Book of the Day – The Myth of Normal

Today’s Book of the Day is The Myth of Normal written by Gabor Maté and Daniel Maté in 2022 and published by Avery Publishing Group.

Gabor Maté is a Hungarian-born Canadian physician famous for his study and treatment of addiction and his unique perspective on Attention Deficit Disorder. He firmly believes that there is a strong connection between mind and body health. Born in Budapest, Hungary in 1944, he is a survivor of the Nazi genocide. His maternal grandparents were killed in Auschwitz when he was five months old, his aunt disappeared during the war, and his father endured forced labor at the hands of the Nazis.

Daniel Maté is a composer, lyricist, and playwright of musical theatre. He is Gabor Maté’s son. He has an M.F.A. in Musical Theatre Writing and a B.A. in Psychology and Philosophy.

The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté and Daniel Maté

I chose The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture for today’s review as in it Gabor Maté has poured all of his knowledge to find out the root of one of the most serious problems of our day. He and his son show how we live in a toxic culture we have created ourselves, and why living in it makes us suffer, The authors also provide deep, yet practical insights as to how we can begin our healing journey by properly caring for our own emotional health and developing compassion.

It all starts with the refusal to accept the mainstream idea that one should accept a taxing, exhausting life and illness as normal. This is a myth, and cannot be considered a “normal” life for the two authors, who are father and son.

So, this is indeed a deep and thought-provoking book that challenges the idea and the concept of what many passively consider “normal” in our society.

The authors explore the ways in which our society’s toxic culture can lead to trauma and illness, and the importance of healing and self-care in overcoming these challenges.

In The Myth of Normal, the authors use scientific evidence, moving stories, and practical examples to demonstrate beyond any possible doubt that we are the product of the environment we live in.

They show how our childhood experiences, and our life in a toxic consumeristic culture where loneliness, materialism, and addiction are widely spread, can change our entire being, mind and body together.
From their point of view, chronic mental and physical illness are not byproducts of bad genes, but, more likely, the outcome of a harmful environment.

One of the key ideas in the book is that the pursuit of what society designated as normalcy and the associated pressure to conform to the expectations of many members of this artificial society can have serious harmful effects on our mental and physical health. Maté also discusses how trauma, particularly childhood trauma, can manifest itself in various forms of illness and dysfunction later in our life. He also delves into the importance of addressing and healing from trauma in order to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

In addition to discussing these important issues, the book also provides practical advice for individuals seeking to heal from trauma and find greater balance and well-being in their lives. Maté offers strategies for self-care and for building resilience in the face of adversity.

Overall, The Myth of Normal is a poignant and inspiring read that encourages readers to embrace their unique journey toward healing and self-acceptance. Whether you are struggling with trauma or simply seeking to live a healthier and more fulfilling life, this book is sure to provide valuable insights and inspiration.