The Body Keeps the Score has been a bestselling book for years, exploring the psychology and neurobiology of trauma. It has gained significant attention due to cultural movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter, as well as the pandemic, which has broadened the understanding and definition of trauma.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk has been a publishing phenomenon, spending over 150 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. The book delves into the complex psychology and neurobiology of trauma, offering a deep understanding rather than quick fixes. Its success can be attributed to cultural movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter, which have raised the profile of trauma. The pandemic also played a role in increasing its popularity by bringing collective trauma to the forefront. The book's engaging presentation of science, combined with personal and clinical insights, makes it a compelling read. However, it has also contributed to a broadening of what is considered trauma, leading people to re-conceptualize their experiences in its terms.
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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.
Reckonings with sexual and racial trauma in the wake of #MeToo and Black Lives Matter have combined to raise the cultural profile of trauma.
People are seeing trauma everywhere and re-conceptualising their own experiences of misery and misadventure in its terms.