What are you reading?

I have only reread three books in my life. I tend to inhale what I'm reading and move to the next and then go on a six-month hiatus where I don't read at all. Rarely do I find myself reading any type of professional books, and instead, my nose will be deep in a thriller, historical fiction, or a non-fiction memoir. I believe that any book can change your life; it doesn't have to be something research-based or lessons learned, just something that speaks to your soul.

So let me tell you about Good Morning, Monster, a book by Catherine Gildiner, a psychotherapist from Canada who wrote this book to highlight five "heroes" that she saw as patients during her time in practice. I first read the book a few years ago. I cried as I read it; I found myself having to take breaks in reading in order to breathe and digest. Suddenly, through this book, I felt less alone. Two weeks ago, as I found myself in the car more than usual, I decided to download the audiobook and listen to it. It hit me just as hard as it had the first time through.

The experiences of the patients are harrowing, their journeys are impressive, and as each case progresses, the hope it instills is impressive. Dr. Gildiner reflects on not just her patients but on herself, and as new discoveries come to light, she explains the reasoning behind the responses and the coping mechanisms that are seen.

As she discussed the difference between bonding and unconditional love, I found myself reframing some of my developmental experiences. When diving into the impacts of being a workaholic and experiencing anxiety driven by internalizing what others have defined you as, I found myself going ohhhhhhhh this is me. I'll be honest, I will probably read this book again before the year ends, this time to take notes and follow up on some of the theories or principles that resonate with me.

Good Morning, Monster isn't a book that I would recommend for everyone. But if you've dealt with complex PTSD and you feel you are at a place to ingest other people's experiences and journeys, I encourage you to at least look it up.

What is a book that has changed your life in some way? Do you recommend it for others?