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The Psycho History Cycle
By an Amazon.com customer
Foundations of PsychohistoryFoundations of Psychohistory by Lloyd Demause
Buy used from: $12.21
The foundation of a relatively new science. Notice the multi-headed dragon on the cover. That's ominous.
For Your Own Good: Hidden Cruelty in Child-Rearing and the Roots of ViolenceFor Your Own Good: Hidden Cruelty in Child-Rearing and the Roots of Violence by Alice Miller
Buy new: $11.56 / Used from: $0.01
The subtitle says it all. Worth every penny. Even has a section on Adolf Hitler's childhood. (For another piece of the Hitler puzzle, I recommend watching The Rape of Europa.)
Endangered : Your Child in a Hostile WorldEndangered : Your Child in a Hostile World by Johann Christoph Arnold
Buy used from: $0.01
An easy read for new parents. You can download the free ebook online. Arnold's writing must come from thoughtful observation, clear thinking, a kind heart, and a gentle disposition.
The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness: Five Steps to Help Kids Create and Sustain Lifelong JoyThe Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness: Five Steps to Help Kids Create and Sustain Lifelong Joy by Edward M. Hallowell M.D.
Buy new: $10.20 / Used from: $0.50
It's all about being connected to someone who loves you and takes care of you.
Too Scared To Cry: Psychic Trauma In ChildhoodToo Scared To Cry: Psychic Trauma In Childhood by Lenore Terr
Buy new: $12.73 / Used from: $0.94
Psychic trauma... that doesn't sound good. But there is hope. See Magical Moments of Change which was also written by Lenore Terr. And don't be fooled by the rather clinical chapter titles. This book deals with real kids (or people who were once kids) that have experienced ghastly situations and horrific crimes.
Children in a Violent SocietyChildren in a Violent Society
Buy new: $43.43 / Used from: $0.01
Can't spend $35 for a new book? There are plenty of used copies on Amazon for $10 or less. You could also try your local library.
The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition)The Sound of Music (Two-Disc 40th Anniversary Special Edition)
Buy new: $55.27 / Used from: $17.58
The captain uses a whistle to call his children. Although educated, responsible, and apparently non-violent, he's detached. Fortunately, the children form a strong, loving connection with Maria that ultimately saves them all. Liesl says, "I like calling you mother." Maria's advice to the captain on childcare: Just love them. They so much want to be close to you.
The Body Never Lies: The Lingering Effects of Hurtful ParentingThe Body Never Lies: The Lingering Effects of Hurtful Parenting by Alice Miller
Buy new: $10.85 / Used from: $9.00
Childhood is an enormous part of who we really are. You can't escape that as an adult. Actions have consequences. The heat remains long after the fire goes out.
Behind Closed Doors: Violence in the American FamilyBehind Closed Doors: Violence in the American Family by Murray A. Straus
Buy new: $28.75 / Used from: $18.43
New York Times Book Review -- Because of the pioneering work of these authors, we know that battered children become battering parents, that violent criminals were usually abused as children and that the dimensions of family violence are wider than we had ever imagined.
The World's Most Evil Psychopaths: Horrifying True-Life CasesThe World's Most Evil Psychopaths: Horrifying True-Life Cases by John Marlowe
Buy new: $11.04 / Used from: $4.49
Genetic predisposition, child abuse, organic brain injuries and abnormalities, the perverted use of free will, control freaks, low self esteem... whatever the case, it can get really ugly in adulthood.
Foundation (Foundation Novels)Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Yes, it's science fiction. First published in 1951. In the book, Hari Seldon develops a new science known as psychohistory. Later we're given this gem from Salvor Hardin, the Mayor of Terminus: Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.
Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism: A Study of Brainwashing in ChinaThought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism: A Study of Brainwashing in China by Robert Jay Lifton
Buy new: $34.68 / Used from: $20.59
This book was published in 1961 (the Mao era), but undoubtedly speaks volumes about the current situation in North Korea today. Check out the other books by R.J. Lifton as well.
The Body Remembers: The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Trauma TreatmentThe Body Remembers: The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Trauma Treatment by Babette Rothschild
Buy new: $20.45 / Used from: $18.00
Trauma is a psychophysical experience. Mind-body duality is so yesterday.
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with AddictionIn the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction by Gabor Mate
Buy new: $10.92 / Used from: $10.10
It's not all about genetics. Brain development will be severely affected by a hostile environment. Our neuroplasticity can be imprinted with trauma and hopefully directed toward healing. Also check out Gabor Mate's other books.
Too Small to Ignore: Why the Least of These Matters MostToo Small to Ignore: Why the Least of These Matters Most by Wess Stafford
Buy new: $10.19 / Used from: $1.49
Chapters 8 and 9 describe the institutionalized and traumatic abuse meted out by the staff at a Christian boarding school for the children of African missionaries in the Ivory Coast. Written by abuse victim Wes Stafford, President and CEO of Compassion International which is dedicated to caring for the world’s underprivileged and impoverished children.
Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma: The Innate Capacity to Transform Overwhelming ExperiencesWaking the Tiger: Healing Trauma: The Innate Capacity to Transform Overwhelming Experiences by Peter A. Levine
Buy new: $9.96 / Used from: $4.63
Interesting concepts with therapeutic possibilities. Also browse Levine's other books.
When the Piano Stops: A Memoir of Healing from Sexual AbuseWhen the Piano Stops: A Memoir of Healing from Sexual Abuse by Catherine McCall
Buy new: $13.47 / Used from: $9.86
An autobiographical account of abuse. Check out Catherine McCall's blog on Psychology Today.
Not Without My Sister: The True Story of Three Girls Violated and BetrayedNot Without My Sister: The True Story of Three Girls Violated and Betrayed by Kristina Jones
Buy new: $11.04 / Used from: $0.02
Child abuse in a whacky religious cult.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo [Blu-ray]The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo [Blu-ray]
Buy new: $15.13 / Used from: $9.00
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. (Warning: This movie contains graphic violence. Not for kids or teenagers. Mature adults only.)
The Prince of TidesThe Prince of Tides
Buy new: $9.99 / Used from: $7.99
The lingering effects of poor parenting and a traumatic assault by hardened criminals. If only Luke had lived. Luke was the strong one.
Deliver Us from EvilDeliver Us from Evil
Buy new: $12.99 / Used from: $1.33
See the wolf in sheep's clothing.
The White RibbonThe White Ribbon
Buy new: $14.99 / Used from: $4.48
Review by Robert Horton -- "In a German village, a series of strange occurrences over several months are sinister and cruel and often involve the children... not merely as victims but also as perpetrators." My take: Interesting but somewhat weird. No closure to the story lines. Not sure it really belongs on this list although the general theme certainly fits.
Predators: Pedophiles, Rapists, And Other Sex OffendersPredators: Pedophiles, Rapists, And Other Sex Offenders by Anna Salter
Buy new: $11.59 / Used from: $6.50
Learn about the enemy. Knowledge is power. A well written and informative book about disturbing subjects. Salter also shoots a few holes in psychohistory theory.
The Sociopath Next DoorThe Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout
Buy new: $10.17 / Used from: $6.99
Fascinating book that deals primarily with conscience (or the lack thereof), but includes a variety of interesting tidbits from military psychology to Romanian orphans.
A General Theory of LoveA General Theory of Love by Thomas;Amini, Fari;Lannon, Richard Lewis
Buy new: $10.88 / Used from: $5.68
New parents listen up: Read chapter 4 of this book immediately. Summary: Be responsive to your child.