The mental health landscape is varied — and so are our book recommendations! Embark on a literary journey of compassion and understanding as we unveil a special selection of suggested books on mental health. Delve into the heartfelt testimonies from our contributors about why they chose these particular books – each one offering unique perspectives and insights into the human experience.
Remarkably Bright Creatures
by Shelby Van Pelt
“Remarkably Bright Creatures is an engaging and heart-warming story with a unique central character. While uncovering a mystery, the story explores loss and friendship and ultimately reminds us that we can find support and hope in unexpected places. Read this book and discover for yourself, who the remarkably bright creatures really are.“
Recommended by:
Arla Hamer
Eli’s Place Fundraising Committee Co-Chair
Seven and a Half Lesson About the Brain
by Lisa Feldman-Barrett
“Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain is a short, digestible book by Lisa Feldman-Barrett about modern concepts in neuroscience. I think it’s accessible and it debunks some older theories about the brain that are still widely repeated. I believe that understanding how our brains work can be a valuable tool for improving mental health.“
Recommended by:
Joel Shapiro
Eli’s Place Board Member
The Devil You Know
Stories of Human Cruelty and Compassion
by Gwen Adshead and Eileen Horne
“The Devil You Know, Stories of Human Cruelty and Compassion explores the stories of Dr. Adshead’s patients, drawing from her career as a forensic psychiatrist in England providing therapy in prisons and secure hospitals.
How does human violence manifest? How do we treat someone who had intense delusions and attacked someone with the conviction that she needed to protect herself from harm? The book calls into question the assumptions we make about violence, gender, mental health, and society. This book is an insightful and compassionate look into the minds of individuals who are mentally ill and those most vulnerable in society.“
Recommended by:
Carmen Li
Eli’s Place Peer Advisor
How Emotions Are Made
The Secret Life of the Brain
by Lisa Feldman
“Lisa Feldman Barrett’s How Emotions Are Made is a stimulating exploration of the intricacies of human emotions, challenging traditional views with compelling new insights.
I found Barrett’s theory of emotion both thought-provoking and transformative not only professionally as a psychologist, but also personally as a naturally curious person who likes to make sense of why we do the things we do as humans. The book’s engaging narrative and clear explanations make complex neuroscientific concepts accessible and interesting ensuring that readers stay engaged from start to finish. I recommend this book to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the dynamic and fascinating nature of human emotions.”
Recommended by:
Deanne Simms
Eli’s Place Board Vice-Chair
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
by Lori Gottlieb
“In Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, Gottlieb masterfully intertwines her experiences as both clinician and patient, skillfully exploring the nuances of truth and self-deception in our lives. With humour and raw honesty, she offers a deeply moving portrayal of the human condition, highlighting the essential roles of hope and transformation. Her narrative invites readers to reflect on their own journeys, ultimately revealing the profound resilience found in facing life’s challenges with authenticity and compassion.“
Recommended by:
Emma Little
Eli’s Place Peer Advisor
The Gift
12 Lessons to Save Your Life
by Edith Eger
“Edith Eger has an amazing life story about surviving the Auschwitz concentration camp and creating a life where she has become a world-famous author and therapist. The Gift follows her first book, The Choice, which details her experiences of unimaginable horror in the concentration camp and how she survived.
In this follow-up, Eger explores strategies to move beyond destructive patterns and thoughts that imprison us and to find joy. She shows through examples how not to be a victim but rather a survivor, how to allow all feelings but how not to let negative ones rule your life. She emphasizes kindness to oneself and to let go of judgement. In this easy-to-read book, Eger concludes that although we can’t change what has happened or how we have felt or behaved, we can use the suffering to find a gift in our lives. Both books are powerful and filled with hard-won wisdom.
Recommended by:
Ellen Novak
Eli’s Place Volunteer
The Midnight Library
by Matt Haig
“The Midnight Library by Matt Haig is a compelling exploration of life choices and the concept of parallel lives. I found it particularly engaging due to its imaginative premise and deeply introspective narrative. The book’s mental health angle is profound, as it delves into themes of depression, regret, and the quest for meaning. Through the protagonist’s journey, I learned about the importance of embracing one’s imperfections and the power of hope and second chances.“
Recommended by:
Mike Greenspan
Eli’s Place Volunteer
So-Called Normal
A Memoir of Family, Depression and Resilience
by Mark Henick
“Mark Henick’s remarkable book, So-Called Normal: A Memoir of Family, Depression and Resilience makes the case for a treatment centre like Eli’s Place.
As a self-described “frequent flyer,” Henick exposes the revolving door of emergency psychiatric care.
With raw honesty, Henick describes depression, dissociation, the stigma of being held in restraints, the silence that surrounds mental illness, and the daily effort required in recovery.
I was challenged, angered and ultimately, inspired.“
Recommended by:
Kate Kostandoff
Board Member
Eli’s Place Communications Team
Our Eli’s Place blogs are developed & written by the Eli’s Place Editorial Team — a collaboration between staff and volunteers committed to raising awareness about serious mental illness in Canada. We aim to inform, inspire, and engage with readers who care about mental health and recovery.
- Eli’s Place Communications Team#molongui-disabled-link
- Eli’s Place Communications Team#molongui-disabled-link
- Eli’s Place Communications Team#molongui-disabled-link
- Eli’s Place Communications Team#molongui-disabled-link
