Folks can be fairly divided on the idea of medical help - at least when it comes down to whether a patient seeks out hard science as opposed to holistic treatment.

British authors Susan Elderkin and Ella Berthoud have a refreshing and new theory on feeling better and it's called bibliotherapy. In their new book, "The Novel Cure - From Abandonment to Zestlessness: 751 Books to Cure What Ails You," the authors have categorized dozens of ailments from A to Z and, for each malady, prescribe a list of novels to read that will help cure the problem. It's a great idea because, seriously, how many times have grateful readers claimed that a book has changed or saved his or her life?

Whether fear of flying, cowardice, high blood pressure, hiccups, insomnia, midlife crisis, loneliness or whatever, Elderkin and Berthoud can fix you right up. Even better: Elderkin now lives in Hamden and will speak and sign books tonight when she appears at the Groton Public Library. Feel free to share your ailment with Elderkin and get her personal literary Rx.

- RICK KOSTER

Susan Elderkin, 7 tonight, Groton Public Library, 52 Newtown Road; free; (860) 441-6750.