The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

Trauma affects so many of us. More than had even previously been imagined or acknowledged. But there are veterans dealing with the mental wounds of war, people who did grow up or are growing up with addicts, children (and later adults) who suffered physically and even sexually at the hands of trusted family members and adults, survivors of other sexual assaults, and, unfortunately, so many others. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk spent decades serving trauma survivors. He helped pioneer research, understanding, and treatment of trauma. As is repeated throughout the book, the body keeps the score. The brains of those who have suffered trauma do not operate the same as those who have not. 

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Dr. van der Kolk is an immensely important book. It helps address some misconceptions about trauma including its prevalence, effective treatments for it, and how it rewires the brain. However, this book is now ten years old and readers will be eager for an updated edition.

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk M.D., Viking