AllisonInPgh

Much Like an Entry in an Encyclopedia

Revisado: 04-28-19

Readers who need a thorough definition of the disorder and those looking to differentiate between PTSD and Complex PTSD will find what they’re looking for here. Anecdotally, I plan to share this book with a few friends and family members who have asked me for a “Wikipedia-like” overview of C-PTSD.

The book is succinct and accurate while doing a great job of articulating the idea that children cannot and do not withstand or understand stressful or dangerous events in the same way adults do. Adults often dismiss sibling bullying, for example, but young children are often traumatized by ongoing sibling harassment because they have no power and no control and don’t believe they will ever escape the bullying.

The book might help readers identify C-PTSD traits within themselves, but it gives a rather bleak assessment of the lives of adults with C-PTSD. I know traumatic history changes a person through and through and adults with traumatic pasts struggle to navigate life. However, it would have been nice to hear a story or two from adults who have years of therapy and self awareness under their belts.

And that leads me to why I gave this book 3 stars (although I wish I could give 2 1/2): It was half a book. I actually thought there was an app glitch and not that the book had ended. The author didn’t include stories of adults who struggled but overcame, nor did she offer any substantive suggestions for getting help. It’s like the author said, “yep. You suffered trauma and it permanently damaged you. You suck at adulting. Good luck!”

Obviously, I’m exaggerating, but I hate it when personal development books fail to offer even the most brief next steps for the reader.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña