Category: Reading

2/12/2024

So, I just finished an audiobook called The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. A teacher I know told me she was reading this book and recommended it to me. Before I get into my review of this book, I do want to make sure if you intend to read this book you know it is not written by a Christian author. There is cussing and talks of what could be considered inappropriate material and/or circumstances involving trauma someone may go through. Some of it can be more detailed than I would have wanted to know.

Also… PLEASE NOTE… if you are a victim or have suffered trauma, look at all the reviews you can and educate yourself before you read. I read one review that stated this book upset them, and I would not want anyone to read this if it were to bring on more trauma.

Ok… my review. I am not a psychologist or a psychiatrist. One opinion I have is that there is a ton of good information in here. The author talks about all sorts of trauma and the reasons for trauma. He goes into talking about studies and therapies he had done with his patients. He will admit some of the studies and therapies he talks about are controversial, even in his field of study. I have a family member who has a degree in psychology but have not talked to him about this book yet. It will be on my list of things to talk to him though.

This book contains more information than I can write about in this review. It has given me some things to consider when I am interacting with people who may seem like they have some trauma. This is a one and done book for me. I probably will not refer to it or read it again. For my part, I am a believer in Jesus, and I believe Jesus needs to be at the center of anything and everything we do.

If you aren’t in field of psychology or psychiatry, I would only recommend this book to give you an understanding of trauma and how it affects our brains. Personally, I would be more interested in reading Dr. James Dobson books. Dr. Dobson is a psychologist and founder of Focus on the Family. He now has Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.

So, with that said, I would definitely recommend Bringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson. I have read this book, and it gives you great advice on raising God fearing young men in today’s society.

So, 2024 I have decided to try to read 24 books. January, I have read four books. The Lie: Evolution by Ken Ham, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides, The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, and The Time Machine by H.G. Wells. I will review these one at a time.

The Lie: Evolution by Ken Ham

This is a good book to help lay down some fundamentals to creation. Unfortunately, our schools don’t consider anything but evolution. Here is an alternative to help education yourself and your family about God’s creation and design. I actually listened to the audiobook. I would highly recommend reading this book, and getting your Bible out to study.

2 Timothy 2:15 is one of my favorite verses. Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Let me just start by saying, Wow! It does start off slow, but it will build and get better. It has a twist I didn’t see coming. Plot includes a woman who shoots her husband in the face, and then stops talking. A psychotherapist who is obsessed with this woman’s life.

If you like twisted plots, this psychological thriller will not disappoint.

The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

Part of my goal this year is to read some classics. I’m not a really big fan of science fiction books. I choose to listen to this my audio book also. It will probably not be a book I would read again. H.G. Wells does have a great imagination, and I can picture the different creatures he describes in my mind. His book is definitely based off of an evolution mindset.

The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

I will have to say this has been my favorite read this month. I loved watching the movie growing up. The movie stays pretty true to the book in my opinion. I love the lessons we can learn from reading this book. About giving to others and caring for others. Something I feel we have lost a little of in our society. This would definitely by worth your time in reading!

January, four books down and twenty more to go. Happy Reading y’all!