REVIEW | Strangers to Ourselves
Unsettled Minds and the Stories That Make Us
AUTHOR: Rachel Aviv
ISBN: 9780374600846
FIRST PUBLISHED: SEP 13TH 2022
PAGES: 288 PAGES
EDITION LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
★★★★
How does the narrative we construct about mental illness influence our understanding of others and their experiences in the world?
This is an essay collection and case study that documented different individuals whose stories challenged the conventional psychiatric limits and reshape our understanding of mental illness. It begins with Aviv’s powerful and personal story, as the youngest patient that has been diagnosed with anorexia at the age of 6. And further explored a diverse range of cases featuring individuals who have various of backgrounds.
I was captivated by the introspective prologue. And I liked how reflective Aviv was about her experiences, and candidly shared insights into her recovery. However, the following section, the chapter called “Ray” didn’t hold up with the same level of engagement and I was worried that the writing would become weaker when Aviv was talking about other people’s stories. But luckily the book as a whole quickly recovered and regained momentum. Each following chapter offered a unique perspective into the mental and spiritual world.
I liked how tender and inclusive the tone is in this book that pervades this book. It creates a sense of compassion and understanding, allowing readers to connect with the diverse individuals whose stories are shared. Additionally, I found the social commentary in the book to be thoughtfully incorporated. Whether it’s providing additional background stories or calling out systematic failures. They are presented with the right timing and length, providing insightful observations on relevant issues without overshadowing the personal narratives.
I especially loved the conclusion story of the book about depression which raised the question: How does the narrative we construct about mental illness influence our understanding of others and their experiences in the world?
This is an insightful and thought-provoking book that I highly recommend reading this book with an open mind and receptive perspective. It offers a valuable opportunity to broaden our understanding of mental health. And how we constructed the world around social norms and often overlook individual needs and differences.