What My Bones Know

A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma

by Stephanie Foo

This is a beautiful and honest book about living with Complex PTSD (C-PTSD).

First, Foo shares the story of her childhood, with its traumatic abuse, neglect, and abandonment; it is hard to read even while it is beautifully written, and I recommend that anyone who has experienced violence or abandonment in their childhood take care while they read it.

Next, the author describes being diagnosed with C-PTSD, coming to terms with the diagnosis, and finding a path toward healing. It’s particularly compelling as she realizes that almost every aspect of her life has been shaped and influenced by her childhood trauma. There is so much grief and anger and hurt in that; any of us who have C-PTSD know that pain, I think.

Foo is a masterful writer and the book is as well-researched as it is personal and vulnerable.

I was particularly moved by the author’s sessions with clinical psychologist Dr. Jacob Ham (Youtube @JacobHamPhD), who helped her move through the layers of trauma and fully engage with her life.

(Format: The audiobook is read by the author—a skilled narrator—and includes actual recordings from her sessions with Dr. Jacob Ham.)