Good Morning, Monster; Catherine Gildiner
St. Martin's Press - 2020
I love reading stories about people who thrive and survive despite having the cards stacked against them. Catherine Gildiner, a former clinical psychologist in Canada shares (5) deeply moving and deeply tragic stories about individuals she has treated in therapy. Laura 26, Peter 34, Danny 40, Alana 35, and Madeline 36 each came to Ms. Gildiner early in her practice for a specific issue. Each bear significant aftereffects of childhood trauma, neglect and/or abuse that was affecting their life and/or relationships in adulthood. Some of the neglect and abuse is quite horrific and obviously these individuals had the strength to try to keep moving forward to a sense of normality.
Most come to therapy to deal with a pressing issue but, it is only through their lengthy therapy that they are able to finally see the real trauma that they have repressed. I won't go into the details of each story but, I will say that Peter's story and the early neglect and emotional trauma he experienced at the hands of his Chinese mother bothered me the most for some reason, yet they are all terrible.
The title reveal of this book comes while reading the final story (Madelines.) This book is much darker than Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb. another book that I thought was very good. I loved seeing how teach of the patients slowly comes to the realization of what they must do to move forward toward a more fulfilling life. Each story gave me a more hopeful feeling that the individuals would be okay.
Rating - 5/5 stars (each story sticks with me still)
Our Mom is a retired therapist so she might enjoy reading this since she wouldn't have to deal with it.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, I bet she'd find this interesting.
DeleteI really enjoyed Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, but I'm not sure I'm up for a darker version of that sort of book. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely darker - Les,
DeleteIt is hard to read about such issues.
ReplyDeleteIt is yet, I'm drawn to darker stories like these.
DeleteI have this one checked out and have good intentions of getting to it before I need to take it back. It sounds like something I'd enjoy.
ReplyDeleteRead it! I'll be curious what you think Tina.
DeleteBooks like these can make amazing reads, they also usually have me in floods of tears! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteDeeply affecting for sure Heather.
DeleteThis sounds quite different from anything I've ever read. I'm going to have to see if my local library has this one.
ReplyDeleteI bet they do Sam, I'll be curious what you think should you read it.
DeleteThere is something intriguing about other people's trauma and therapy, which is weird, but I get the attraction.
ReplyDeleteI know, I feel like I shouldn't like reading books like this but I do.
DeleteSounds interesting, thanks for sharing your thoughts
ReplyDeleteHard to say enjoyable as the subject matter is so tough but, I was really drawn to each story.
DeleteRita, She met with these individuals decades later after therapy ceased so, I'm sure they consented.
ReplyDeleteThat's a tough profession.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds intense. Childhood trauma has such a disturbing and lasting affect on development. It is wonderful to hear about those who can finally move on to a more fulfilling life.
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