The Myth of Normal book cover

The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté MD Summary

The Myth of Normal
Gabor Maté MD
4.31 (32494 Reviews)
Mental Health
Psychology
Self Help

In "The Myth of Normal," renowned physician Gabor Mate reveals how our toxic society - not our minds - creates illness. Endorsed by Marianne Williamson as "an astonishing achievement," this New York Times bestseller challenges everything you thought about trauma, healing, and what we consider "normal."

About the author

Gabor Maté MD, bestselling author and internationally recognized trauma expert, delves into societal health myths in *The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture*. A Hungarian-born Canadian physician, Maté draws on decades of clinical experience—including family practice, palliative care, and pioneering work with addiction survivors in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside—to challenge conventional views of mental and physical wellness. His earlier influential works, such as *When the Body Says No* and *In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts*, established his reputation for connecting childhood trauma, stress, and chronic illness. A frequent columnist for *The Globe and Mail* and featured voice on PBS, TEDx, and top wellness podcasts, Maté blends scientific rigor with compassionate storytelling. Co-authored with his son Daniel, *The Myth of Normal* became a global phenomenon, translated into over 30 languages and praised for its transformative insights into cultural toxicity. Honored with Canada’s Order of Merit, Maté remains a leading advocate for trauma-informed approaches in medicine and beyond.

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"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
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likes108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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comments254
likes17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
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starstarstarstarstar

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
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comments96
likes4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
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"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
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thumbsUp16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
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starstarstarstarstar

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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comments37
likes483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
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starstarstarstarstar

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@@Chloe, Solo founder, LA
platform
comments12
likes117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum
platform
comments12
likes108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
platform
comments254
likes17

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful
platform
comments96
likes4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon
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comments201
thumbsUp16

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke
platform
starstarstarstarstar

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn
platform
comments37
likes483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu
platform
starstarstarstarstar

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