The Body Keeps the Score has been a publishing phenomenon, spending over 150 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. The book's success is attributed to the increased cultural attention on trauma, driven by movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter, and a broadening of what is considered traumatic. The book provides a compelling presentation of the science of trauma, making it stand out in the popular psychology genre.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk has been a remarkable success, remaining on the New York Times bestseller list for an extended period. Its popularity is linked to the heightened cultural awareness of trauma, particularly in the context of movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter. The book's unique approach, combining personal anecdotes, case studies, and scientific research, makes it a standout in the popular psychology genre. Van der Kolk's exploration of the neuroscience of trauma, including the role of the amygdala and the vagus nerve, provides a comprehensive understanding of how trauma affects both the mind and body. The book also emphasizes the importance of childhood trauma and the long-term impacts it can have on an individual's sense of self and relationships. Overall, The Body Keeps the Score offers valuable insights into the understanding and treatment of trauma, making it a significant contribution to the field.
Quick quotes
The book has spent more than 150 weeks on the New York Times best seller list for paperback nonfiction, including over half a year in the coveted #1 spot during 2021.
People are seeing trauma everywhere and re-conceptualising their own experiences of misery and misadventure in its terms.
Van der Kolk has substantial legitimacy as a researcher, and his interleaving of the personal and the scientific makes for an engaging read.