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The Myth of Normal

Trauma, Illness & Healing in a Toxic Culture

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The Myth of Normal

By: Gabor Maté, Daniel Maté
Narrated by: Daniel Maté
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

We tend to believe that normality equals health. Yet what is the norm in the Western world?

Mental illness is on an unstoppable rise. Some 45 percent of Europeans suffer high blood pressure, and nearly 70 percent of Americans take at least one prescription drug. Illness and trauma are defining how we live.

In his new masterpiece, renowned physician, addiction expert and author Gabor Maté dissects the underlying causes of this malaise—physical and emotional, and connects the dots between our personal suffering and the pressures of modern-day living. Over four decades of clinical experience, Dr Maté has found that the common definition of 'normal' is false: virtually all disease is actually a natural reflection of life in an abnormal culture, as we grow further and further apart from our true selves. But he also shows us the pathway to reconnection and healing.

Filled with stories of people in the grip of illness or in the triumphant wake of recovery, this life-affirming audiobook shows how true health is possible—if we are willing to embrace authenticity above social expectations. The Myth of Normal is Gabor Maté's most ambitious, compassionate and urgent book yet.

©2022 Gabor Maté and Daniel Maté (P)2022 Penguin Audio Mental Health Personal Development Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Stress Management Health Inspiring Mythology
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The book we need ‘now’. A wide ranging discussion of modern western ways of life and the ways in which we are so acculturated to abnormal ways of being, that we consider very harmful practices to be ‘normal’. Gabor asks us to look deeply at our assumptions and beliefs and challenges us to take the prevalence of mental ill health and anxiety as evidence of a toxic culture rather than sick individuals. Can’t recommend highly enough!

Brilliant

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I have followed the work of Gabor for a few years now. I am very grateful that he chooses to share his insights and wisdom. It is really life changing. What a journey it is to open your ears to the wisdom of Gabor Maté in this amazing book. Wonderfully read by his son. I enjoyed every minute. I have the book on my bookshelf and I will definitely recommend and revisit this masterpiece.

Loved this book!!

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This book came at the perfect time in my life when I was mired in trying to step out of old patterns but stuck in judgement and pain. Now I am able to look compassionately at my old patterns and trust the slow but steady process of changing them. I feel strong and capable and that I am getting somewhere. Thank you

Life changing book

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so many words of wisdom, adore this man and in this book he opens up deeply about his own personal break through.

excellent

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I loved how every aspect of what we think is normal was challenged and backed by a story of healing.

Must read

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I will be listening to this again and again to squeeze every bit of light out of it - as with all your book Garbor 😀

learning

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A must read for everyone.A profound insight to trauma and it's relationship to life,health and spirit.

Yes,yes,yes

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They seemed to make a point out of ridiculing Jordan Peterson which took away any professional integrity for the book. I love Gabors insight but hopefully he can avoid blatant misrepresentations in future work

Disappointing

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Really useful insights into the connections of self authenticity, trauma, health and culture. However, i feel it is over shadowed by what seemed like Marxist ideas and capitalism bashing. I don’t think socialism will help fix our societies ills, just ask Alexander Solzhenitsyn how that turned out for the former USSRs citizens health and trauma. It is both an amazing yet challenging time to be in this present culture. Still thank you for this immense work, Dr Mate. I gained so much from this and look forward to more of your work.

Really useful insights, however

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There is so much to absorb and think about and yet it is also easy- listening. I've listened to it twice already and am still keen to learn more. The vast range of references from philosophers to pop songs make the content relatable to a variety of readers. If you enjoy learning and thinking about the world, this book will engage you. It's made a huge impression in me and I am looking forward to reading it again.

Thought provoking

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