What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma – A Personal Journey
Yesterday, as I scrolled through Goodreads, I noticed a familiar name pop up—Stephanie Foo. She has a new memoir, What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma, that caught my eye. Released on the auspicious date of 2/2/22, it seemed serendipitous for me, a passionate reader and professional in the trauma field. I wondered if I’d find Foo’s insights interesting, especially having immersed myself in this subject for over three years at PACEs Connection. However, curiosity piqued by a fellow college classmate’s anticipation got me to download the audiobook and dive in.
Right from the introduction, I felt an immediate connection. Foo’s candid description of her moment of receiving a C-PTSD diagnosis struck a chord. I remembered my own sensation of alienation after learning about my Childhood Emotional Neglect. Her words evoked vivid memories of disconnection—sitting blankly at the computer, feeling like an alien in the world I once thought I belonged to. “Maybe I can’t do human life,” I once mused, just as she articulated her struggles.
Foo narrates her journey with sincerity and insight, chronicling her experiences with panic attacks and the hidden scars of a painful childhood. Abandoned by her parents and raised under physical and verbal abuse, her quest for healing bursts forth from a landscape rife with familial secrets and generational trauma. The beauty of her storytelling lies in how she amalgamates rigorous research with personal anecdotes and the trials of various therapies. This balance invites readers into not just her healing journey but also an exploration of trauma’s pervasive effects, from individual experiences to collective cultural implications.
But what makes this memoir truly extraordinary is Foo’s raw vulnerability. She openly shares her struggles—not just academically but emotionally, revealing those moments of feeling unlovable, hardened, and angry. Her narration of recorded therapy sessions with Dr. Jacob Ham is a remarkable gift that allows listeners an intimate glimpse into the therapeutic process—highlighting the transformative power of relational healing. As I listened, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own interactions with mental health professionals, including Dr. Ham himself, who I was fortunate enough to meet virtually through PACEs Connection.
The writing flows beautifully—there’s a warmth and immediacy to Foo’s voice that makes you feel like you’re sharing a cup of tea and a heartfelt conversation. Her literary style is relatable and profound, with dynamic pacing that encourages reflection. I found myself jotting down notes on my phone, resonating with her observations about the tough edges we sometimes develop when we’re trying to shield ourselves from pain.
The themes of forgiveness, compassion, and the murky waters of healing bring depth to this memoir. It made me reflect on my own past injustices—those moments when I lashed out in anger, absorbed the label of “bad kid,” and wrestled with feelings of isolation. Foo’s journey struck a balance, reminding me to extend compassion not only to her but also to myself.
So, who would find joy in this book? Anyone who has navigated the choppy waters of trauma, whether personally or professionally, will find profound insights and validation in Foo’s reflections. It’s a timely reminder that while we cannot erase our pasts, we can learn to move with them.
I closed this audiobook with a sense of awe and gratitude, feeling uplifted by her commitment to healing, truth, and love. Her story empowers us all—not just to confront our traumas but to embrace them as part of our intricate human experience. So, do yourself a favor and get your hands on What My Bones Know. It’s not just a memoir; it’s a roadmap for healing and understanding oneself in a world that often feels too chaotic to navigate.
If you wish to delve deeper into this rich tapestry of healing, check out my original review here.
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