
Book Reviews and Recommendations
Review: Martin Prechtel "The Smell of Rain on Dust - Grief and Praise"

"Grief expressed out loud for someone we have lost, or a country or home we have lost, is in itself the greatest praise we could ever give them. Grief is praise, because it is the natural way love honors what it misses.'"
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I turned to this book to help me process a difficult loss. I found it insightful, inspiring, and beautifully written. It offered a unique perspective that separates itself from other literature I've read. Some sections were a bit triggering, but it was exactly what I needed to hear at the time.
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The idea of grief as praise struck me profoundly. I carry that notion with me and use it as fuel to talking more openly about those I've lost. We cannot silence our grief; it's okay to openly celebrate the life of those who are no longer with us. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone working through a loss, especially those who wish to express their grief openly. Honor your love - don't be afraid to celebrate life.
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This book is available on Amazon in paperback, Audible, and Kindle formats. Clink this link to purchase: https://amzn.to/3AtVReW
Review: Dr. Irvin D. Yalom "When Nietzsche Wept"

"When Nietzsche Wept" is a fascinating piece of historical fiction written by one of the world's most renowned existential theorists, Dr. Irvin Yalom. He intelligently blends the history of psychological theory with fiction. This is an absolute must read for mental health clinicians and anyone interested in the history of psychology.
The book's main characters are Fredrich Nietzsche - a world renowned philosopher and Dr. Joseph Bruer - one of the founding fathers of the "talking cure" aka psychoanalysis.
Set in 19th century Vienna, the plot centers around the premise that Nietzsche is in suicidal despair and contemplating suicide, and Dr. Bruer is asked to treat him. Breuer never expects that he will also confront his own inner demons and find solace in embarking on this healing journey with Nietzsche.
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This book is available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover, Audible, and Kindle formats. Clink this link to purchase: https://amzn.to/3e2gFCM
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A movie based off the book is also available on Amazon via Prime Video. Clink the link to watch: https://amzn.to/3R0azS5
Review: Barb Maiberger "EMDR Essentials - A Guide for Cients and Therapists"

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a widely used integrative protocol to help individuals access and overcome their traumatic memories. In this book, Barb Maiberger explains what to expect from EMDR therapy in simple, concrete terms.
As a clinician currently going through Barb Maiberger's EMDR training, I found this book a helpful introduction prior to beginning the training.
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This book is available on Amazon in paperback format. Clink this link to purchase: https://amzn.to/3pUeWSB
Review: Shankar Vedantam -"The Hidden Brain: How Our Unconscious Mind Elect Presidents, Control Markets, Wage Wars, and Save Our Lives"

Shankar Vedantam discusses the role of the "hidden brain" (aka the unconscious) and its influence on our decisions: everything from who we convict of murder to who we fall in love with. He offers great insight and a unique perspective on how to compensate for blind spots.
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I'd recommend this book to anyone looking to gain insight into the unconscious biases we all carry around and how to help combat it.
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This book is available on Amazon in hardcover, Audible, and Kindle formats. Clink this link to purchase: https://amzn.to/3L01uGx