Monday Book Review (on a Tuesday)! Today we will be discussing books that are full of psychological stories through the lenses of professionals and/or sufferers. Eminent therapists will tell of their most fascinating cases, how they approached them, and what they learned through the process. You will definitely be interested in each case as they are surely the most unusual.
Also, check out some other sections if you are beginning in psychology or just interested in psychology. Books to Answer All Your Burning Questions About Psychology has books with facts and simplified overviews of psychology . Pop Culture and Psych is my personal favorite as the books are the psychology of some of my favorite movies or shows! Books Written for Therapists is definitely one I would recommend to anyone beginning their journey in the mental health field.
Table of Contents
Post Contents
The Mummy at the Dining Room Table
Well known practitioners recount the most memorable case histories from their careers. Humorously portrayed stories of human behavior are dramatically told in engaging and surprising ways. Each chapter gives a behind-the-scenes look at how therapists work with clients whose problems and behaviors aren’t found in standard psychology textbooks. Follow cases to see how eminent therapists help these intractable problems and learn something about themselves in the process.
Review: Some books on this list take a serious view of therapy and a therapist’s life, this one is different. I listened to this book as an audiobook, to and from work. I cannot recount the amount of times it had me laughing in my car or texting my colleagues. It also continuously reminded me of my own case stories that I believe I will never forget.
Therapy is intense, the life of a therapist can be draining, but this book reminds us of all the interesting stories we hear and interesting people we encounter through our career. I believe this book will renew your fascination in the world of psychology and the human mind. Plus, there is always the times where each therapist wishes to be a “fly-on-the-wall” in another therapist’s room just to see how they would handle a difficult situation. This book gives that acceptable voyeuristic experience.
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat
The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales is a 1985 book by neurologist Oliver Sacks describing the case histories of some of his patients. Sacks chose the title of the book from the case study of one of his patients who has visual agnosia, a neurological condition that leaves him unable to recognize faces and objects.
Review: A full on classic. For anyone interested in psychology or human behavior or just really likes odd stories. This book is usually at the forefront of psychological tales. Oliver Sacks has many books that are frequently recommended. This book has focuses on some of his interesting cases, what he learned, and what we can learn from his experience. Recently, I learned that an individual made The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat into an opera. Though the original opera is not around I did find and watch this TV adaptation that is quite amusing.
The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog
In The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog, Dr. Perry tells stories of trauma and transformation through the lens of science, revealing the brain’s astonishing capacity for healing. Deftly combining unforgettable case histories with his own compassionate, insightful strategies for rehabilitation, Perry explains what exactly happens to the brain when a child is exposed to extreme stress — and reveals the unexpected measures that can be taken to ease a child’s pain and help him grow into a healthy adult. Through the stories of children who recover — physically, mentally, and emotionally — from the most devastating circumstances, Perry shows how simple things like surroundings, affection, language, and touch can deeply impact the developing brain, for better or for worse.
Review: A three-year-old witnessing her father murder her mother. Twenty-one Waco children under the influence of David Koresh. As a clinical psychologist focused on children and childhood trauma, this book has always been a favorite of mine. I will try not to be too biased in my review. The stories presented throughout this book are realistic, intriguing, and sometimes horrifying.
The authors take us through heartbreaking cases of children who have dealt with unspeakable traumas. However, the authors also teach us why people may act the way they do and the support that they need from family, friends, communities as well as professionals. I think that everyone would benefit from reading this book.
Dibs: In Search of Self
In 1964, Axline introduced the rest of the world to “Dibs”. Dibs is silent. Dibs is a mystery to his parents and teachers. Dibs cannot be reached no matter how hard they try. He hides under tables and lashes out at other children. Some think he’s incapable of learning and interacting in a regular classroom. Some think he’s emotionally disturbed. Everyone is desperate to fix him, except for “Miss A”.
An account of Axline as play therapist, advocate, and aprtner in Dibs’ therapeutic journey.
Review: There are many books on play therapy theory. There are many books on play therapy techniques. Throughout my education and career, I have read more than can remember. However, this classic is one that has always been recommended to me. From my first days in undergrad through graduate school and beyond. Axline’s portrayal of Dibs in his play therapy journey is an excellent teaching account of working with children in a therapeutic setting.
I would recommend this book to anyone. Especially those who have children, work with children, or have children in their lives. This book will help you understand the world of a child.
The Naked Lady Who Stood on Her Head
A psychiatrist’s stories of his most bizarre cases offers a fascinating and highly entertaining look into the peculiarities of the human mind. Psychiatrists, counselors, and the like are in a unique position. They are in possession of incredibly interesting stories, yet the constraints of confidentiality and ethical concerns make sharing them difficult.
Balancing the maintenance of privacy with the urge to tell—what are stories for, if not for sharing?—is a tricky matter. Small achieves that feat in this collection of “his most bizarre cases.” This is not a metaphor. While working a psychiatric ward shift as a new doctor, he is faced with an unresponsive client who is naked and standing on her head. Another client seems obsessed with having an arm amputated.
Review: The stories were very interesting and the book was difficult to put down. Readers will be eager to read on about the cases he presents with each passing chapter. AI would recommend the book to anyone interested in how the mind and body influence each other. The author expresses his shortcomings in some cases, how he had learned from his mistakes, and had grown as a psychologist over time in a very compelling and humbling way. Highly recommend if you are into psychology.
Darfur Diaries
In February, 2003, the Sudanese Liberation Army in Darfur after years of oppression took up arms against the Sudanese government. The government and allied militias answered the rebellion with mass murder, rape and the wholesale destruction of villages and livelihood, resulting in one of the world’s largest humanitarian and political crises.
In October and November, 2004, a team of three independent filmmakers trekked to Darfurian refugee camps in eastern Chad and crept across the border into Darfur. They met dozens of Darfurians, and spoke with them about their history, hopes and fears, and the tragedy they are living. Refugees and displaced peoples, civilians and fighters resisting the Sudanese government, teachers, students, parents, children and community leaders provide the heart of Darfur Diaries.
Their stories and testimonies, woven together through the personal experience of the filmmakers, and conveyed with political and historical context, provide a much-needed account to help understand Darfur. These are people whose lives, homes, safety and rights deserve to be protected as vigilantly as those of peoples all over the world.
Review: This is a multi-layered, extremely readable and informative book. Though not centered in psychology, this book is added to this list due to the intensity and knowledge it holds. Darfur Diaries is a poignant, raw view of three documentary-makers’ journey into genocide-ravaged Darfur. Fortunately, this is not a report, but a soul-wrenching memoir. The Darfurians that the reader meets are eloquent and vulnerable, courageous and surprisingly positive in light of the living hell that most have experienced. In sum, I heartily recommend this well-written, engaging, and accessible book. Video documentary
Switching Time: A Doctor’s Harrowing Story of Treating a Woman with 17 Personalities
Karen Overhill walks into psychiatrist Richard Baer’s office complaining of vague physical pains and depression. Odder still, she reveals that she’s suffering from a persistent memory problem. Routinely, she “loses” parts of her day, finding herself in places she doesn’t remember going to or being told about conversations she doesn’t remember having.
Baer recognizes that Karen is on the verge of suicide and, while trying various medications to keep her alive, attempts to discover the root cause of her strange complaints. Then Baer receives an envelope in the mail. It’s marked with Karen’s return address but contains a letter from a little girl who writes that she’s seven years old and lives inside of Karen. Soon Baer receives letters from others claiming to be parts of Karen. Under hypnosis, these alternate Karen personalities reveal themselves in shocking variety and with undeniable traits—both physical and psychological.
Realizing that his patient represents an extreme case of multiple personality disorder, Baer faces the daunting task of creating a therapy that will make Karen whole again. Somehow, in fact, he must gain the trust of each of Karen’s seventeen “alters” and convince them of the necessity of their own annihilation.
Review: The complexities of the human mind are revealed with detail, dimension, and compassion. Horrific, unimaginable abuse had forced Karen to create different personalities, with widely varying characteristics and abilities. With that in mind, this book is extremely graphic and not recommended for the faint of heart. Though definitely not for everyone, this is an interesting read and somewhat controversial topic in the world of psychology. Would recommend.
Diary of a Bipolar
Honest, intimate, and sometimes agonized diary entries over the course of several years, Ison charts the beginnings of his illness, from choosing doctors and med regimens through times when his close relationships foundered and family pulled away, and he was close to suicide.
Review: A fascinating read, told from a male perspective (rare in psychology). I believe this book would be useful for anyone suffering from the disease, their loved ones, as well as readers curious about the psychological concepts involved. The level of honesty throughout the book creates a sense of knowing that many other non-fiction books have trouble emanating. This diary is an attempt to demonstrate to non-sufferers what being bipolar is actually like. Readers should be prepared for a rollercoaster of high and low moods, disorganization and narcissism. Definitely recommend this book if this topic is of interest to you.
Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness
An award-winning memoir and instant New York Times bestseller that goes far beyond its riveting medical mystery, Brain on Fire is the powerful account of one woman’s struggle to recapture her identity. In a swift and breathtaking narrative, Cahalan tells the astonishing true story of her descent into madness, her family’s inspiring faith in her, and the lifesaving diagnosis that nearly didn’t happen.
Review: Some may recognize this title from Netflix, as there was a very good movie documentary on this same subject (Movie Trailer). This book is incredibly well written, in an honest account of the authors story to represent the struggle of the disease she suffers. The reason I add this book to this list is because it should be required for all mental health professionals. The importance of understanding a disease fully, of getting second opinions or advice from collogues cannot be understated. Not only is this a great portrayal of this woman’s psychotic moments, it is also a lesson in misdiagnosis.
Twenty Four Stories From Psychology
A good story sets the stage for engaged learning. Nowhere is this more important than in foundational courses, such as Introductory Psychology or History of Psychology. John Hogan’s Twenty-Four Stories from Psychology captivates readers with the rich stories–the who, what, where, when, why and how–for many of the major theories and colorful characters who have shaped the development of Psychology as a field. The storytelling format and carefully developed pedagogical features―critical thinking and formative assessment questions at the end of each chapter―are sure to make this brief text a powerful tool for teaching and learning in psychology.
Review: I have yet to read this book, but have been recommended to read it by many. Since I believe it will be an excellent read, I have included it on this list. Please read APA’s review of this text for further information. (Will update when I read it)
The Men on My Couch: True Stories of Sex, Love and Psychotherapy
When Dr. Brandy Engler opened her sex therapy practice for women in Manhattan, she got a big surprise. Most of the calls were from men. They wanted to talk about womanizing, porn addiction, impotence, prostitutes—and most of all, love. In The Men on My Couch, Dr. Engler allows readers inside those private sessions to witness her exciting and evocative encounters with what men desire and fear.
Review: A fascinating tale of such a specific niche in psychology that could be important for many to read. There are no tired facile conclusions or pejorative generalizations. Here are fresh insights into modern sexual maladies, gleaned from real people having real struggles and experiencing real epiphanies—in the real world. The result is a candid exploration of human desire and love, which thankfully doesn’t try to pit women and men as adversaries in a battle of the sexes.
Love’s Executioner & Other Tales of Psychotherapy
In this book, Yalom uncovers the mysteries, frustrations, pathos, and humor at the heart of the therapeutic encounter. With insight and sympathy, Yalom not only gives us a rare and enthralling glimpse into the personal desires and motivations of ten of his patients, but also tells his own story as he struggles to reconcile his all-too-human response with his sensibility as a psychiatrist.
Review: Another of Yalom’s works that will speak to any therapist, those just starting out or those more experienced. An informative and thought-provoking review of the progress of 10 psychotherapy patients. A fascinating story-line for someone who enjoys learning about behaviors, motivations, and personalities. Yalom’s honesty about his own foibles and feelings draw in the reader, offering security in the reliability of the assessments presented.
Any individual who works with patients will find themselves attempting to solve each patient’s mystery alongside Yalom. Readers are free to evaluate Yalom’s process, reactions, and therapeutic relationships throughout this honest recollection. Love’s Executioner has inspired hundreds of thousands of readers already, and promises to inspire generations of readers to come.
Creatures of a Day: And Other Tales of Psychotherapy
In this collection of stories, renowned psychiatrist Irvin D. Yalom describes his patients’ struggles to come to terms with the two great challenges of existence: how to have a meaningful life yet reckon with its inevitable end.
We meet a nurse who must stifle the pain of losing her son in order to comfort her patients’ pains, a newly minted psychologist whose studies damage her treasured memories of a lost friend, and a man whose rejection of psychological inquiry forces even Yalom himself into a crisis of confidence.
Review: This book is similar to Love’s Executioner (listed above). The topics of death and meaning in life connect the stories as one might expect from a humanist/existentialist therapist. Yalom’s exploration of working with patients is insightful and engaging. He writes a brilliant narrative and is open about the mistakes and missed opportunities he makes with his clients, as well as the breakthroughs. I will always recommend books by Yalom, as seen in previous posts.
Tales of Psychology: Stories to Make You Wise
Tales of Psychology consists of nineteen short stories selected for their insight into human nature and their merit as fine works of literature. Each story is followed by a discussion of the psychological principles revealed. It is entirely possible that in some cases, reading a particular story can change the life of a reader, reveal the depths of his or her own psyche or that of a loved one, demonstrate what is pathological and requires medical assistance, or reassure the individual of what is normal behavior. As a result, they will be able to understand individuals better and to adapt more easily to people in their lives. In many cases they will understand themselves better, and, as a result, be able to lead less conflicted lives.
Review: This book takes the reader into the realm of psychology in an educational and insightful way. Alma Bond has taken the opportunity to combine some excellent short stories with her expertise in comprehending human behavior to both entertain and delight the reader. Each of her reprinted stories has a lesson, or special matter of understanding within its pages that she feels worthy of sharing. With her guidance at the end of each one we may gain some better understanding of ourselves or someone around us. Overall, an intriguing read that offers a different perspective into psychology.
Sybil: The Classic True Story of a Woman Possessed by Sixteen Personalities
Here is the unbelievable yet true story of Sybil Dorsett, a survivor of terrible childhood abuse who as an adult was a victim of sudden and mysterious blackouts. What happened during those blackouts has made Sybil’s experience one of the most famous psychological cases in the world.
Review: The story of Sybil is very controversial in the mental health field. I feel required to indicate that many will find this book to be controversial in its nature as well. Similar to the book above, Sybil endures unspeakable traumas at a young age and develops different personalities to help survive through the horrors. Sybil Dorsett was the most famous multi-personality ever treated. This book describes the history, treatment and recovery of Sybil. It also looks at the likely reasons for dissociation and the very different and autonomous 16 personalities. It is a tragic story with an uplifting end, written in a documentary style rather than a fictionalized account. Again, similar to above, this book is explicit in the traumas endured and may not be suitable for everyone.
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