Minnie's Fiction Addiction

Let me just say up front: I fully support therapy. Therapy is great! But sometimes… my bookshelf steps up first.

When life gets overwhelming, I don’t always book a session. When I’m stressed, sad, confused, or just need to escape, I reach for a book. And honestly? My bookshelf is doing some serious emotional heavy lifting.

Here’s why my bookshelf might just be better than a therapist (at least some days).

💸 1. It Doesn’t Charge £80 an Hour

Sure, buying books adds up, but once they’re on the shelf? Unlimited access. No appointment fees, no invoices, no “we’re out-of-network.”
Just me, my battered paperbacks, and free emotional support 24/7.

🛋 2. It’s Always Available

Middle of the night meltdown? Bad day at work? My bookshelf doesn’t care what time it is. It’s ready. I don’t need to wait three weeks for an opening or explain my life story. I just pull down a book, and bam! instant comfort.

🎭 3. It Has Every Perspective

Want advice on grief? Romance? Adventure? Want to escape into a fantasy world or dive deep into someone else’s heartbreak? My bookshelf has been through it all.
Therapists specialize; books cover everything.

💬 4. It Lets Me Ugly-Cry Without Judgment

There’s no “how does that make you feel?”
No polite nodding.
No box of tissues handed over.

My books just let me sob, laugh, or scream silently into a pillow without blinking. They get me.

🎢 5. It’s an Emotional Rollercoaster — in a Good Way

A therapy session is usually one focused, careful conversation.
A book? It can take me on an emotional journey: heartbreak, hope, laughter, anger, catharsis — all in a few hundred pages.
Sometimes, that’s exactly what I need.

🛡 6. It Helps Me Escape, Not Just Analyze

Therapy helps you process reality.
Books help you run from it for a while.
And honestly? Sometimes I just want to flee to a world of dragons, spies, or small-town romance. In these worlds, the biggest problem is “will they kiss or not?”

🏆 Final Thoughts

My bookshelf isn’t here to replace therapy but wow, it’s a pretty great backup team. It’s always waiting, always ready, and always knows exactly what story I need.

💬 What book has been your best emotional lifeline? Drop your favourites in the comments — I’m always looking for more “therapists” to add to my shelf!