A new advice column launching soon aims to combine the power of the arts with personal guidance to help readers navigate life’s challenges. Former Boston Globe arts writer Matthew Gilbert will debut “entertainment rX,” a column designed to offer readers curated recommendations in the form of books, films, music, and other cultural works tailored to their individual concerns.
Gilbert’s column will invite readers to share a wide range of issues, from complex emotional struggles to lighter questions about life’s milestones. Whether dealing with loneliness, family tensions, loss, or celebrations, readers can write in anonymously and receive carefully selected entertainment suggestions intended to provide solace, insight, or distraction. Gilbert emphasized that while the column is not a substitute for professional help, it will encourage reflection through engagement with the arts.
The concept hinges on the therapeutic potential of culture—not only as escapism but as a means of fostering empathy, expanding perspectives, and offering emotional healing. Gilbert acknowledged the current difficult environment for arts funding but stressed the importance of arts as a source of understanding and human connection.
The column will span a broad historical scope, recommending works from various periods as well as contemporary releases. Gilbert plans to balance accessibility with quality and will sometimes consult the Globe’s arts staff for expert input. Readers participating online will be encouraged to share their own suggestions, creating a community dialogue around cultural recommendations.
Gilbert highlighted the importance of timing in how art resonates, noting that a book or movie can have vastly different impacts depending on one’s life circumstances. “Entertainment rX” seeks to meet readers at the right moment with the right cultural experiences, acting as a guide to both manage difficulties and enrich everyday life.
Submissions may lead to suggestions that involve new purchases or subscriptions, but Gilbert said he will remain mindful of readers’ budgets. The column is slated to premiere in the coming weeks and aims to provide a unique space where art intersects with personal well-being. Readers interested in writing to Gilbert can reach him at matthewgilbert33@gmail.com.