To Kill A Mockingbird

Dear Bookworms,

Thanks for a truly moving and thought-provoking discussion of A Thousand Splendid Suns, a beautiful, heartbreaking and haunting novel of indestructible love in times of unimaginable destruction.

I know some of you have read the book but couldn't come yesterday so here you can find a worksheet with some of the key aspects we addressed at the meeting.

Our next reading will be another unforgettable title, Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird.

The meeting will be held on Friday, April 17th at 6:30pm in the library.

Hope to see you there!

Happy reading!

Bibliotheraphy: Read your way to better mental health

A growing number of therapists are recommending something heartening for depressed and anxious patients: reading a book.

The treatment is called Bibliotherapy and it is gaining force in the UK and the US to such an extent that it is now often referred to as "the newest alternative form of therapy". Bibliotherapy, however, is an old concept. The ancient Greeks put great faith in the power of literature, posting a sign above their library doors describing itself as a "healing place for the soul".

Bibliotherapy uses an individual's relationship to the content of books; it is often combined with writing therapy and has been shown to be effective in the treatment of depression, making patients emotionally and physically stronger. Reading a book should not be seen as a replacement for seeking help from a professional. However, the effectiveness of bibliotherapy means it is a viable alternative treatment for anyone who is adverse to using medications, or for those who have been on antidepressant medication long term, with no discernable improvement in their symptoms.

Being inexpensive, ready available and possibly profoundly effective, it is well worth giving bibliotherapy a chance to lift one's mood! For more information, read this article on the rise of bibliotherapy.

Literary Cafés

As a booklover and a coffee lover, I can't help posting about these emblematic places in which many famous writes scribbled down their brilliant thoughts.

I’ve picked out just a few of many well-known literary cafés that need to be added to your list of essential locations to visit!

CAFÉ LATINO in Ourense

An emblematic café at the heart of the old town that for more than 25 years has hosted concerts and art exhibitions. An ideal place to get inspired to have a literary chat.

CAFÉ DERBY in Santiago de Compostela

Opened in 1929, this modernist café used to have renowned writers among its clients such as Valle Inclán, Dieste and Díaz Pardo.

CAFÉ MAJESTIC in Porto

Another treasury café. Opened in 1921, it was the first Portuguese cafe that admitted women as clients!

CAFÉ EL COMERCIAL in Madrid

Founded in 1887, this café is the oldest continuously operating café in Madrid - was popular with impoverished writers and became an intellectual refuge during Franco's rule. It still retains a bohemian air.

CAFÉ DE L'OPERA in Barcelona

This is a historic café on Las Ramblas. Situated opposite the Liceu Theatre, Café de l'Opera has a sumptuous modernist interior with neo-classical details, and offers a relaxed ambiance for enjoying one of Barcelona's most emblematic streets.