I was just about to post this in the other thread, but then saw this new thread. Here is what I was going to say:

My T recommends books to me all the time. We only have one hour together each week, so if part of what he wants to convey to me is handled well in a book, then we can save time by my reading the book outside of session. It can help me to new insights or we can even discuss it in session. But he never "pushes" books on me, just throws out ideas (I never feel it is "homework."). Some books I have read that he recommended, some not. Some of the books we have discussed a little in session, some not. Some books have lead to HUGE breakthroughs for me. For example, I couldn't stand to hear my T (or my previous counselor) use the word "abuse" in conjunction with me. I was in denial about that. T recommended a book to me on abuse, I read it, at first reluctantly, then devoured it, as I realized this book was describing ME. I came to the session the following week and had accepted that I had experienced abuse. This was something we had not been able to accomplish together in therapy. So, books can have their place in the therapy process.

There are also other books I have read on my own, that T did not suggest, just to satisfy my desire to understand myself and also to understand therapy, such as the "In Session" book. This book helped me feel I was not alone or aberrant in my feelings toward my T.

Mouse, I have read The Little Prince many times. It was a childhood favorite of mine. I still have an old, flood-damaged copy and have read it several times as an adult too. I love both the message and the art.