Restorative Play: Shared Reading and the Recovery from the Pandemic

This article outlines the findings from research project into community reading groups (Shared Reading) at La Trobe University, Melbourne. Evaluating the potential of Shared Reading to aid in the societal recovery from extensive lockdowns during the pandemic, three themes have emerged: participants found the groups broadened their minds after the diminished intellectual stimulation during social isolation; brought them a sense of calm and focus; and helped them form new social connections. We contextualize these findings using a range of approaches, from reception studies and psychoanalysis to creative/social bibliotherapy and close reading. In particular, we draw on D. W. Winnicott's notion of the transitional space of play and research into the mental health benefits of Shared Reading.