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A court of books and belonging – a novel way to meet our needs
There’s a real buzz in the book world today, and as someone who loves reading, I’ve been enjoying the build up over the past few months.
After much anticipation, Sarah J. Maas’s latest novel, A Court of Splintered Harmony, has finally been released, and readers everywhere are celebrating.
From release parties at local bookshops to excited conversations on social media, fans are coming together over their shared love of the stories and characters. This book phenomenon was even being discussed on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme!
And it got me thinking. For something we often consider a solitary activity, reading has an incredible ability to bring people together.
There’s something lovely about knowing that, even when you’re sitting at home reading on your own, thousands of other people are enjoying the same story, getting to know the same characters and sharing the same excitement. You’re part of a community, even if you’ve never met.
Reading can meet more needs than you might think
At Suffolk Mind, we talk about the importance of meeting our 12 emotional and physical needs to support good mental health.
When I think about reading, the first need that comes to mind is privacy. That opportunity to have some time to ourselves, switch off and escape into another world.
But feeling part of the excitement around this book release has reminded me that reading can help us meet so many other needs too.
People gathering at bookshops, chatting to strangers or sharing theories online can help meet their needs for community and emotional connection. Finishing a novel might give us a sense of achievement, while stories can help us explore different perspectives and find meaning and purpose.
We can even meet our need for status (feeling valued and appreciated) when someone loves a story you’ve recommended to them.
What I find particularly interesting is that the same activity can meet different needs, depending on how we’re feeling.
Sometimes I want to read for a little peace and quiet. Other times, I want to share my excitement about a story with someone else.
And sometimes, it’s a bit of both.
Giving our attention to things we enjoy
At Suffolk Mind, we also recognise attention as an important resource as well as a need. We only have a finite amount every day.
Where we place our attention can make a difference to how we feel. When we’re stressed or worried, finding something enjoyable that absorbs our attention can give us a welcome break from everyday pressures.
For me, reading is a great example of this. But it could just as easily be gardening, crafting, sports, or another hobby.
It’s about recognising what helps us meet our needs and making time for it.
What does the research say?
Earlier this month, the National Literacy Trust published its report, Wellbeing and reading in 2026, exploring the relationship between reading and wellbeing among children and young people.
Suffolk Mind was delighted to support this research through questions based on our Emotional Needs Survey.
The findings highlighted a strong relationship between reading and positive wellbeing, with almost 85% of daily readers reporting high wellbeing, compared with 71% of those who rarely or never read.
The research also highlighted connections with social relationships, feeling capable, and having a sense of purpose.
It’s particularly fitting that this comes during the National Year of Reading, with the National Literacy Trust’s Go All In campaign encouraging everyone to explore their interests through reading.
And I think that’s a lovely message for our mental health too. Finding something we enjoy, giving it our attention and connecting with others who share our interests can help us meet our emotional needs.
What helps you feel connected?
Whether you’re eagerly awaiting your next favourite book or enjoying a completely different hobby, I’d encourage you to think about how it helps you feel.
