Book Club:
Trauma-Informed Book Reviews
Our Book Club features thoughtful reviews of books on mental health, wellness, and healing, written from a trauma-informed perspective. Each review includes a concise summary, highlights the book’s strengths, and notes potential drawbacks—helping you decide if a book is a good fit for your personal journey.
All reviews are carefully written by Mackenzie Kerber, who brings insight, compassion, and expertise in trauma-informed care to each recommendation.
Optional Coping Skills While Reading
These strategies are provided for anyone who wants extra support while reading:
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Before Reading: Ground yourself with deep breaths, a short meditation, or journaling your intentions. Choose a comfortable, safe space where you can pause if needed.
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During Reading: Notice your body’s responses. Use grounding techniques like pressing your feet into the floor, tapping your hands, or taking mindful breaks. Keep a coping tool nearby, such as a comfort object, soothing music, or a stress ball.
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After Reading: Process your reactions through journaling, talking with a supportive friend or mental health provider, or practicing self-care rituals like a warm bath, gentle movement, or a calming routine. Allow yourself time and space to integrate the material without judgment.
Explore the books below to discover resources that support your growth and engage safely with material that inspires healing and insight.
Books
“Body First Healing” by Brittney Piper Body First Healing is a compelling and insightful book that delves into the power of holistic wellness, emphasizing the body's innate ability to heal itself when given the right tools and mindset. The author, Brittney Piper, combines scientific research, personal anecdotes, and practical advice to guide readers toward a more balanced and health-conscious lifestyle. I love that Brittney is a trauma survivor herself and uses her felt experiences with trauma and her somatic experiencing training to write a book that makes sense folx just starting to learn about trauma as well. Strengths: 1. Holistic Approach– The book doesn’t just focus on physical health but also integrates mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, making it a comprehensive guide to self-healing. 2. Science-Backed Insights – The author supports claims with credible studies, making the content both trustworthy and informative. 3. Actionable Steps – Unlike many wellness books that remain theoretical, *Body First Healing* provides clear, practical exercises, dietary suggestions, and mindfulness techniques. 4. Engaging Writing Style – The tone is conversational yet authoritative, making complex health concepts accessible to all readers. Potential Drawbacks: - Some readers might find certain sections repetitive, particularly if they are already familiar with holistic health principles. - The book leans heavily on alternative medicine, which may not resonate with those who prefer conventional medical approaches. - There are some potentially triggering stories in the book that readers may want to plan ahead for with coping skills. Final Verdict: “Body First Healing” is a valuable read for anyone looking to take control of their health naturally. It’s well-researched, motivational, and filled with actionable advice. While it may not replace professional medical guidance, it serves as an excellent complementary resource for those seeking a more integrative approach to wellness. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
“The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D. Summary: “The Body Keeps the Score” is a groundbreaking exploration of trauma and its profound effects on the mind, body, and soul. Written by psychiatrist and trauma expert Bessel van der Kolk, this book synthesizes decades of research and clinical experience to explain how trauma reshapes the brain, alters emotional regulation, and manifests in physical symptoms. Through case studies, neuroscience, and therapeutic insights, van der Kolk reveals how trauma survivors can reclaim their lives through treatments like EMDR, yoga, neurofeedback, and psychotherapy. What I Liked: 1. Comprehensive & Eye-Opening – The book bridges science and personal stories, making complex concepts accessible while emphasizing trauma’s deep physiological impact. 2. Holistic Approach – Van der Kolk advocates for treatments beyond talk therapy, including body-based therapies like somatic experiencing and mindfulness. 3. Empowering Message– It offers hope, showing that healing is possible through innovative and compassionate interventions. 4. Research-Backed – The author supports his claims with extensive studies, making it a vital resource for professionals and survivors alike. What I Didn’t Like: 1. Dense at Times – Some sections (e.g., neurobiology) can feel heavy for readers without a scientific background. 2. Lengthy – At over 400 pages, it requires patience, though the content justifies it. 3. Graphic Descriptions – A few case studies include disturbing details of trauma, which could be triggering for some readers. Favorite Quote: "Trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body." *Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) – A transformative, essential read for understanding trauma and healing.
“When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress” by Gabor Maté, M.D. Summary: In “When the Body Says No”, physician and trauma expert Gabor Maté explores the profound connection between chronic stress, emotional repression, and physical illness. Drawing from scientific research, patient case studies, and personal reflections, Maté argues that many autoimmune diseases, cancers, and chronic conditions are deeply linked to unresolved psychological stress, childhood trauma, and suppressed emotions. The book challenges conventional medicine’s separation of mind and body, advocating for a holistic approach to health that acknowledges the role of emotional wellbeing in disease. What I Liked: 1. Mind-Body Connection– Maté presents compelling evidence that stress and trauma manifest physically, making a strong case for psychosomatic illness. 2. Case Studies – Real-life stories (including celebrities like Alice Miller** and Lou Gehrig) illustrate how emotional patterns contribute to disease. 3. Accessible Science– Complex concepts (e.g., cortisol’s role, the nervous system) are explained clearly for non-medical readers. 4. Compassionate Tone – Maté writes with deep empathy, validating the experiences of those whose pain has been dismissed by traditional medicine. What I Didn’t Like: 1. Repetitive at Times– Some themes (e.g., the dangers of people-pleasing) recur frequently. 2. Limited Solutions – While the book excels at diagnosing the problem, it offers fewer actionable steps for healing. 3. Heavy Content – Stories of severe illness and trauma may be triggering for some readers. Favorite Quote: “The body says no because the mind has been saying yes too often.” Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) – Eye-opening and essential, though it leaves readers wanting more guidance on healing.
“Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma” by Peter A. Levine, Ph.D. Summary: “Waking the Tiger” is a pioneering book on trauma healing that introduces Peter Levine’s revolutionary Somatic Experiencing approach. Drawing from nature, neuroscience, and case studies, Levine argues that trauma is not just psychological but also a physiological response stuck in the body. He explains how animals in the wild instinctively discharge stress after life-threatening events, while humans often suppress these natural responses, leading to chronic trauma symptoms. Through exercises and insights, Levine guides readers toward reconnecting with their body’s innate ability to heal. What I Liked: 1. Body-Centered Approach – Unlike traditional talk therapy, Levine emphasizes somatic (body-based) healing, offering practical tools to release trapped trauma energy. 2. Nature-Inspired Wisdom– The comparison between animal and human trauma responses is fascinating and helps demystify why we react the way we do. 3. Accessible Techniques – Simple exercises (e.g., grounding, tracking bodily sensations) empower readers to begin healing on their own. 4. Hopeful & Empowering – The book reframes trauma as a natural, resolvable response rather than a life sentence. What I Didn’t Like: 1. Anecdotal Heavy– Some readers may want more hard science; while Levine includes research, the focus leans on case stories. 2. Slow Start – The first few chapters build theory gradually, which might feel slow for those seeking immediate strategies. 3. Not for Severe Trauma Alone – While insightful, the book is best paired with professional support for deep trauma work. Favorite Quote: “Trauma is a fact of life. It does not, however, have to be a life sentence.” Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
“The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture” by Gabor Maté, M.D. Summary: In this sweeping examination of modern society, physician Gabor Maté argues that what we consider "normal" - chronic stress, disconnection, inequality - is actually making us physically and mentally ill. Blending personal stories, patient cases, and social analysis, Maté shows how capitalism, racism, and technology create trauma that manifests as addiction, autoimmune diseases, and mental health disorders. The book offers both a damning critique of toxic cultural norms and hope for healing through awareness and compassion. What I Liked: 1. Cultural Lens - Maté brilliantly connects personal trauma to larger societal forces like poverty and discrimination 2. Addiction Insights - His analysis of addiction as "normal" in an abnormal society is groundbreaking 3. Holistic Approach - Integrates biology, psychology, and sociology seamlessly 4. Compassionate Tone - Never blames individuals while acknowledging personal responsibility What I Didn't Like: 1. Broad Scope - At times tries to cover too many heavy topics (from COVID to racism to parenting) 2. Solution Light- More diagnostic than prescriptive about societal change 3. Repetitive - Some concepts reappear frequently across chapters Favorite Quote: "In a toxic culture, becoming sick may be the only way to stay 'sane'." Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) - Essential but overwhelming at times
“In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness” by Peter A. Levine, Ph.D. Summary: This advanced guide to Somatic Experiencing builds on Levine's earlier work, offering neuroscience-backed techniques for trauma resolution. Through detailed case studies and body-based exercises, Levine shows how to safely discharge traumatic energy stuck in the nervous system. The book emphasizes our innate capacity for healing when we learn to listen to the body's "unspoken voice." What I Liked: 1. Practical Tools- More hands-on techniques than “Waking the Tiger” 2. Science Depth - Excellent explanations of polyvagal theory applications 3. Healing Focus - Strong emphasis on restoring resilience and self-regulation 4. Professional Insights - Especially valuable for therapists What I Didn't Like: 1. Technical at Times - Some neurobiology sections require slow reading 2. Less Accessible - Not as beginner-friendly as his first book 3. Graphic Cases - A few trauma descriptions may be triggering Favorite Quote: "Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathetic witness." Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
“Healing Trauma: A Pioneering Program for Restoring the Wisdom of Your Body” by Peter A. Levine, Ph.D. Peter A. Levine’s “Healing Trauma” is not just a book; it is an invitation to embark on a journey of reconnection with your own body. Based on his decades of research and clinical experience, Levine presents his pioneering Somatic Experiencing (SE) method in a concise, accessible, and deeply empowering format. This book is so important in the field of trauma therapy, moving beyond traditional talk-based approaches to address the root of trauma where it is stored: in the nervous system. The Core Thesis: Trauma is a Nervous System Event. Levine’s fundamental argument, drawn from observing animals in the wild, is that trauma is not the event itself, but the energy mobilized to survive that event which becomes "stuck" in the body when not discharged. Humans, unlike animals, often override these innate biological impulses to flee, fight, or freeze, leaving us with a dysregulated nervous system. This dysregulation manifests as anxiety, hypervigilance, numbness, chronic pain, and a host of other psychological and physical symptoms. Strengths and Highlights: Body-First Approach: The book’s greatest strength is its unwavering focus on somatic (body-based) awareness. Levine provides simple, guided exercises to help readers gently track bodily sensations (like tingling, temperature, or tension) a great way to slowly introduce the SE language of the nervous system. This is not about reliving the traumatic story, but about releasing the pent-up survival energy associated with it. Accessible and Practical: Unlike dense clinical texts, “Healing Trauma” is written for the everyday reader. The twelve-week program of brief, structured exercises allows individuals to safely explore their inner landscape at their own pace. It empowers readers to become active participants in their own healing. Normalizing and Hopeful: Levine frames trauma symptoms not as signs of brokenness or mental illness, but as the body’s intelligent, albeit stuck, survival responses. This reframing is incredibly validating and reduces the shame often associated with trauma, replacing it with a sense of hope and biological capacity for healing. Foundational Concepts: The book brilliantly explains complex neurological concepts like the freeze response, hyperarousal, and hypoarousal in clear, relatable terms. Understanding these states is the first step toward learning to regulate them. Considerations for Readers: A starting point not a cure all: This book is an excellent introduction and addition to doing therapy, particularly somatic work.. It is not a substitute for professional help for complex or severe trauma. Levine himself repeatedly emphasizes the importance of proceeding slowly and seeking support if needed. Requires Patience and Commitment: The exercises are subtle and internal. Readers looking for quick fixes or cognitive analysis may find the process slow or confusing initially. The magic is in the consistent, gentle practice of developing body awareness. Brief Overview:Given its short length, the book provides an overview of the SE method. Those seeking a deeper dive may want to follow up with Levine’s more detailed books, such as “Waking the Tiger”. Final Verdict: “Healing Trauma” is a transformative read for anyone impacted by trauma—which, as Levine argues, is most of us to varying degrees. It offers a shift in perspective: that our bodies are not the source of our pain, but the source of our healing. By teaching us to listen to and trust the innate wisdom of our nervous system, Levine provides a practical roadmap out of the prison of trauma and toward a life of greater resilience, flexibility, and vitality. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 Stars)
"Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself" by Kristin Neff, Ph.D. A Transformative Guide to Silencing Your Inner Critic and Embracing Your Imperfect Humanity Kristin Neff’s “Self-Compassion” is a landmark book that introduces a powerful and often misunderstood antidote to relentless self-criticism: treating ourselves with the same kindness and support we would offer a good friend. Blending robust empirical research, personal narrative, and practical exercises, Neff makes a compelling case that self-compassion is not a sign of weakness or self-indulgence, but a cornerstone of emotional resilience, motivation, and overall well-being. The Core Thesis: Why Kindness Trumps Self-Esteem Neff's central argument is that the modern pursuit of high self-esteem—which is often contingent on being above average or perfect—is a flawed and fragile foundation for mental health. Instead, she presents self-compassion as a stable, unconditional source of self-worth. She breaks it down into three core, interconnected components: self-kindness (vs. self-judgment), common humanity (vs. isolation), and mindfulness (vs. over-identification). Strengths and Highlights: * Evidence-Based Foundation: One of the book's greatest strengths is its grounding in science. As a pioneering researcher in the field, Neff presents a wealth of studies demonstrating how self-compassion is linked to lower anxiety and depression, greater happiness, and healthier lifestyle choices. This evidence makes the concept credible and accessible even to those skeptical of "touchy-feely" psychology. * Practical and Actionable: The book is filled with concrete tools and exercises. From the transformative Self-Compassion Break to writing self-compassionate letters, Neff provides clear, step-by-step methods to cultivate this skill in daily life. It is a true workbook for personal change. * Powerful Personal Story: Neff weaves in her own struggles with self-criticism and the challenges of parenting her autistic son. This vulnerability makes the book relatable and authentic, proving that she is not just a researcher but a practitioner of her own principles. * Demystifies a Key Concept: The book effectively dismantles the myth that self-compassion is selfish, lazy, or a form of self-pity. Neff clearly explains how being a supportive inner coach is far more effective for growth and accountability than being a punitive critic. Considerations for Readers: * Can Feel Uncomfortable at First: For individuals deeply accustomed to self-judgment, the practices of self-kindness can initially feel strange, difficult, or even "wrong." The book wisely acknowledges this resistance and encourages gentle persistence. * Depth of Practice: While the exercises are simple, integrating them into a lasting mindset shift requires consistent practice. This is not a book to be read once, but one to be revisited and worked through over time. * Focus on the Individual: The book is primarily focused on cultivating a compassionate relationship with oneself. Readers looking for a greater emphasis on compassion for others or its role in social justice may want to supplement with other works, though the foundation is firmly laid here. Final Verdict: Self-Compassion is a vital and liberating read for anyone who has ever felt they are not good enough. It offers a sustainable and scientifically-backed path to inner peace, replacing the cycle of self-criticism with one of encouragement and understanding. Neff doesn't just present a concept; she provides a practical toolkit for a lifelong journey of being a better friend to oneself. This book has the power to fundamentally change your inner dialogue and, by extension, your quality of life. Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5 Stars)