The following book reviews contain a mental health study on personality disorder. The first is mummy’s boy Norman; seconds out, round two is a private gentleman's club activity swirling out of control; after all, men will be men. We begin by exploring Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho”, the psychological thriller, by providing various perspectives and interpretations that can better enhance your exploration of the film’s resilience and understanding of mental illness. Robert Bloch’s Psycho, published in 1959 by Simon and Schuster, uses a real-life case of Ed Gein, the so-called “butcher of Plain ..read more

To Kill a Mockingbird, a 1960 novel by Harper Lee, is an iconic masterpiece set in the 1930s Deep South that confronts American society's deep-seated prejudices and injustices. Positioned in the racially divided town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, the story follows Scout Finch, a young girl coming of age in a world filled with racial tension and injustice. Whose father, Atticus Finch, defends an African-American accused of raping a white woman. Through the lens of Scout's innocent perspective, we witness the deeply ingrained racism and the unfair treatment African Americans ..read more

Have you ever found yourself at the mercy of a situation, feeling like a leaf tossed in the wind? This is where the dichotomy of control steps in, offering a lifeline to clarity and calm in the chaos of life. It's a simple yet profound principle that can revolutionise how we handle our daily struggles. In this lesson, we'll unravel the layers of this Stoic wisdom, guiding you toward serenity in a world that often feels out of control. Join us as we explore the roots, principles, and practical applications of the dichotomy of control and discover how this ancient philosophy remains strikingly r ..read more

Today's articles look at the darker side of love with abuse that requires reflection and consideration for the reader to contemplate. The 1955 novel Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov, a Russian-American novelist, handles the controversial subject of hebephilia, a profoundly unsettling and controversial exploration of obsession and the demonic aspects of human nature. The second is a 1994 movie, A Child's Cry For Help, which also tackles the sensitive subject of mental health in a dramatic and thought-provoking manner. The mother feeds off the sympathy, attention and benefits that are given to them b ..read more

Our previous session discussed how literature and the media manipulated public opinion and shaped people’s beliefs and behaviours. Today, we have a closer look at Fake News. The Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Spectrum and a book reflecting the counterculture movement and challenges the traditional values, institutionalisation and incarceration in the 1960s. Can you guess what it is? Propaganda has historically shaped public opinion by disseminating information or ideas to promote a particular agenda and ideology. It often involves emotional appeals, censorship, and distorted presentation ..read more

Obsessive love can be described as an intense and overwhelming feeling of love towards someone, which can lead to controlling behaviour and possessiveness. It often involves an unhealthy attachment to the other person and can have negative consequences for both the lover and the loved one. Idolatry, infatuation, and erotomania are terms used to describe different types of intense feelings or obsessions towards someone or something.  Here’s a brief explanation of each: 1.  Idolatry: Idolatry refers to the worship or excessive admiration of an idol or deity. It is often assoc ..read more

The previous article briefly discussed how the power of literature was a deadly weapon through newspapers, radio, and other media outlets, used in antisemitic propaganda by Adolf Hitler to dehumanise and vilify his enemies, primarily the Jews he called parasites.  But for additional groups such as communists and non-Aryans, the word was used in Germany to describe a future genius race and then later labelled by philosophers as Social Darwinism to justify their despicable acts. [cited: Mein Kampf].  Germany’s economic collapse in 1918 was attributed to a combinatio ..read more

I proposed that books offer the opportunity to learn from their reading experiences and bibliotherapy to be the focus of therapy and self-reflection. Photography was suggested as a tool for conveying emotion and channels for self-expression. Then, like a vision, I observed a review by Andrew Pettigrew, which combined both aspects together. The premise of this work was a historical and cultural insight into the Second World War. It demonstrates the power of literature as a deadly weapon during combat, and a War correspondent is still present in any civil or military conflict toda ..read more

Loneliness can significantly affect both your physical and mental health. In today’s fast-paced and connected world, it may seem counterintuitive to think loneliness is a prevalent issue. Loneliness is a serious problem that can significantly impact individuals. It is often called the “loneliness epidemic” due to its increasing prevalence. According to a 2018 report, 22 per cent of adults in the United States say they often or always feel lonely or socially isolated. Loneliness is a subjective experience—part of what makes it so hard to identify. This article delves into the sig ..read more

What is Bibliotherapy? Bibliotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses literature to support mental health and wellbeing. It involves using books, poems, and other written materials to help individuals understand and cope with their emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. Bibliotherapy can be used in various settings, including schools, libraries, hospitals, and therapy sessions. Words and images in literature and poetry connect us to the past, showing that others have faced and overcome similar experiences. This brings comfort and reassurance that difficult times will eventually pass. The conce ..read more