Irvin D. Yalom - 2015 Basic Books
In Creatures of a Day: And Other Tales of Psychotherapy, novelist and psychotherapist, Irvin Yalom shares (10) interesting tales of individuals he has counseled over the years in his private practice. Of course, the names have changed as have elements of their stories for the purpose of this book.
Most of the stories felt very real and personal, and involved patients who were dealing with aging issues and/or terminal illness. Most of the individuals, middle-aged or seniors had anxiety issues as they deal with their own mortality or the thought of losing someone near and dear to them. How does one embrace the fact that most of one's life is over, especially when we can't undo a sometimes imperfect past?
One story was about an aged former dancer and ballerina who couldn't stop obsessing about what became of an old love from her younger days. There was also a story about a well educated, 37 year-old man with a great job and high income who was filled with self-doubt. Another involving an elderly man suffering from writer's block, who has been trying to write the same novel for decades, and, one about a mother who has been estranged from her only son for years.
My favorite story was "Get Your Own Damn Fatal Illness: Homage to Ellie", a woman dying of cancer. Early on Ellie was deeply troubled by all the healthy, happy people she crossed paths with, but eventually came to terms with her situation and acceptance of her situation.
"For family and friends I'm more of a scarce commodity. And I feel special to myself also. My time feels more valuable. I feel a sense of importance, gravitas, confidence. I think I'm actually less afraid of dying than I was before cancer, but I'm more preoccupied with it. I don't worry about getting old. I don't give myself a hard time about what I'm doing or not doing. I feel like I have not just permission but almost a mandate to enjoy myself. I love the advice I came across on some cancer website: 'Enjoy every sandwich'."
"Life is temporary---always, for everyone. We always carry our death in our bodies. But to feel it, to feel with a particular name--that is very different."
Through some of theses stories, Yalom's own personal thoughts are revealed. At 83, it's easy to see that the author knows a little bit about living as well as the fears associated with dying. He's practiced psychotherapy for 55 years.
This was a wonderful collection that I read over several weeks -- so happy I tried this one.
4.5/5 stars
(library)
This sounds amazing... just requested it from the library!
ReplyDeleteI thimk you will enjoy it JoAnn. It was a good way to get out of my reading funk.
DeleteThis sounds like something I should read. I could probably relate to some of the stories more than I want to admit. LOL
ReplyDeleteMaybe because of working in Human Services, but age-wise u r still a kid (in my book) LOL
DeleteVery Interesting. That last quote---wow!
ReplyDeleteYes, Debbie, that one was powerful, but there are many more in the book that make you sit up and think.
DeleteThis is one I will definitely seek out, as it sounds fascinating and helpful.
ReplyDeleteThere is something that will resonate with everyone in this book.
DeleteI have a degree in psychology as well as education; I've always been interested in our lives and how our minds work. But, without taking it past a B.A. there wasn't much I could do in terms of a job, and now I wonder if everyone's problems wouldn't distress me to no end. Get Your Own Damn Fatal Illness indeed! That made me smile.
ReplyDeleteMe too fascinated with psychology. Have degrees in Psych and Business...thank goodness I choose business as well so I could feed my kids LOL Not many jobs of $$ with a psych degree unless u have a PHd.
DeleteMy husband loves Yalim and has been bugging me to read one of his books but so far they've all seemed too technical (he is in the field of mental health, I am not) but this book seems perfect--accessible for a layperson! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI keep thinking I need to read more short stories. This collection sounds like one I'd certainly enjoy.
ReplyDelete