Books matching: traumatic experiences
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- #1
A definitive, eye-opening guide to the science and healing of trauma - illuminating, compassionate, and essential reading for anyone touched by trauma, personally or professionally.
'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...September 2014•552 pages - #2
A gorgeously strange, inclusive, and bittersweet novella that asks what happens to dreamers after the adventure ends. Great for fans of portal fantasies who aren’t afraid of a bit of darkness - but some may crave more depth and a longer stay.
'Every Heart a Doorway' by Seanan McGuire is a fantasy novella set at Eleanor West's Home for Wayward Children, where children who have visited fantasy worlds and returned to the real world gather. The story follows Nancy and other misfit children as they navigate the challenges of adjusting to reality after experiencing magical realms. The writing style is described as beautiful, lyrical, and seamlessly weaving world-building and character development to explore themes of self-acceptance, fitting in, and longing for a place to call home.
THE HABIT OF NARRATION, of crafting something miraculous out of the commonplace, was hard to break. Narration came naturally after a time spent in the company of talking scarecrows or disappearing cat...April 2016•176 pages - #3
Raw, dark, and deeply unsettling, XV (War of Roses) delivers a haunting mafia tale that isn’t afraid to push boundaries. You’ll either be glued to its pages or want to throw the book across the room - but you definitely won’t forget it.
In 'XV', the fifteenth martyr in a blood feud, Ellen Winthrop, is portrayed as a broken but resilient character enduring cruelty from both her husband and captor, Mischa Stepanov. The story delves into the dark and twisted world of abuse, threats, and violence, with Ellen caught in the midst of a war between the Russians and the Winthorps. As secrets unravel and identities are revealed, Ellen faces a choice between her past life and a dangerous future with deadly consequences.
The narrative in 'XV' explores the complexities of characters like Ellen and Mischa, shedding light on their dark pasts and motivations. The book is described as a dark romance that pushes the boundaries of the genre, immersing readers in a raw and haunting tale of vengeance and survival amidst a backdrop of mafia wars and personal torment.
Familiar terror gnaws at my belly as moisture gathers in my armpits and sweeps across my palms. At least, now, I have an inkling of my fate. I’m trapped in another one of his games. My nostrils flare...May 2019•260 pages - #4
'Mouthing the Words' by Camilla Gibb delves into the life of Thelma, a girl who is abused into insanity, portraying her journey from infancy to adulthood. The writing style is described as innovative and striking, blending apathy and humor into a story of abuse and neglect, making it a mind-bending approach. The narrative tone created by Gibb for Thelma is noted for its consistency and effectiveness in capturing the character's growth and experiences.
IT IS CHRISTMAS mid-1970 something. We are in a motel room in Buffalo, waiting. We have crouched low through the border, Willy and me sitting in the back of a van on milk crates, looking at the red ba...1999•236 pages - #5
A heartfelt, sexy romance with authentic characters and a beautiful healing journey. Perfect for romance lovers who want both heat and heart - and don't mind a few emotional scars along the way.
Mastering Her Senses is a BDSM romance novel set in the Blasphemy series by Laura Kaye. The story follows the characters of Cassia and Master Quinton, who have a chance encounter at the Blasphemy club after a traumatic event involving Cassia. Quinton, a compassionate and understanding dominant, helps Cassia confront her fears and anxieties, leading to a deep emotional connection between the two. The book is praised for its balance between intense BDSM scenes and sweet romantic moments, showcasing the chemistry between Quinton and Cassia in a well-written and engaging narrative.
Standing behind the bar at Blasphemy, the club he co-owned with eleven of the coolest assholes he’d ever known, he surveyed the roomful of wonderfully kinky people wearing a whole lotta nothing. Total... - #6
A touching frontier romance packed with emotional healing, a big-hearted hero, and a tender journey from devastation to trust - just know it's as heavy as it is heartwarming.
In "Cherish" by Catherine Anderson, the story follows Race Spencer, a former gunslinger turned rancher, who comes across Rebecca, the sole survivor of a brutal attack on her religious community. As Race becomes her protector, a touching love story unfolds between two individuals from very different backgrounds. The book delves into themes of love, trust, and overcoming adversity, all set against the backdrop of a dangerous and unforgiving world. Catherine Anderson's writing style is described as emotional and unforgettable, with a focus on detailed daily living and events that bring the story to life.
There was nothing quite as distinctive as the scent of human blood, Race Spencer thought grimly. Warm and slightly sweet with a coppery tang, it put him in mind of his childhood and the stolen pennies...1998•396 pages - #7
A cerebral, quietly powerful novel about trauma and its echoes, ideal for fans of interconnected stories and realistic, contemplative fiction.
The Lost Girls of Camp Forevermore by Kim Fu is a series of interlinked stories about five young women who attend Camp Forevermore in the Pacific Northwest as prepubescent girls. The book alternates between the fateful camping trip where the girls get stranded on an island during an overnight kayaking trip and their later adult lives. Each girl's story is told in detail, showcasing how the traumatic experience at camp shaped their choices and personalities well into their adulthood. The writing style is sensitive and skillful, with distinct and vivid characters that make the reader ponder on the strengths and weaknesses revealed in the stories.
THE GIRLS STOOD on the dock and sang the camp song, “Camp Forevermore.” They sang in voices at worst bored or dutiful, but more often thrilled, chests swelling with unity and conviction, that feeling...February 2018•262 pages - #8
A haunting, raw, and powerful story of survival with an unforgettable main character. It's intense and honest, but readers wanting more believable secondary characters or a softer portrayal of trauma might not connect as deeply.
Jane Anonymous by Laurie Faria Stolarz is a powerful and harrowing story of survival and the fortitude of one's mental strength after trauma. The narrative weaves back and forth between Jane's time in captivity and her life after returning home, highlighting her struggle to settle back into a normal life. The story delves into the psychological anguish, emotional trauma, and PTSD that Jane experiences, as well as her attempts to shed the label of victim and become whole once more.
The book follows Jane, a teenager who is kidnapped and held prisoner for seven months. The story explores her experiences during and after her captivity, revealing the challenges she faces in reintegrating into normal life. Through a journal form, readers witness Jane's journey of coping with her trauma, the loss of a fellow victim who helped her during captivity, and the difficulties in discussing what happened to her with her family and friends.
It was raining that morning, ten months ago. I remember because I’d gotten up early, hoping to go for a run. But it was already 8:15, and I was still waiting for the weather to clear. The streets were...January 2020•320 pages - #9
Acheron is an unforgettably intense and emotional tale that’s a must-read for fans, but its heavy themes and length make it best suited for those already invested in the Dark-Hunter universe or readers who crave their romance dark and deeply cathartic.
'Acheron' in the 'Dark-Hunter' series by Sherrilyn Kenyon delves into the life of the Dark Hunters leader, Acheron. The story unfolds in two parts, the first part revealing Acheron's tragic past filled with suffering and betrayal, while the second part focuses on his contemporary romance with a woman named Tori. The writing style alternates between historical fiction and mythological fantasy, providing a comprehensive exploration of Acheron's character and the world he inhabits.
intricately weaves together Acheron's backstory, his present struggles, and his journey towards finding love and redemption. Through detailed descriptions and emotional storytelling, the author unveils the depths of Acheron's past traumas and the complexities of his relationships with other characters, ultimately painting a vivid portrait of a multifaceted and compelling protagonist.
Acheron teleported himself into the main room where the statue of Athena stood, covered in gold. Because of the lecture that was going to start in a few minutes in another part of the Parthenon, the s... - #10
A powerful, beautifully written and emotional fantasy exploring queer love, trauma, and resistance. Not an easy or light read, but rewarding for those open to its difficult topics and deeper messages.
'Girls of Paper and Fire' by Natasha Ngan is a dark fantasy novel set in the world of Ikhara, where a caste system divides society into three groups: Paper, Steel, and Moon. The story follows Lei, a member of the oppressed Paper caste, who is taken to become a concubine to the Demon King. As Lei navigates her dangerous new reality, she forms deep relationships with other Paper girls and faces forbidden love, intense violence, and the struggle for freedom. The book explores themes of oppression, female empowerment, and the complexities of relationships in a vividly imagined world filled with intricate world-building and a compelling plot.
OUR SHOP IS BUSY THIS MORNING. Not even noon yet and it’s already packed with customers, the room bright with chatter, Tien’s brusque voice cutting through the thick summer air. Sunlight streams in th...November 2018•395 pages










