Summaries of books about Trauma & Recovery:
High Achiever
The Incredible True Story of One Addict's Double Life
Tiffany Jenkins
The memoir recounts the author's tumultuous journey through drug addiction, crime, and incarceration, followed by her challenging path to recovery and transformation. It provides an intimate look at the impact of addiction on her life and relationships, and her eventual redemption and success against the odds.
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Do No Harm
Stories of Life, Death and Brain Surgery
Henry Marsh
The book is a memoir that provides an intimate look into the world of neurosurgery, sharing the author's experiences with the triumphs, dilemmas, and moral complexities of brain surgery. It recounts real patient cases, reflecting on the challenges and the heavy burden of responsibility that a neurosurgeon bears.
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Ghost Boy
The Miraculous Escape of a Misdiagnosed Boy Trapped Inside His Own Body
Martin Pistorius
The book recounts the true story of a boy who fell into a mysterious coma at age 12, becoming unable to move or communicate, while remaining fully aware of his surroundings. After a decade, he began to regain control of small movements and, with the help of technology, eventually found a way to communicate with the world, revealing his profound experiences and thoughts.
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The Year of Magical Thinking
National Book Award Winner
Joan Didion
The book is a memoir that explores the author's grief and mourning following the sudden death of her husband, writer John Gregory Dunne, and the illness of their daughter, Quintana. Didion reflects on the fragility of life and the process of coming to terms with loss through a narrative that weaves personal memories with literary and philosophical insights.
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Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions
The “Twelve and Twelve” — Essential Alcoholics Anonymous reading
Inc. Alcoholics Anonymous World Services
The book expounds on the core principles of Alcoholics Anonymous through an in-depth exploration of the Twelve Steps, which are designed to guide individuals towards personal recovery and spiritual growth. It also discusses the Twelve Traditions, which focus on the group dynamics and organizational principles that help maintain the unity and effectiveness of AA as a whole.
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The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog
And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist's Notebook -- What Traumatized Children Can Teach Us About Loss, Love, and Healing
Bruce D Perry|Maia Szalavitz
The book presents a series of case studies from a child psychiatrist's career, illustrating the profound impact of trauma on children's development and behavior. It explores therapeutic approaches that can help heal emotional wounds and emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and connection in the treatment of traumatized children.
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Blackout
Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget
Sarah Hepola
The memoir recounts the author's journey through alcohol addiction, chronicling her experiences with blackouts and the impact of her drinking on her personal and professional life. It explores her path to recovery, self-discovery, and the struggle to rebuild her identity without alcohol.
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My Stroke of Insight
A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey
Jill Bolte Taylor
The book recounts the author's experience with a stroke at age 37, detailing her eight-year recovery and the insights she gained about the workings of her brain and the interconnectedness of mental and physical health. It combines personal narrative with scientific explanation, emphasizing the importance of the right brain for recovery and the potential for neuroplasticity.
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Complications
A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science
Atul Gawande
The book is a collection of essays that delve into the complexities and challenges of practicing surgery, revealing the fallibility and ethical dilemmas faced by surgeons. It provides an introspective look at medical mistakes, the intricacies of decision-making in the operating room, and the human aspect of medicine.
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I Wasn't Ready to Say Goodbye
Surviving, Coping and Healing After the Sudden Death of a Loved One
Brook Noel|Pamela Blair
The book provides a comprehensive guide for individuals coping with the abrupt loss of a loved one, offering practical advice on navigating the emotional landscape of grief. It includes personal anecdotes, psychological insights, and step-by-step support to help readers through the healing process and find a path forward.
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