Reading Books Can Provide Solace and Resilience

Opinion: Embracing challenging literature builds character and perspective during difficult times

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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In a year marked by personal and family health crises, the author found solace and escape in reading the novel "The Correspondent" by Virginia Evans. The author argues that reading fiction and non-fiction, even when it is challenging, is crucial for building empathy, resilience and a deeper understanding of the world, especially among young people whose reading skills are declining.

Why it matters

The author's personal experience highlights how reading can provide comfort, perspective and personal growth during life's most difficult moments. As reading rates decline, especially among youth, the author warns that this trend could have broader implications for developing critical thinking, self-discipline and a well-rounded worldview.

The details

The author describes how immersing herself in the quiet, contemplative world of the novel's protagonist, Sybil Van Antwerp, provided an escape from the author's own personal challenges involving job loss, health crises and family illness. The author also cites research showing the mental health benefits of reading fiction, as well as the importance of reading non-fiction to gain new perspectives and understand complex arguments. However, the author laments that teachers and professors are increasingly assigning fewer full-length books, catering to students' desires for shorter, less demanding texts.

  • The author was given the gift of a bibliotherapy session 10 years ago.
  • The author read "The Correspondent" by Virginia Evans during a difficult personal year in 2026.

The players

Patricia Steckler

A retired psychologist who was in private practice for 40 years, and a 2019 graduate of the Johns Hopkins science writing master's degree program.

Virginia Evans

The author of the novel "The Correspondent" that provided the author solace during a difficult time.

Sybil Van Antwerp

The 73-year-old retired law clerk and protagonist of "The Correspondent" whose quiet, contemplative life the author found comforting to read about.

Ceridwen Dovey

A New Yorker article author who wrote about the benefits of reading fiction for improving mood and gaining self-understanding.

Jennifer Szalai

A book critic and essayist who the author cites as praising the persuasive and enlightening power of non-fiction.

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The takeaway

In an era of declining reading rates, especially among youth, the author's personal experience underscores the vital role that challenging literature can play in providing solace, building resilience, and developing a deeper, more empathetic understanding of the world. Embracing discomfort and sticking with demanding texts is essential for cultivating the self-discipline and critical thinking skills needed for a meaningful and fulfilling life.