30. Project Bibliotherapy & the Readers of 42
A glossary for readers
Dear Reader,
It's been a long journey building Project Bibliotherapy. As we move forward, here is a look at the meaning of a few terms that define us.
1. Bibliotherapy
“Bibliotherapy is a very broad term for the ancient practice of encouraging reading for therapeutic effect. The first use of the term is usually dated to a jaunty 1916 article in The Atlantic Monthly, “A Literary Clinic.”
In it, the author describes stumbling upon a “bibliopathic institute” run by an acquaintance, Bagster, in the basement of his church, from where he dispenses reading recommendations with healing value.” - Ceridwen Dovey, ‘Can Reading Make You Happier?’ (The New Yorker, 2015)
Nitin stumbled upon this essay three days before the lockdown was imposed in India. On March 22 2020, he started Project Bibliotherapy on Instagram.
2. Project Bibliotherapy
From a sanity project ‘chasing the blues away, one book at a time’, Project Bibliotherapy has evolved into a 100% reader-funded venture run by two lifelong readers with one mission -
to help people get back in touch with their authentic selves and follow their curiosity in a world full of clutter and distraction, through the art and science of reading.
Read about our journey from 2020 to 2024 here.
3. The Bibliocave
Our headquarters, containing (almost) all the books we have read and want to read, plus a treasure trove of nostalgia - comics, magazines, CDs, audio & video cassettes, collectibles, action figures, board games, and other knick-knacks.
4. Reader-in-Chief
5. Storyteller-in-Chief
6. The Readers of 42
A diverse set of people of all ages worldwide with only one thing in common - they want to feed their innate curiosity and enhance their reading journey with us through our Readers of 42 Program.
If you are a Reader of 42, thank you so much for your early support. If you haven’t signed up yet, we urge you to scroll to the bottom of this post :)
7. 42: The Curious Reader's Companion
Our flagship offering for our Readers of 42. Each volume contains links to 42 handpicked reads by 42 authors, across genres, accompanied by bonus podcasts, videos and writing prompts. Read this post to know how they work.
Volumes 1-4 are instantly available to the Readers of 42. Volume 5 will be released in 2025.
8. The Readers of 42 Library
This Substack, containing Letters to the Reader (like this one) and our Readathon posts which serve as dynamic repositories of more curated reads and other media, organized by their authors. An example -
V1R42: Douglas Noel Adams
This post will continue to be updated with links related to Douglas Adams and his works, including the greatest book in the galaxy :)
9. Readathons
Since January 1, 2024, for the first 14 days each month, we have been sharing one page from our Reader Companions as a Readathon post.
Till December 2024, we will be following the above format.
In 2025, we shift to a weekly format, where we will share a reading list with our Readers of 42 every Thursday at 8:42 AM IST.
10. Reader Experiences
Online and offline events crafted by us for you to rediscover the joys of reading. Here’s a peek.
We plan on hosting at least one online and one offline Reader Experience every month. The Readers of 42 receive priority invites at members-only prices.
11. Guided Reading Meditation
Our flagship Reader Experience since 2021, where you read with us & fellow readers for a while, uninterrupted, offline or online.
12. The Readers of 42 Program 2024-25
We invite you, curious reader, from any age 16-99+, to enhance your reading journey by joining the Readers of 42 program today.
Benefits include
Digital copies of 42: The Curious Reader's Companion (5 Volumes)
Unrestricted Access to the Readers of 42 Library on Substack till December 31, 2025
Weekly Readathon mails, Thursdays, 8:42 AM IST
Priority invitations and special prices for our offline and online Reader Experiences, including cohort-based reading courses (launching soon)
Monthly virtual Reader catch-up sessions
Questions? Feel free to DM on Instagram or email at project(dot)bibliotherapy(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for reading - N&N