instead of the body keeps the score
look into these books that are widely varied on the topic of trauma, with a more empathetic and understanding approach and perspective.
created by keyaunna
last updated July, 2026
Comments
KEYAUNNA. you have summoned me!!!
My professor has had us read 4 chapters of that fucking book and then has not discussed them at all, so they have just been presented like, totally uncritically, and I have been SO MAD ABOUT IT (but not mad enough to bring it up after 3.5 hours of zoom class and make everyone stay later bc by then my brain is tired).
omd gave me the idea to rant about it in the end of class feedback form which is probably what I will do if she never brings it up but… UGH. I read the book probably a decade ago and I don’t think I thought too much of it, but idk, reading it with 2026 eyes was appalling
keyaunnaOP
i tried reading it after therapy and COULD not finish that book. it's just so unsympathetic and not only is the author an alleged predator, but also many women have reported he'd S/A'd them.
You may enjoy the podcast ‘If Books Could Kill’ breakdown on this book. It’s really good and really thorough, and I appreciate how they systematically go through a debunk major portions of it since the author was apparently very problematic at best🫣
I bought it years ago but haven’t ever read it and am getting rid of it now.
Would much rather read the books on this list!
keyaunnaOP
i've listened to that episode!!!!
Yes! I love that podcast so much!
Ayeee🎉🙌 Me too! Mike is awesome - I love him and Aubrey on Maintenance Phase as well!
Obsessed with both these podcasts tbh, they are so well-researched and thoughtful
They are both excellent pods!!
It’s so true - the research and nuance is impeccable in both of these podcasts!✨🤗
Thank you for this! I have never read that book but recently listened to a podcast episode about it and was shocked at the sort of content it has vs its shining reputation.
Fellow If Books Could Kill listener? 🤝
You know it 😁
Hell yeah - love that podcast, Mike is awesome! I love him and Aubrey on Maintenance Phase as well. Both such well researched, nuanced shows. ✨
lovely list!! putting this in my back pocket for when people bring up the body keeps the score to give alternatives that are much more empathetic!
keyaunnaOP
glad to hear it :D
