The Novel Cure: An A–Z of Literary Remedies

If you believe that books like To Kill a Mockingbird and The Great Gatsby are more than just page-turners, you may well be right. While we generally read novels for entertainment, selecting the right book at the right time can be a life-changing experience. With so many novels to choose from and so little time, some of us can find ourselves at a loss; here Ella Berthoud and Susan Elderkin have assembled a far-ranging list of therapeutic books accompanied by thoughtful reviews, to cure such maladies as shyness, homesickness, marriage, and being a dictator. Here too are tips on overcoming your tendency to hoard books, and such Top Ten lists as Best Books to Read in a Hammock.