Blog — Substack

Dear friends, I hope this note finds you well. It’s been an exciting month in the world of bibliotherapy, and I’m delighted to share some wonderful news and upcoming opportunities with you. Book News On 4th September, the paperback edition of Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading was released. Thank you so much for your continued support of my work — it is truly appreciated. I’m also thrilled to announce that the Chinese edition of the book is now published, making bibliotherapy accessible to even more readers around the globe. International Conference in BrazilEarlier this month, I had the privilege of speaking at the first-ever International Conference on Bibliotherapy...

Hi there, Thank you so much for your interest in Bibliotherapy! Did you know we have a podcast + transcripts, titled Bibliotherapy with Bijal Shah on Substack? If you've already subscribed, I truly hope you’ve been enjoying the podcast episodes and newsletters so far. It’s been a joy to share these bibliotherapy insights with you, and I’m thrilled to continue bringing you more resources that connect literature and mental wellbeing. I’d love to invite you to become a Founding Member on Substack. For a one-time contribution of $80, you’ll receive: Lifetime access to our Online Bibliotherapy, Literature and Mental Health Course (valued at $92 for...

In today's episode, I explore the psychological depth of Dostoyevsky’s literature through the lens of bibliotherapy. Could the Russian novelist understand the human psyche more intimately than Freud himself? We examine key characters, existential themes, and the healing potential of Dostoyevsky’s work, comparing literary insight with psychoanalytic theory. From Raskolnikov’s guilt to Ivan Karamazov’s spiritual crisis, this episode uncovers how fiction can mirror the unconscious—and why Dostoyevsky still resonates as a therapeutic force today.