My pick this month is a fictional book that reminds me why I love to be a therapist: Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane. This falls into the genre I like to call “empathy fiction”.
I am not a literary scholar and I am pretty sure I made up that term. What I mean by empathy fiction is that great books allow you to empathize and understand the perspectives of a variety of imperfect characters and to feel compassion and understanding for the choices they have made in their lives.
A great book can make you feel like you understand the choices the characters made based on a deep understanding of the context of their lives, even if they were not the best choices they could have or should have made. This is the essence of being a great, empathic therapist—to be able to help other people feel like you get them.
Empathy and understanding are characteristics that all people can benefit from honing—not just therapists. These skills can improve any interpersonal relationship which is why I like to recommend books that help us practice these qualities. Keane is a gifted author that makes it easy for us to walk a mile in another’s shoes.
In addition to crafting an engaging plot, she is a talented writer who uses phrases that make reading a delight. Take this last quote about the fall season that I have featured below. It has nothing to do with therapy or why I am recommending the book, but it is so evocative. I loved the book. I think you will too! Enjoy!