49 pages • 1 hour read
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts
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Book Brief
521
Book • Nonfiction
Vancouver, British Columbia • Contemporary
2008
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, Gabor Maté, an addiction specialist at the Portland Hotel in Vancouver, Canada, explores how childhood stressors contribute to adult addiction and challenges societal misconceptions about addicts. The book combines scientific data, patient anecdotes, and Maté's personal experiences, advocating for compassionate and supportive approaches to addiction rather than shaming and persecution. Topics include discussions of childhood trauma and addiction.
Informative
Emotional
Challenging
Contemplative
Dark
Reviews & Readership
25,226 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Gabor Maté's In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts is acclaimed for its compassionate and thorough exploration of addiction, intertwining personal stories with scientific research. Reviews praise its empathetic narrative and insightful analysis, although some critique its dense medical jargon and occasionally repetitive content. Overall, it's a powerful, enlightening read.
Who Should Read In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts?
Readers who are drawn to deep explorations of addiction, trauma, and societal issues will appreciate Gabor Maté's In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts. Comparable to works like Johann Hari's Chasing the Scream and Bessel van der Kolk's The Body Keeps the Score, this book offers a compassionate, insightful perspective on human suffering and recovery.
25,226 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Rae Maté
Rae Maté
Gabor Maté's wife, whose influence and response to her husband's admissions of compulsions are significant, though she is not prominently featured in the book. She represents an empathetic and understanding approach towards dealing with loved ones' addictive behaviors.
Daniel Maté
Daniel Maté
Gabor Maté's son, who offers insight into his father's behavior by sharing his feelings about their relationship and his own experiences with compulsions. His perspective emphasizes the various forms that behavioral addictions can take.
521
Book • Nonfiction
Vancouver, British Columbia • Contemporary
2008
Adult
18+ years
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