A chapter a day keeps the doctor away....

"...in the presence of great literature, it's as if a hand has reached out and taken our own." Not my words, but those of Alan Bennett in The History Boys, whichbeautifully describethe effect that great works of literature can have on us.The words sum up magnificently the feelings of many who are finding the hidden qualities of reading, poetry and the arts to be of significance far beyond mere enlightenment. According to recent studies reading books and poetry, especially out loud, can actually have healing qualities. Ok the scientific evidence is somewhat shakey but nevertheless there's hope for me yet! The knowledge of this would seem to be nothing new and apparently it's no coincidence that the Greek god, Apollo, was the God of both Poetry and Healing, nor that hospitals in ancient cities were often situated next to theatres. So there you have it! No harm in joining a book group, or for that matter coming along to a poetry night or two this year. If you want to find out more on this subject read the newpaper report here