SOCIAL SCIENCES

The Passionate Muse

Exploring Emotion in Stories
by Keith Oatley
The Passionate Muse: Exploring Emotion in Stories. Oxford Univ. Mar. 2012. c.272p. photogs. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780199767632. $29.95. PSYCH
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Cognitive psychologist and novelist Oatley (psychology, emeritus, Univ. of Toronto; Such Stuff as Dreams: The Psychology of Fiction; The Case of Emily V) here writes about how fiction expands readers' emotional capacity and empowers their social lives. Covering a wide range of cognitive research, this book provides hard evidence to support those who believe in the therapeutic value of books and stories. Interspersed with Oatley's nonfiction discussion of emotion in fiction are episodes from an original short story he wrote to illustrate his key ideas—a technique more distracting than illuminating. Although written for a general audience, there is a robust set of notes and references provided for those who want to explore bibliotherapy further.
VERDICT This book will appeal to anyone curious about how and why literature (and art in general) can have a significant therapeutic impact. The research findings summarized here may also encourage teachers, parents, and counselors to advocate even more strongly for the value of fiction in children's lives.
Reviewed by Paula McMillen, Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas , Mar 01, 2012
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