The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Health & Healing in a Toxic Culture – The Sunday Times Bestseller

· Random House
24 reviews
Ebook
576
Pages
Eligible

About this ebook

The empowering book exploring the link between trauma, illness, and modern life – and how to heal your health. From the acclaimed physician and bestselling author of When The Body Says No.

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
OVER ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD

‘Life-changing’ Mel Robbins, bestselling author of The Let Them Theory

‘Riveting and beautifully written’ Bessel van der Kolk, bestselling author of The Body Keeps Score

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We tend to believe that normality equals health. But in today’s modern world, rising rates of anxiety, depression, addiction and chronic illness suggest otherwise. So, what is normal – and is it making us unwell?

In this life-affirming book, Dr Gabor Maté connects the dots between trauma, mental health, and physical illness, showing how our health is shaped by the pressures and expectations of modern life.

Drawing on decades of clinical experience, and real-life stories of people transforming their bodies and minds, Dr Gabor Maté offers a compassionate and hopeful path to healing, self-awareness and emotional wellbeing.

In The Myth of Normal, you’ll discover:

  • Why the illnesses of body and mind can natural responses to a toxic culture
  • How stress and emotional suppression affect the body
  • The science behind the mind-body connection in healing and wellbeing
  • A hopeful path towards resilience, balance and authenticity


Compassionate and urgent, this empowering bestseller shows how true health is possible when we are willing to embrace our authentic selves.

Praise for The Myth of Normal and Dr Gabor Maté:

‘Genuinely changed my life’ Steven Bartlett, bestselling author of Diary of A CEO

‘Intellectual and compassionate...essential reading’ Tara Westover, bestselling author of Educated

‘A wise, profound and healing work’ Johann Hari, bestselling author of Stolen Focus

‘Brilliant, compelling and groundbreaking book’ Tara Brach, bestselling author of Radical Acceptance and Radical Compassion

‘An essential compass during disorienting times.’ Esther Perel, psychotherapist, bestselling author and host of Where Should We Begin

The empowering book exploring the link between trauma, illness, and modern life – and how to heal your health. From the acclaimed physician and bestselling author of When The Body Says No. THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER OVER ONE MILLION COPIES SOLD ‘Life-changing’ Mel Robbins, bestselling a...

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Ratings and reviews

24 reviews
Tanya Pernase
October 24, 2023
Definitely an interesting read. Very intense in sections and would have enjoyed a bit more of an elaboration on how to overcome trauma as at times the book was a bit gloomy, but overall I did learn a lot.
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Karabo Thusi
September 26, 2025
found all of my answers inside. The writing style is very easy even for non-native speakers to understand. You'll will be mind blown!! I'm not giving this one away unfortunately lol.
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Mira
November 9, 2022
When wisdom, knowledge and empathy meets. This book is filled with truths and if you read it mindfully it can guide you to certain solutions.
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About the author

Gabor Maté (Author)
Dr Gabor Maté is a retired physician and bestselling author of five books published across six continents. He is an internationally renowned speaker. His most recent book, The Myth of Normal, has been translated into more than 40 languages and is a New York Times, Sunday Times and international bestseller.

Daniel Maté (Author)
Daniel Maté is an acclaimed musical theatre songwriter and a playwright whose work has been performed across multiple continents. Since 2024 Daniel has co-hosted the popular political satire podcast 'Bad Hasbara: The World's Most Moral Podcast.'

Gabor Maté (Author) Dr Gabor Maté is a retired physician and bestselling author of five books published across six continents. He is an internationally renowned speaker. His most recent book, The Myth of Normal, has been translated into more than 40 languages and is a New York Times, Sunday Time...

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