Letter N
Nature & Connection
Exploring how the natural world can foster perspective, belonging, calm and a deeper connection with ourselves.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best books to read about nature & connection?
A good place to start is the fiction, nonfiction, and poetry suggested in this reading list. They each explore this theme differently, so you can select what you are connecting with the most.
Can reading really help with nature & connection?
Yes, although it should not be viewed as a substitute for therapy. The right book can help you articulate feelings you have struggled to explain, offer reassurance that you are not alone, and provide a new perspective. Sometimes that insight is exactly what you need; at other times, it can encourage you to seek further support.
Who curates the Nature & Connection reading list?
Bijal Shah, a bibliotherapist, founder of Book Therapy and The Book Therapy Method and the author of Bibliotherapy: The Healing Power of Reading (Hachette, 2024). She has spent over ten years matching readers to books for all kinds of emotional and life themes, including nature & connection.
Do I need a Book Therapy membership to see the full nature & connection list?
Yes. The full Nature & Connection reading list, with my notes on each book and the personal reading tools, lives inside the Book Therapy membership. You also get the whole A to Z of Book Prescriptions, the journalling, and writing tools and reading progress tracking.
Are these nature & connection books suitable if I've never read anything on the topic before?
Yes. The list is deliberately diverse in order to ensure there is something for everyone, whether that's a short memoir, a poem to sit with over a cup of tea, or a novel to properly disappear into. If something feels too close to what you're going through right now, you have the option to put it down. And another book on the list might be more helpful.
Related reading lists
If Nature & Connection resonates, these companion themes from the A–Z of Book Prescriptions may meet you next.
Letter N
Neurodivergence
Exploring different ways of thinking, processing and experiencing the world, including both challenges and distinctive strengths.
Letter N
Narcissism
Exploring narcissistic traits and relationship dynamics, including issues around empathy, control, self-image and emotional boundaries.
Letter P
Perfectionism
Exploring high expectations, fear of mistakes and the pressure to perform, alongside more compassionate ways of defining success.
Letter Q
Queer Mental Health
Exploring mental health through LGBTQ+ and queer experiences, including identity, belonging, discrimination, relationships and community.
Letter R
Recovery & Addiction
Exploring the ongoing journey of recovery from addiction, including setbacks, relationships, identity and renewed possibility.
Letter S
Suicidality
Sensitive literature exploring suicidal thoughts and experiences, with an emphasis on understanding, connection, support and hope.