The Myth of Normal: Illness, health & healing in a toxic culture (Vermilion) Paperback – 4 April 2024

I really really liked this book! He is clearly well read and educated as he brings into his writing many many different authors, personal experiences from his work, pieces of writing, reflections etc. It is really very detailed and I like this because if it was a simple book then a lot of context would be missing. Really interesting how he looks at society not just an individual. However, I think you may need to be someone who has experienced mental health to really get what he is saying though.If you are a firm believer in science and not into psychology then you may disagree with what he is saying. However, if this is the case then arguably you would need some therapy yourself to really understand that your own mental health cannot be measured by science and numbers.

This book has helped me opening my eyes towards trauma and how it can impact on our lives everyday without us realising. It also shows the possibility of healing if we are willing to engage ourselves with compassion. I truly admire Dr Mate’s work and wisdom. This book would definitely help me on my journey to find my true self.

I shared this wonderful book to a post natal support group I am part of.I'm currently reading a book called "the Myth of Normal written by Dr Gabor Maté and Daniel Maté.I can't recommend it enough. Its heavy. Its trigging. If you're in a a shakey place I recommend saving it for another time. It's written at a very high level so not binge read material. More a chapter at a time. Reflect, digest and continue.That being said. Its strangely healing. Its reassuring to know that the feelings and struggles many of us feel are real. They are a real and legitimate emotional reaction to raising children, becoming mothers and families in a society that does not provide the nourishing environment they need to thrive in. Personally it has given me validation for some of my feelings and the things I struggle with.So many of us self blame, are hyper critical of ourselves, that we are catastrophic failures as parents (that's MY personal narrative), lonely and isolated. No doctor or mental health professional has ever mentioned our society being a trigger for some of my own challenges. How most of my environments have not been complimentary for my development as a human being.Societies evolution of very recent history has stripped away the foundations of what it truly feels to be and exist as a human being. How we thrust mothers into this life changing journey ill prepared and ill equipped to manage alone. Because we were never meant to be alone. Your feeling of struggle with this insane load we are expected to carry is a normal human reaction to something that is not normal. This book has helped me confirm my own feelings and set hard boundaries around environments that conflict nourishment, safety and empathy.Places like ***** help bridge the gap. Help to allow that vital time and space to heal. There is nothing I can ever do or say that is enough to show my gratitude. But if I ever come across things that may help others, my personal promise is to share them with you all. So you know others are thinking of you. They care and want to help you where they can.Anyone becoming, is or wants to be a parent should read this book.Its pages contain validation of feeling and healing. It is a masterpiece of both author's work. Thank you for writing this book.H.A.C

A book every adult human should read from cover to cover and dip back into on a regular basis as it is full of wisdom and beautiful ideas on how to be truly human and how to be open to healing and build a healthy community and live a truly healthy life. Thank you hugely to Gabor and Daniel.

Not an easy read but so much good material

Full of wisdom and is written well. Highly recommend.

I have been following Gabor Mate for some time and this book shows what a brilliant "brain" he is. If you want to know how we ended up with the society at present then read this book. Mate spells out what is wrong with our society and the word "toxic" is not an exaggeration. But it is also encouraging as he points out what we can do to make it right. It is full of science-based evidence and examples. After reading this book you will think about "normal" differently. If this is the only book you read this year then this is a brilliant choice.

Absolutely fantastic book, one that everyone should read