Since escaping my narcissistic abuser, I’ve actively sought out any resources possible in order to recover and heal from the hell he put me through.
This has been no easy feat considering the manipulation I endured, as well as the steep financial costs associated with breaking away from intimate partner violence.
These obstacles left tools like therapy, steady work, a safe home, and other resources far out of reach.
Insufficient research into CPTSD and its impact on abuse victims, especially women, has also served as a barrier to my understanding and healing.
A literary education
As a lifelong reader, whenever I’ve had questions in my life, I’ve turned to reading and research for the answers.
After my five years of abuse, I began devouring every book, training, memoir, and peer-reviewed research article I could find on the topics of trauma, CPTSD, and the health and societal advancement of underserved populations.
What I’ve found are inspirational accounts from others who have shared experiences of trauma; survivors who have dared to speak out in the name of societal change despite the substantial risks.
This has resulted in a substantial list of helpful reads which have guided me on my journey toward healing.
I hope to continue expanding my knowledge through this Trauma Recovery Book Club while sharing relevant information and resources with others in my situation.
It’s become my goal to use what I’ve learned to advocate for and support others who are struggling as a result of their trauma. I hope to not only add my own voice to the chorus of those speaking out against oppression, but to help others in similar circumstances to find safety, healing, and a sense of community.
Read it & weed: Trauma recovery book club
Included below are three more of the many incredible reading recommendations I’ve found helpful on this path toward social justice, health equity, and a better understanding of my condition.
The recommendations in this article contain affiliate links. This just means if you click a link and decide to make a purchase, I’ll earn a few extra pennies to support my research habit (and do an elaborate, celebratory dance around my apartment just for you).
My promise to you is that I’ll only ever recommend books and resources I truly believe in and have found beneficial in my healing journey. Happy reading!
1. Financial Feminist: Overcome the Patriarchy’s Bullsh*t to Master Your Money and Build a Life You Love — Tori Dunlap
It is an act of protest to prioritize rest instead of hustle, abundance rather than scarcity, and generosity in place of stockpiling.
Ever since I endured five long years of abuse, and lost nearly all of my savings in the process, I’ve been trying to chip away at my crushing debt. Unfortunately, with the economy as it is currently, it’s been tough to make a dent.
Today’s read is the reason I have a note in my phone called Financial Femininomenon (shoutout Chappell Roan) and should be required reading for any woman who’s ever been made to feel like investing isn’t for them or that it’s too complicated.
Spoiler alert: You were made to feel that way by design.
Tori Dunlap does a straight up inspiring job helping women feel empowered to become financially independent, a goal which I’ve taken on with gusto since reading this book. Learn how to make your money work for you, rather than listening to so-called “experts” who benefit from making finances unapproachable to underserved populations. Cut through the intentionally confusing, gatekeeping financial lingo and discover that you absolutely have what it takes to control your own money.
2. High Achiever: The Incredible True Story of One Addict’s Double Life–Tiffany Jenkins
It was as if there were no limits to my lies, because my moral compass had broken a long time ago… I had to do whatever was necessary to keep this dark side of me hidden — and this time was no different.
When I tell you I devoured this book in one insomnia-fueled sitting, I’m not exaggerating.
This story is wild to the point of feeling like there’s no way it can be true… Except that Tiffany Jenkins lived it.
High Achiever was a stunning account of a woman going through hell to get out from the crushing weight of addiction and work toward recovery.
I was so moved and inspired by this read that I immediately lent it to a friend who also read it in one day. Now that’s a good book.
3. I’m Glad My Mom Died — Jennette McCurdy
Writing is the opposite of performing to me. Performing feels inherently fake. Writing feels inherently real.
As many others will surely tell you, I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy was also a one-sitting read.
I cracked the spine at the airport after settling in at my gate on a flight to the Midwest, and let me tell you I’m shocked I made it onto the flight! I couldn’t have told you what the person next to me looked like, I was so absorbed in Jennette’s story.
I was a big Nickelodeon fan growing up, and to learn of the atrocities so many of these child actors endured has been sickening.
Note: I’ve yet to watch the new docuseries (Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV), but I’m sure I’ll be giving it a watch as soon as I have the capacity.
Jennette’s writing in I’m Glad My Mom Died is at once devastating and uplifting, hilarious yet horrifying. She pulls you straight into her heart.
What did I miss?
As I’ve come to what I consider to be a place of relatively solid ground after years of turmoil, I’ve realized it’s my responsibility to not only share my own experiences, but to lift other victims along with me. I believe that by helping one another escape the isolating shackles of abuse, we can make meaningful societal change.
If you have any recommendations of resources on this subject, or thoughts on the reads above, I absolutely welcome them in the comments.
For more of my recent work on trauma, check out some of my other recent articles below!