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The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Trauma and Adversity Paperback – December 14, 2021

4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 3,882 ratings

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“An extraordinary, eye-opening book.” —People

National Health Information Awards winner

“A rousing wake-up call. . . . This highly engaging, provocative book prove[s] beyond a reasonable doubt that millions of lives depend on us finally coming to terms with the long-term consequences of childhood adversity and toxic stress.” —Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow

Dr. Nadine Burke Harris was already known as a crusading physician delivering targeted care to vulnerable children. But it was Diego—a boy who had stopped growing after a sexual assault—who galvanized her journey to uncover the connections between toxic stress and lifelong illnesses.

The stunning news of Burke Harris’s research is just how deeply our bodies can be imprinted by ACEs—adverse childhood experiences like abuse, neglect, parental addiction, mental illness, and divorce. Childhood adversity changes our biological systems, and lasts a lifetime. For anyone who has faced a difficult childhood, or who cares about the millions of children who do, the fascinating scientific insight and innovative, acclaimed health interventions in The Deepest Well represent vitally important hope for preventing lifelong illness for those we love and for generations to come?.

“Nadine Burke Harris . . . offers a new set of tools, based in science, that can help each of us heal ourselves, our children, and our world.”—Paul Tough, author of How Children Succeed

“A powerful—even indispensable—frame to both understand and respond more effectively to our most serious social ills.”—New York Times


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Editorial Reviews

Review

The Deepest Well . . . offers a powerful—even indispensable—frame to both understand and respond more effectively to our most serious social ills.” —David Bornstein, New York Times “Can severe childhood stress cause adult stroke, cancer, Alzheimer’s and more? Yes, says Harris, a pediatrician who began researching the biological effects of abuse, divorce and other stressors after treating a boy who stopped growing following a sexual assault. There’s no way yet to erase the damage, but Harris developed a written screening test and strongly advocates exercise, mindfulness, diet and talk therapy as remedies. An extraordinary, eye-opening book.” —People, Book of the WeekThe Deepest Well is more than a riveting medical story—it’s a must-read guide for recognizing, understanding and treating a condition that many will find in our own homes.” —BookPage “Get the book. Read the book. Share the book . . . The Deepest Well is about avoidance, therapy, and healing for the children who have ACE in their lives. The country needs Dr. Burke Harris’s book.” —ThreeKeyYears.org “A heart-breaking, world-shaking, revolutionary book. In The Deepest Well, Nadine Burke Harris uncovers the once-hidden story of why we are the way we are. And she offers a new set of tools, based in science, that can help each of us heal ourselves, our children, and our world.” —Paul Tough, author of How Children Succeed “This ultra-smart and compassionate book delivers revelations about what is really going on—in our bodies, in our families, in our communities—as a result of childhood toxic stress, as well as targeted solutions for individual healing. My Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) test result is a nine out of ten.  When I needed it, one person extended the hand of hope and help to me. It saved me. This book has the power to extend that hand to countless others.”—Ashley Judd, author of All That is Bitter and Sweet "The Deepest Well is a rousing wake-up call, challenging us to reimagine pressing questions of racial and social justice as matters of public health.  The research and stories shared in this highly engaging, provocative book prove beyond a reasonable doubt that millions of lives depend on us finally coming to terms with the long-term consequences of childhood adversity and toxic stress.”—Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow   “The Deepest Well is a heartbreaking, beautiful book about what might be the most important single issue facing our country's disadvantaged populations: the prevalence of childhood trauma. Relying on her work as a compassionate physician and first-class scientist, Burke Harris weaves together groundbreaking research with touching personal stories.  The result is a gripping book that should convince everyone that we have a serious problem, and that unless we address it the losers will be our nation's children.”—JD Vance, author of Hillbilly Elegy   “This powerful work book brilliantly exposes and explores one of the most critical health issues we face today.  Dr. Burke-Harris combines a scientist's rigor with a compassionate doctor's heart to paint an unforgettable picture of what is at the center of what ails so many of our communities.  Anyone who cares about people who sometimes struggle should read this book.”—Bryan Stevenson, author of Just Mercy

About the Author

NADINE BURKE HARRIS, M.D., founder of the Center for Youth Wellness in San Francisco’s Bayview Hunters Point, was recently named Surgeon General of California. She is the recipient of the prestigious Heinz Award in 2016, and lives in San Francisco with her husband and their four boys.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mariner Books; Reprint edition (December 14, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 132850266X
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1328502667
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.31 x 0.67 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 3,882 ratings

About the author

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Nadine Burke Harris
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Dr. Nadine Burke Harris is founder and CEO of the Center for Youth Wellness in San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunters Point. She is the subject of a New Yorker profile and the recipient of a Heinz Award in 2016, among many other honors. Her TED talk, “I Was Thinking Too Small,” has been viewed over 2.4 million times. Learn more at https://centerforyouthwellness.org/the-deepest-well/.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
3,882 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the writing compelling, easy to understand, and engaging. They also appreciate the narrative as science-based yet personal and compassionate, with historical context. Readers describe the content as extremely informative, fascinating, and ground-breaking.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

142 customers mention "Content"137 positive5 negative

Customers find the book extremely informative, using good science and anecdotes from pediatricians. They also say the topic is current and relevant for our world. Readers appreciate the author's thorough, riveting, and excellent advice. They say the book provides a concise explanation of childhood adversity and long-term effects, and they find the resulting physiological changes fascinating.

"...This book is life changing and a total paradigm shift for how we see and deal with the problems of living, both individually and collectively...." Read more

"...I love how she unveils the mystery and provides us with the tools we need to save ourself and others...." Read more

"...Her explanation of the effects of childhood trauma and adversity is so thorough and riveting. It definitely left me wanting more...." Read more

"This is a great way to get insight on how childhood trauma affects us and how to correct it and stop in from happening again" Read more

129 customers mention "Writing quality"129 positive0 negative

Customers find the writing quality compelling, well-written, and reader-friendly. They also say the science is presented in a clear, easily understood language. Readers also say it's one of the best, most informative books. They appreciate the well thought out personal examples and the engaging voice.

"...This book is life changing and a total paradigm shift for how we see and deal with the problems of living, both individually and collectively...." Read more

"...It is a beautifully written piece of work that connects the dots and gives you hope!..." Read more

"...It is well written in a common vernacular, punctuated by the details of her personal experiences that brings the concept of ACES into three..." Read more

"...but she also explains the scientific research and the science in a reader-friendly way...." Read more

27 customers mention "Narrative"27 positive0 negative

Customers find the science woven into the narrative compelling, deeply personal, and riveting. They also say the book is educational and historical, and reads like a thriller novel.

"...The author does a beautiful job of telling both stories: that of the problem and the solution...." Read more

"...of the effects of childhood trauma and adversity is so thorough and riveting. It definitely left me wanting more...." Read more

"...There are lots of stories to draw us in and make us want to read more, but she also explains the scientific research and the science in a reader-..." Read more

"This book has the heart and soul that seems to be missing from “The Body Keeps the Score.” I highly recommend!" Read more

7 customers mention "Readability"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, with worthwhile information presented with clarity and wit. They also say it's groundbreaking and eye opening.

"...Put forward in clear, easily understood language she brings the reader into a complex topic without overwhelming us...." Read more

"Worthwhile information, presented with clarity and some welcome wit...." Read more

"Absolutely groundbreaking and eye opening. Thank you very much Dr. Nadine Burke Harris!" Read more

"...Dr. Harris is so knowledgeable and helped me to get clarity on my own vision as it related to adult women and trauma! Thank you Dr. Harris! -Dr...." Read more

5 customers mention "Humor"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the humor in the book welcome and interesting.

"...and explains them in a very understandable way. She is also an entertaining storyteller; it was hard to put the book down...." Read more

"...of telling stories that are riveting and funny...omg her sense of humor is hysterical. I laughed outloud as much as I teared up...." Read more

"...In an eloquent, down-to-earth, funny, scientific and heart wrenching way; she brings you into the world of science and humanity...." Read more

"Worthwhile information, presented with clarity and some welcome wit...." Read more

Racism.
1 out of 5 stars
Racism.
There are many other examples but here is one. Clearly she has an agenda. I’m not sure why she can’t just write a book without bringing up this stupid stuff.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on March 16, 2024
This book is sobering and liberating. The problem of adverse childhood experiences touches every aspect of our lives and civilization. But the severity of the problem is matched only by the power and hope we have to fix the problem once we see it clearly. The author does a beautiful job of telling both stories: that of the problem and the solution. As someone with 7 ACE's this book validated my experience but inspired me to take responsibility for dealing with the effects of them head on knowing I'm not alone and I'm not crazy. This book is life changing and a total paradigm shift for how we see and deal with the problems of living, both individually and collectively. It is literally the best book I've ever read. It's that important. Read it and become part of the conversation that Nadine Burke Harris has invited us to have to start our collective healing.
7 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2024
Very few books take my breath away, this was one that still leaves me thinking about how I will use what I know to be an agent for change. I loved this book from beginning to end, I could hardly put it down. It is a beautifully written piece of work that connects the dots and gives you hope! Oftentimes, we can figure out the problem, but the solution evades us. I love how she unveils the mystery and provides us with the tools we need to save ourself and others. It is a defining moment for me and sets me on course to be an even stronger advocate for my student clients, because I can not unlearn the harm and I can not be silent on it either. Thank you Dr. Nadine Burke Harris for your work to move this issue/solution to the forefront!
9 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2024
Nadine Burke Harris is my hero. Her explanation of the effects of childhood trauma and adversity is so thorough and riveting. It definitely left me wanting more. Anyone who has an interest in ACEs or childhood trauma should read this again and again. Thank you Nadine for inspiring me.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2024
In about 2018 I stumbled onto Dr. Felliti’s and Anda’s research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) as a Clinical Supervisor working at Lutheran Community Services (LCS) in Spokane Washington. The epigenetic changes in individuals and the shortened life expectancies of those suffering from multiple Aces suddenly brought into focus the “whys” for all the autoimmune illnesses and cancers my beloved sister has suffered from; as well as providing a framework for understanding what I intuitively knew was the incubator for the myriad of psychological and behavioral problems plaguing the children, adolescents and refugees served at LCS.
Dr. Burke-Harris’ book has catapulted my understanding of how to apply ACES in medical care. It is well written in a common vernacular, punctuated by the details of her personal experiences that brings the concept of ACES into three dimensions! I applaud her advocacy.
I am a firm believer that The Deepest Well should be mandatory reading for every undergraduate psych major and every graduate student in the social sciences and counseling programs in this nation!
I also believe that policy makers and community leaders and advocates need this knowledge to inform their choice of priorities when addressing our community’s significant challenges.
What I pray for is a cohesive response to heal our communities of the origins of toxic stress so that we don’t stay stuck treating its’ symptoms.
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2024
This is a great way to get insight on how childhood trauma affects us and how to correct it and stop in from happening again
One person found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2024
Love it
Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2020
UNBELIEVABLY IMPORTANT BOOK TO READ if you're in education (or just a human being in this crazy world).

I'd heard of the ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) test or scores but OMG I just had no idea that the premise is that ACEs can cause toxic stress and impact our biology--our neurological system, immune system, hormonal system, cardiovascular system, even how our body reads our DNA-- in ways that we are not fully in control of especially without a network of support. This in turn can impact life choices that we make as children, adolescents, adults and our ability to function in society.

Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, currently the first surgeon general of CA and the author, is brilliant in how she has organized this book. There are lots of stories to draw us in and make us want to read more, but she also explains the scientific research and the science in a reader-friendly way. The driving narrative is the growth in her own understanding of this issue and her pursuit of bringing this information to the world.

Dr. Harris makes the argument that ACEs is not about a certain group of people - poor, people of color, etc. It's a global issue, an issue that is pervasive in all communities. Even as I was sharing what I was learning with friends, I was shocked when two of them paused and said, "That's me. I probably have a high ACEs score." SHOCKED.

BUT we CAN help. I was worried that Dr. Harris's "prescription" would be out of bounds for me. I mean I'm not able to set up a clinic with the type of care the Center for Youth Wellness, but I finished the book feeling like I could contribute to the welfare of people in my community who struggle because of toxic stress.

This is a book that's transformed my world and will influence my work with educators and children in the schools.
32 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2024
This book has the heart and soul that seems to be missing from “The Body Keeps the Score.” I highly recommend!
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Kat Daniels
5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful
Reviewed in Canada on June 2, 2021
Book is well written with a nice build up of backstory to how the author arrived to these ideals and her personal experience throughout. A great read to provoke some introspection and help with self awareness.
Heidy Juarez
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfecto
Reviewed in Mexico on December 4, 2020
Excelente servicio, el libro está muy interesante y viene muy bien el empaque y sin golpes
Abbin
5.0 out of 5 stars The author has opened up something that is deeply hidden in plain sight.
Reviewed in India on March 16, 2020
Thanks so much. Hopefully more people realize this truth and make remarkable difference to their lives.
An important book to read for all.
Mira
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in France on December 12, 2018
Very interesting book with breakthrough information about childhood trauma. Very informative and well written. I highly recommend it.
One person found this helpful
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Sylvia Dörflinger
5.0 out of 5 stars Ein wichtiges Buch
Reviewed in Germany on March 19, 2018
Als Kinderärztin mit fundierter, wissenschaftlicher Aus- und Weiterbildung und langjähriger Berufserfahrung weiß Nadine Burke Harris, wovon sie spricht. Sie beschreibt hier, wie sie allmählich zu der Erkenntnis kam, dass traumatische Kindheitserlebnisse krank machen. Psychosomatische Erkrankungen sind bekannt. Burke Harris weist aber nach, dass seelische Belastungen zu tatsächlichen körperlichen Krankheiten und Anfälligkeiten führen können und dass auch scheinbar gesunde Menschen, die ihre Kindheitstraumata überwunden und sich ein gutes Leben aufgebaut haben, eher zu bestimmten Krankheiten neigen.

Der Stil des Buches ist typisch amerikanisch, manchmal plakativ zur besseren Anschaulichkeit und immer spannend und anregend. Die Autorin gibt nicht einfach nur ihre Ideen weiter und interpretiert Statistiken in ihrem Sinne, wie in manchen pseudo-wissenschaftlichen Werken. Sie beschreibt, wie sie ihre Theorie entwickelt und durch Studien auf eine solide Basis stellt.

Sehr lesenswert.
One person found this helpful
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