Yes, I like that analysts do that. I am new to this type of therapy and I like that she just wants to know about me, my perceptions, and hear them in my own voice. I am learning to appreciate the intimacy of that.

I recently took a book I was reading into my session with me and she was excited about it, had heard about it and wanted to read it. I thought that meant we would discuss it but that's not what she meant. Of course I'm welcome to talk about it so I have some. Mostly though, the book just helped me to think about things. That book was Understanding the Borderline Mother. I found it exactly the way your T suggested. Quite by accident really. I was there to buy a new Pema Chodron book, found 3 and couldn't make up my mind. I carried them with me to think about and browsed and this other book just chose me, really. So I put all 3 Chodron books back and chose the Borderline Mothers book instead.

I have a couple on order that are about therapy, including the one about women and their therapists. I like to read books recommended by others.

I am currently reading The Memory Keeper's Daughter, a novel. I just started it and it's very good so far. It had a good review by Sue Monk Kidd, who wrote my favorite book, The Secret Life of Bees.

I also enjoy Sue Henry books. Her stories are set in Alaska and frequently feature a strong woman who lives alone and participates in the Idatarod sled-dog races. I like the strong female character and the unusal setting.

Anyway, I like a variety of books, fiction and non-fiction.

I usually have a book with me. She may or may not notice. If I want her to know it is up to me to tell her. That's how it works.

Do you find yourself choosing books with your T in mind, with thoughts of what being seen reading this particular book would mean?