The Body Keeps the Score
Bessel van der Kolk
"The Body Keeps the Score" is a landmark work that revolutionized the understanding of trauma treatment. Written by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world’s leading experts on traumatic stress, the book challenges the traditional view that trauma is merely a "mental" problem best treated by talk therapy or medication alone. Van der Kolk presents decades of research to prove his central thesis: trauma literally reshapes both the body and the brain. It alters the brain's wiring—specifically areas dedicated to pleasure, engagement, control, and trust—leaving survivors stuck in a state of hypervigilance. The "rational brain" often cannot talk the "emotional brain" out of its panic because the body itself is holding onto the visceral memory of the event. Crucially, the book offers a hopeful roadmap for recovery. Van der Kolk argues that to heal, we must "re-own" our bodies. He explores innovative treatments that activate the brain's natural neuroplasticity, including neurofeedback, meditation, theater, and yoga. By moving beyond the "talking cure" to therapies that integrate the body, this book provides a compassionate, scientifically rigorous guide to reclaiming one's life.
Am I Ok?
Andrew Dunn
A candid and compelling memoir of an entrepreneur's journey through the highs and lows of building a company while battling bipolar disorder. From manic episodes to hospitalizations and brushes with the law, this is a raw and honest account of mental illness, stigma, and the long road to recovery and acceptance.
Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life
Thich Nhat Hanh
Savor offers a fresh look at mindfulness and the problem of obesity that is spreading across the globe. It is a guide to help us all reconnect with different aspects of our lives that together can improve our weight, our well-being, and the well-being of our world.