The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture

by Gabor Maté
The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Psychology and Human Behavior
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
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  • ID: 3621
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • Published: 2022-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Myth of Normal questions the very foundations of what society deems 'normal,' exploring how these standards are shaped and their impact on our mental and physical health. The authors draw on cutting-edge research and personal anecdotes to reveal the hidden biases and assumptions that underpin our understanding of normality. /n/n By examining the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, and culture, the book provides a compelling argument for embracing diversity and redefining what it means to be 'normal.' It offers practical insights and tools for individuals to navigate societal expectations and cultivate a more authentic and fulfilling life.

Reviews
Parts and Self · 2025-03-18
insightful 4.50

The book uses storytelling to highlight the widespread impact of trauma and how it is often normalized in society. The reviewer appreciates the depth of Maté's perspective and the engaging way he presents complex ideas.

This review highlights how the book invites readers into a series of stories that illustrate Maté's perspective on the pervasiveness of traumatic normalcy. The reviewer finds the approach thought-provoking and appreciates how Maté manages to present complex ideas in an engaging manner. They believe the book does an excellent job of showing how trauma affects individuals and society as a whole, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding the deeper impacts of trauma.

Quick quotes

    Readers are invited into a series of stories in this book to illustrate the Maté perspective and the pervasiveness of traumatic normalcy.

    The book does an excellent job of showing how trauma affects individuals and society as a whole.

    Maté manages to present complex ideas in an engaging manner.

BJGP Life · 2023-12-16
comprehensive 4.00

The reviewer acknowledges the book's length but believes it is necessary to convey its meaningful content without losing any essential elements. They find the book comprehensive and well-researched.

The reviewer notes that the book is quite long, but they understand why it needs to be that way to cover all the important aspects without losing any meaning. They appreciate the depth of research and the comprehensive approach taken by Maté. The reviewer finds the book to be a valuable resource for understanding the complex interplay between trauma, illness, and healing in a toxic culture.

Quick quotes

    A really, really, long book, but it is hard to see what could be cut from it without losing some of the meaning.

    So, my one-line summary would be that it is a comprehensive and well-researched book.

    The book is a valuable resource for understanding the complex interplay between trauma, illness, and healing in a toxic culture.

Northshire Bookstore · 2023-11-30
refreshing 4.75

The book offers a fresh perspective divergent from Western medicine's current approach, providing a breath of fresh air in the field of psychology. The reviewer finds it more insightful than other psychology books they have read.

This review highlights how the book diverges from the current practices of Western medicine, offering a fresh and much-needed perspective. The reviewer finds it to be a breath of fresh air in the field of psychology, providing insights that are more profound and impactful compared to other books in the genre. They appreciate Maté's unique approach and the depth of understanding he brings to the topics of trauma, illness, and healing.

Quick quotes

    Divergent from Western medicine's current MO, Maté's book is a breath of fresh air.

    More than any psychology book I've read, The Myth of Normal is a standout.

    Maté's unique approach and depth of understanding make this book a valuable read.

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