It was long before Covid-19 took hold that I had toyed with the idea of launching a Bibliotherapist service with my favourite bookshop in the world, Gertrude & Alice. We wanted to offer Bondi locals the chance to have an in-person sit down over a pot of chai and a cake, in which I would discuss their reading tastes and recommend a bespoke pile of books.

Subsequently, when the virus took hold, and Gertrude & Alice were soon after flooded with calls from customers wanting reading recommendations to get them through self-isolation, we figured that now was as good a time as any to launch the said service. Given, however, that the bookshop’s trading hours and customer limit have been adjusted according to new government legislations, we’ve since decided to launch the sessions virtually.

As a life-long reader, I truly believe that in the wake of Covid-19 and mandatory self-isolation, books are more important than ever and our hope is that via the Bibliotherapist service we will be able to pair customers with the perfect book without them even needing to step foot into the door.

Through a dedicated Zoom consultation, during which I’ll quiz the would-be reader to find out more about their literary habits, I’ll then go on to find the perfect pair of books for each person; whether it be a classic tome, contemporary novel or inspiring memoir, and will put together a bespoke prescription for each person to inspire, entertain and even help those feeling anxious at this time.

You can find out more about the service, including how to book, here.