Summaries of books about Trauma & Recovery:
Marino's The ICU Book
Paul L. Marino
The book serves as a comprehensive, practical guide to intensive care unit medicine, covering fundamental principles and practices for the care of critically ill patients. It includes topics such as patient assessment, organ system-based pathology and treatment strategies, and discussions on various critical care-related issues like mechanical ventilation, electrolyte imbalances, and sepsis.
See full summary
Sickened
The True Story of a Lost Childhood
Julie Gregory
The memoir recounts the author's harrowing childhood under the care of a mother suffering from Munchausen by Proxy, a form of abuse where a caregiver fabricates or induces illness in a child for attention and sympathy. It details the psychological and physical impact of undergoing unnecessary medical treatments and the struggle to break free from the cycle of abuse.
See full summary
Alcoholics Anonymous
The Big Book: The Original 1939 Edition
Bill W.
The book outlines the foundational principles and steps of a program designed to help individuals overcome alcoholism through personal growth, spiritual development, and mutual support. It includes personal stories of recovery, providing both guidance and hope for those struggling with addiction.
See full summary
When Rabbit Howls
Truddi Chase
The book is a harrowing autobiography of a woman living with Dissociative Identity Disorder, chronicling her experiences and the emergence of 92 distinct personalities as a result of severe childhood abuse. It delves into her therapy sessions, revealing the complex inner world of her multiple selves as they work towards healing and integration.
See full summary
Detour from Normal
Ken Dickson
The memoir recounts the author's harrowing experience with a sudden mental health crisis following routine surgery, which leads to his involuntary commitment to a psychiatric facility. It explores the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, the impact on his family, and his journey to regain his sanity and rebuild his life.
See full summary
Transforming The Living Legacy of Trauma
A Workbook for Survivors and Therapists
Janina Fisher
The workbook provides practical tools and exercises designed to help trauma survivors and their therapists navigate the complex aftermath of traumatic experiences, focusing on transforming trauma-related emotional and physical responses. It integrates psychoeducation about trauma with step-by-step strategies for self-regulation, processing traumatic memories, and building a sense of safety and empowerment.
See full summary
ACEP First Aid Manual
The Step-by-Step Guide for Everyone
DK
The book provides clear instructions and illustrations for handling a wide range of emergency situations and administering first aid, from minor injuries to life-threatening conditions. It includes guidance on essential techniques such as CPR, wound care, and dealing with fractures, as well as advice on preparing for emergencies with a well-stocked first aid kit.
See full summary
A Three Dog Life
Abigail Thomas
The memoir recounts the author's journey of coping with the aftermath of her husband's traumatic brain injury, which left him with severe memory loss and personality changes. She reflects on her new reality and the solace she finds in the companionship of her three dogs as she navigates grief, resilience, and the transformation of her marriage.
See full summary
In an Unspoken Voice
How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness
Peter A. Levine
The book delves into the understanding of trauma through the lens of biology, psychology, and body-oriented psychotherapy, presenting a framework for healing by recognizing the body's nonverbal language of fear and suffering. It offers practical exercises and insights to help individuals release traumatic stress and restore their innate capacity for balance, resilience, and vitality.
See full summary
Near Death in the ICU
Stories from Patients Near Death and Why We Should Listen to Them
Laurin Bellg
The book presents a collection of personal narratives from critically ill patients who have experienced near-death experiences (NDEs) while in intensive care units. It explores the profound impact these events have on patients and argues for the importance of healthcare professionals acknowledging and discussing NDEs to improve patient care.
See full summary