This book covers what seems to be a neglected but recently less so consideration of the effect of stress on our body. The book is filled with stories bearing out Gabor's point. I believe the manifold stories are helpful for people to identify with their own situations and help them get past their own mental blocks. As I read the book, I did begin to skip many of the stories, because the plot-lines (rightly so) all played out the same. The repetition of the plot line does seem necessary since people have collectively been conditioned (or they have passively lost a grip on it) to miss the stress-disease connection.
Gabor does not claim to be a Christian and he occasionally takes aim at Christian belief. As I perceive it, this is not a malicious attempt at undermining faith. This is a doctor who has seen many people, Christian or non-Christian not coming to grips with a proper handling of stress in their lives. I encourage you not to tune out as soon as someone criticizes Christianity. Instead, think, pray, and grow in your understanding with God's help.
This book has a lot of footnotes for those who would like to dig deeper. It is accessible and also comprehensive. My one negative for the book is not necessarily the author's fault. It did feel like an oversimplification of disease. Yet, until I have done a more comprehensive study on this topic, who am I do say it is an oversimplification?
Book Review / Dec 15
When the Body Says NO
Exploring the Stress-Disease Connection
By: Gabor Mate
★★★★★
★★★★★
Book Review
This book covers what seems to be a neglected but recently less so consideration of the effect of stress on our body. The book is filled with stories bearing out Gabor's point. I believe the manifold stories are helpful for people to identify with their own situations and help them get past their own mental blocks. As I read the book, I did begin to skip many of the stories, because the plot-lines (rightly so) all played out the same. The repetition of the plot line does seem necessary since people have collectively been conditioned (or they have passively lost a grip on it) to miss the stress-disease connection.
Gabor does not claim to be a Christian and he occasionally takes aim at Christian belief. As I perceive it, this is not a malicious attempt at undermining faith. This is a doctor who has seen many people, Christian or non-Christian not coming to grips with a proper handling of stress in their lives. I encourage you not to tune out as soon as someone criticizes Christianity. Instead, think, pray, and grow in your understanding with God's help.
This book has a lot of footnotes for those who would like to dig deeper. It is accessible and also comprehensive. My one negative for the book is not necessarily the author's fault. It did feel like an oversimplification of disease. Yet, until I have done a more comprehensive study on this topic, who am I do say it is an oversimplification?
I am nuts about books. I read on all kinds of topics. I attempt to review each book I read for the sake of my own enrichment as well as conversation starters with others.