysis of different points of view.
I've been dedicated to books and literary studies for five years. I have completed several courses, in Brazil and in England, and I continue to do so because I believe that we never stop learning. Learning needs to be constant and dynamic. After all, reading heals and knowledge frees. After intensely experiencing the transformative power of books, I moved to England and continued my research into the healing power of literature. And here I'm not talking about non-fiction or self-help books. I'm focusing primarily on fiction. And it was precisely here in England that I found vast material on bibliotherapy, which is even used by the English public health system for mental health and well-being.
British psychologist and researcher Neil Frude has shown that group reading can, in some cases, eliminate the need for antidepressants. With this research, the English health system (NHS) created a group reading program as a tool for people with specific mental health needs. This program is called Books on prescription. In other words, the NHS pharmacy has both chemical and literary remedies.
Another study, also carried out in England by the University of Sussex, showed that just six minutes of reading could reduce stress levels by 68%. It was possible to slow down the heartbeat and relax the muscles so that the body went into relaxation mode. This shows that just six minutes of reading a day can change people's lives.
I've always believed in the power of books, in individual and collective healing through literature. In all kinds of ways, whether physical and mental (individual) or social (collective). And the idea of this club is precisely to bring this possibility to more and more people. By exchanging and sharing ideas, together we can expand our repertoire, connect with different types of people, build and strengthen self-esteem, and enjoy the pleasures that stories can give us.
So I invite you to join my club, which is ours. And since it's ours, it's yours too. Membership is free. If you would also like to have access to exclusive content on literature and bibliotherapy, exclusive graphic material for each reading, take part in raffles and our literary community, we offer other packages. Check out the plans.
NOTE: If necessary, seek help from a health professional. I work with bibliotherapy as an important tool and aid for mental health and well-being.