Connection is a lifeline, especially in circumstances that physically and emotionally isolate us from our loved ones. For those with partners in incarceration, maintaining a bond requires creativity, patience, and resilience. Among the many strategies to sustain a relationship across the barriers of prison walls, one stands out for its simplicity and depth: reading together. This post delves into how engaging in this shared activity can fortify connections and explores the thoughtful process of choosing diverse literary genres to enrich this experience.

The Power of Shared Reading

Reading with an incarcerated partner does more than pass the time; it creates a shared world, a space where both individuals can meet, free from the constraints of their physical realities. It’s an intimate act of co-exploration, where emotions, thoughts, and experiences can be communicated through the lens of literature. This shared journey can:

• Stimulate Intellectual Growth: Reading and discussing books can challenge and expand your perspectives, fostering personal and intellectual growth for both partners.
• Enhance Emotional Intimacy: Books evoke emotions, offering a safe space to explore and discuss feelings that might be difficult to express otherwise.
• Provide a Common Ground: When physical presence is not possible, shared reading experiences become a powerful way to maintain a sense of closeness and common purpose.

Choosing the Right Literary Genres

The process of selecting what to read together is as important as the act itself. It involves understanding each other’s interests, moods, and needs, and sometimes, it’s about stepping out of your comfort zones. Here’s how you can navigate through different literary genres to find the right fit:

Fiction: A Gateway to Empathy and Escape

Fiction offers an escape to different worlds, lives, and experiences. It can be a tool for empathy, allowing partners to immerse themselves in the lives of characters, which can be particularly therapeutic for an incarcerated partner. Whether it’s the latest bestseller, a classic novel, or science fiction, fiction can transport readers and offer respite from their current surroundings.

Non-Fiction: Learning and Growing Together

Non-fiction books, including biographies, self-help, and historical works, can provide a foundation for learning and discussion. These books can inspire, educate, and offer new perspectives on the world. Reading non-fiction together can be a way to set goals, inspire change, or simply learn something new together.

Poetry: Expressing the Inexpressible

Poetry, with its condensed emotion and imagery, can offer a unique way to connect on a deeply emotional level. Sharing poetry can be a way to express feelings that are hard to articulate, offering a bridge between hearts and minds separated by walls.

Choosing Together

The key to selecting genres and titles is communication. Discuss what themes or subjects you’re both interested in and be open to exploring genres that might be outside your usual preferences. You can alternate between choosing books, surprise each other with picks, or even decide to tackle a challenging read together.

Final Thoughts

Reading with an incarcerated partner is a profound way to maintain and deepen a connection despite the physical barriers of incarceration. It’s a testament to the power of literature to transcend walls, to foster empathy, and to build bridges between disparate worlds. By thoughtfully choosing what to read together, you’re not just passing time; you’re enriching a shared life, page by page.

Remember, the goal is not just to read, but to experience, discuss, and grow together. In the shared worlds of literature, you can find solace, understanding, and a stronger bond that endures beyond the confines of incarceration.