Reading emotional books can have a significant impact on our mental health. Books that deal with difficult topics such as loss, illness, and life struggles can evoke strong emotions and leave a lasting impression on the reader. The 'Chicken Soup for the Soul' series is a prime example of this, with its collection of inspirational and often heart-wrenching stories. While these books aim to provide hope and strength to readers, they can also leave a 'stone' on the soul, as one reader described. This raises the question of whether it's possible for books to be too emotionally taxing, and what readers can do to protect their mental health while still benefiting from the inspirational messages these books provide. In this article, we'll explore the impact of emotional books on mental health and provide tips for readers to navigate these complex emotions.