Emely Rumble, "Bibliotherapy in The Bronx" (Row House, 2025)

In this episode of New Books in Education, host Raymond Williams interviews Emily Rumble, author of *Bibliotherapy in the Bronx*, published by Roehouse Publishing in 2025. Rumble, a licensed clinical social worker and bibliopsychotherapist, shares the personal and professional journey behind her debut book, which blends memoir, clinical insight, and cultural history to advocate for bibliotherapy as a transformative, accessible mental health practice. She discusses how her work grew from journaling reflections on therapeutic sessions and client case studies, evolving into a narrative that centers Black and marginalized voices, especially through the lens of Black librarianship and the power of literature as 'mirrors' for self-recognition. The conversation explores the emotional and psychological impact of reading, the importance of rereading as a form of healing, and the profound role of books like *Their Eyes Were Watching God* in validating lived experiences. Rumble also emphasizes that book banning is not merely a censorship issue but a critical community mental health crisis, particularly for young people and those from marginalized backgrounds. She concludes with a call to action for readers to embrace bibliotherapy as a personal and collective practice, and to support Black-owned bookstores and the ongoing legacy of literary healing. Key takeaways include: 1) Bibliotherapy is a powerful, accessible form of healing that validates readers’ emotional lives through literature; 2) Rereading books like *Their Eyes Were Watching God* allows readers to meet different versions of themselves across time; 3) Libraries and book access are essential mental health infrastructure, especially in underserved communities; 4) Storytelling and literature serve as vital tools for identity formation, especially for Black, queer, and neurodivergent individuals; 5) Book banning erases identity and deepens isolation, making it a public health issue; 6) Readers can practice bibliotherapy through intentional reading rituals like commonplace books; 7) The book’s success reflects the growing demand for inclusive, emotionally resonant narratives in mental health discourse; 8) Rumble sees her work as stewarding a legacy, passing the baton to future generations of readers and practitioners.