Books matching: psychological trauma
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- #1
Save:Bryan Smith's 'House of Blood' is a horror novel that takes readers on a wild ride as a group of friends encounter a creepy old house in rural Tennessee. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, revealing an underground network of slaves and sadists, adding a unique and gory element to the story. Smith's writing style is described as fresh, fast-paced, and original, keeping readers engaged with over-the-top imagery and a B-movie feeling that sets it apart from mainstream horror.
- #2
Save:'The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma' by Bessel van der Kolk is a comprehensive exploration of how trauma impacts the brain, mind, and body. The author delves into various types of trauma, including childhood trauma and military PTSD, while providing up-to-date research on mindfulness, meditation, and therapeutic treatments. Through case histories and personal experiences, van der Kolk explains the lasting effects of trauma on memory and emotions, offering insights into ways to cope and heal from traumatic experiences.
I became what I am today at the age of twelve, on a frigid overcast day in the winter of 1975. . . . That was a long time ago, but it’s wrong what they say about the past. . . . Looking back now, I re... - #3
Save:'The First Day of Spring' by Nancy Tucker is a dark and disturbing tale that follows the life of Chrissie, a young girl who faces neglect and abuse in her home. The story unfolds through the eyes of both 8-year-old Chrissie and adult Julia, revealing a narrative that is heartbreaking and raw. The book delves into themes of child neglect, cruelty, and murder, while also exploring the complexities of redemption and the power of love.
The writing style of the book is captivating, drawing readers in from the first sentence that declares, "I killed a little boy today." The narrative is both harrowing and beautifully written, alternating between past and present timelines to provide a deep insight into Chrissie's troubled life and her journey towards seeking redemption. Through the author's skillful storytelling, readers are taken on a poignant and emotional journey that explores the depths of human emotions and the impact of childhood trauma.
I killed a little boy today. Held my hands around his throat, felt his blood pump hard against my thumbs. He wriggled and kicked and one of his knees caught me in the belly, a sharp lasso of pain. I r... - #4
Save:'The Eye in the Door' is the second installment in Pat Barker's Regeneration trilogy, set in 1918 during World War I. The story follows the fictional character Billy Prior, a soldier recovering from war trauma and working as an intelligence agent. The plot delves into themes of homosexuality, imprisonment, resistance to the war effort, and the splitting of personality, all against the backdrop of a society gripped by paranoia and witch hunts targeting specific groups. The book also explores the psychological effects of war on soldiers, with appearances from real-life figures like Dr. Rivers and Siegfried Sassoon.
The narrative style of 'The Eye in the Door' is described as compelling, with Barker's use of language praised for its measured and lyrical quality. The book intricately weaves historical events and characters into a fictional narrative, offering insights into the psychological consequences of war trauma. The character development, particularly that of Billy Prior, is highlighted as a strong aspect of the book, along with the exploration of themes related to war, violence, and identity.
In formal beds beside the Serpentine, early tulips stood in tight-lipped rows. Billy Prior spent several moments setting up an enfilade, then, releasing his companion’s arm, seized an imaginary machin...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Regeneration ) - #5
Save:Release by Lucy Christopher is a compelling sequel to the emotionally charged novel Stolen. It explores the intense and complicated relationship between Gemma and Ty, years after Gemma's kidnapping. The story delves deep into Gemma's psyche, revealing her struggles to find closure and understanding after her traumatic past. The writing is sharp and reflective, drawing readers into a whirlwind of emotions and moral conflicts that keep them guessing until the very end.
The plot is darker and more unpredictable than its predecessor, capturing a sense of urgency as Gemma copes with her memories and feelings for Ty. The narrative shifts between past and present, allowing readers to witness the evolution of both characters. As Gemma seeks her personal release from her past, the themes of personal truth and self-preservation emerge, making for a thought-provoking read. Overall, Release captivates with its haunting storytelling and exposes the complexities of human emotions and relationships.
- #6
Save:In 'The Nightrunners' by Joe R. Lansdale, the story follows Montgomery and Becky Jones, a couple who are trying to mend their fractured marriage following a traumatic event. Becky, a teacher, was brutally raped by some of her students, leading to a deep emotional and physical rift between her and Monty. In an attempt to find solace, they retreat to a friend's cabin in the woods, only to be pursued by the gang responsible for Becky's assault. As the gang, led by the psychopathic Brian Blackwood, closes in on them, a harrowing battle ensues, blending elements of supernatural horror and relentless violence. Lansdale's writing style is described as visceral, dark, and fast-paced, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the story unfolds with a sense of growing dread and palpable tension.
Well, he hadn't expected a mere change of scenery to correct that, but right here, near the end of their trip, at the true beginning of their vacation —if that was the proper word—he took it as a bad ... - #7
Save:'Scowler' by Daniel Kraus is a dark and gruesome novel that delves into the consequences of a mental breakdown and the horrors of domestic abuse. The story follows Ry Burke, a young man trying to rebuild his life on the family farm after his abusive father is imprisoned. However, a meteor shower changes everything, leading to a suspenseful and chilling tale of survival and strength amidst psychological and physical horror. The narrative is told through flashbacks and present-day events, highlighting the twisted home life of Ry and the traumatic experiences he and his family endure.
The writing style of 'Scowler' is praised for its ability to evoke strong emotions and vividly portray the gore and horror within the story. The character development, unique plot twists, and fantasy elements add depth to the narrative, making it a compelling and unsettling read. The book explores themes of resilience, control over inner monsters, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction, creating a complex and haunting atmosphere that keeps readers engaged until the end.
A tooth was missing and that was never a pleasant thing. It was going on thirty minutes that Ry and Sarah had been after it. When the tiny white kernel had shaken loose from her mouth, Sarah had been ... - #8
Save:The Good Soldiers by David Finkel is a searing and distressful account of a Ranger battalion in Iraq during the surge from April 2007 to April 2008. Finkel's writing style is powerful and poignant, capturing the faith, despair, and struggles of US soldiers on deployment, as well as the toll of war on both their physical and mental well-being. The book provides a vivid and intimate look at the experiences of ordinary men enduring extraordinary circumstances in the midst of the Iraq War.
Through a journalistic lens, Finkel chronicles the harrowing injuries, deaths, and the war at home as families cope with deployments, offering a must-read for anyone with an opinion on the war in the Middle East. The narrative is not overtly political but focuses on the personal stories of soldiers, portraying the human cost of war and the enduring compassion and sadness for those impacted by the conflict.
He would wake up in eastern Baghdad, inhale its bitter, burning air, and say it. “It’s all good.” He would look around at the fundamentals of what his life had become—his camouflage, his gun, his body... - #9
Save:Genocidal Organ is a thought-provoking dystopian science fiction novel that delves into issues of morality, human folly, and the manipulation of language to incite genocide. The story follows Clavis Shepherd, an assassin for the United States Military, on a mission to hunt down John Paul, a linguist responsible for spreading genocide worldwide through linguistic manipulation. The novel is a gripping narrative that explores philosophical musings with real-world implications, creating a grim but plausible near future where humanity's capacity for violence is metaphorically portrayed as an organ within us.
Mom takes me by the hand. “Ready to go?” she asks. I nod, and we start walking toward the line of dead people in the distance. This is a bit like how it was the first day of school, I seem to remember... - #10
Save:'The Memory of Love' by Aminatta Forna is a novel set in post-civil war Sierra Leone, exploring the aftermath of the conflict from multiple perspectives. The story follows three main characters - Elias Cole, a dying professor; Kai Mansaray, a talented young surgeon; and Adrian Lockheart, a British psychiatrist - whose lives intertwine in a country grappling with the effects of war. The author skillfully weaves together past and present narratives, delving into themes of trauma, love, loss, and redemption against the backdrop of a nation scarred by violence.
Forna's writing style is praised for its depth and complexity, drawing readers into the intricate tapestry of betrayal, tragedy, and resilience. The novel offers a poignant exploration of the human psyche in the aftermath of war, highlighting the struggles of individuals dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the challenges of rebuilding a shattered society. Through vivid characterizations and a non-linear narrative structure, 'The Memory of Love' paints a vivid portrait of a nation haunted by its past while striving for healing and reconciliation.
On the iron-framed bed a single, scant sheet has moulded itself into the form of the human beneath. On top of the bedside cabinet, a small pile of spiral-bound notebooks sits alongside a vase of flowe...
