Trauma, empathy, isolation + healing in Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

[@madisonlynch9912]

This book was such a beautifully true portrayal of an outsiders life, but every virtue of the book has been clouded by the marketing for me. I am infuriated by the fact that it was (completely irresponsibly) advertised and reviewed as a quirky, uplifting book when in reality it takes a cold, hard look at PTSD, alcohol abuse, depression, suicide/suicidal ideation, sexual abuse/assault, child abuse, physically, sexually and verbally abusive relationships, and extensive childhood traumas. I understand the motivation to keep the twists and turns under wraps so you don't spoil anything, but DEAR GOD, if any book needed to include a trigger warning at the beginning, it was this one. I made the mistake of picking up this book when my counselor recommended I pick up a light, fun read to get my mind off things, and based on the cover, I had every reason to choose this one. It sent me into an intense depressive episode. To summarize: great book. Dangerously irresponsible marketing.

[@elizabethcarter9853]

Wow, what a great comment! You're right that the cover and jacket quotes makes it feel like a light read where it's definitely not. You raise a really interesting point about how to be authentic in marketing and give readers a legit heads up about potential triggers. I recently read a book like that (My Year of Rest and Relaxation) and was so upset reading it I felt like I'd been duped. I hope that you're feeling better and thanks for your comment!

[@wtevrpunk]

OH MY GOD. that is horrible i’m so sorry you went through this but SO GLAD i read this comment before picking up this book! i hate finding triggering books in a free book box but this one look new and fun! yikes, but hopefully it might help me in ways, i struggle with some of the same things and was looking for a lighthearted positive escape, but i also enjoy sad things and books so might give this a chance!

[@amaranthineZ]

Thank you for your review. I love it. What actually attracted me is that my life is pretty similar to her only that I don't have to go through a dark childhood. When I read this book, I feel like there's someone for the first time in my life that really understand me especially page 272-273. It made me cry a river. Reading this book made me aware that there're lots of people out there just like us. There're many things that she thought about other people that might be considered unusual by other people. This strikes me because I just thought as she did. I like the fact that she talks about the act of kindness. Apart from this, I love it that the author included the scene of her talking to the therapist too.

[@Newleafnaturalmedicine]

I'm so glad you liked this book! Yes, I thought the author did an exceptional job at showing a realistic and not sensationalized view of trauma and how we cope in our adult lives. The therapy scene was wonderful as well! A therapist that isn't crazy! Therapy can help! It was a beautiful moment of breaking down cultural stigma and stereotypes around therapy. There's so much heart in this book it's hard not to be moved by it.

[@amaranthineZ]

@@Newleafnaturalmedicine Thank you very much for your reply :)

[@caliope2269]

I just finished the book and went on KZbin to watch a book review, and then I found you. I love your review 😍😍😍

[@kategrace8003]

You sound so together and empthetic Dr Liz. It was a pleasure to listen to you. Thankyou for taking the time to share your insights about Eleanor Oliphant. I have complex PTSD myself so I am in a good position to confirm your observations are accurate. We are doing the best we can with the cards we've been dealt. It pays to not oerthink things. Best, Kate

[@drlizcarter]

That is so sweet o you to say, Kate! I'm glad the review hit home for you. That means a lot to me coming from someone who has deep personal experience with complex PTSD. Take care and I wish you all the best on your healing journey :)

[@n0_n0]

Thank you for this! You’ve summed up up perfectly how I feel about and why I love this book!

[@drlizcarter]

You're welcome!

[@KatKrueger]

Wonderful review and spot on. Thank You. 💜

[@drlizcarter]

Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@lilithrogers5204]

Hummm, thanks for this in depth review.....I say "Hummm"because it sounds like a very well-written book about a difficult subject and I'm not so sure I'm ready to dive into that right now..this time of isolation has already been hard on me....maybe after Covid is over.

[@rochellebrudny1083]

I liked your comments and impressions of Eleanor's journey. Thank you.

[@Newleafnaturalmedicine]

Thank you! Glad you liked it! Yay Eleanor! :)

[@asfasdfadf9820]

Great video

[@drlizcarter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@camillepowell5937]

Super review!

[@drlizcarter]

Camille Powell thanks so much! I really loved the book and I’m glad you liked the review 😊👍🏻

[@clairedelune2011]

Thank you! Great review.

[@drlizcarter]

Thanks! Glad you liked it! :)

[@ccaarrbb4909]

“There’s always more than meets the eye.” Just finished reading the book an hour ago. Wonderful review! 🤍