The Drama of the Gifted Child Audiobook By Alice Miller cover art

The Drama of the Gifted Child

The Search for the True Self

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The Drama of the Gifted Child

By: Alice Miller
Narrated by: Suzanne Toren
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About this listen

This best-selling book examines childhood trauma and the enduring effects it has on an individual's management of repressed anger and pain.

Why are many of the most successful people plagued by feelings of emptiness and alienation? This wise and profound book has provided millions of people with an answer—and has helped them to apply it to their own lives.

Far too many of us had to learn as children to hide our own feelings, needs, and memories skillfully in order to meet our parents' expectations and win their "love". Alice Miller writes, "When I used the word 'gifted' in the title, I had in mind neither children who receive high grades in school nor children talented in a special way. I simply meant all of us who have survived an abusive childhood thanks to an ability to adapt even to unspeakable cruelty by becoming numb.... Without this 'gift' offered us by nature, we would not have survived."

But merely surviving is not enough. The Drama of the Gifted Child helps us to reclaim our life by discovering our own crucial needs and our own truth.

©1997 Basic Books (P)2018 Hachette Audio
Abuse Child Psychology Developmental Psychology Parenting & Families Personal Development Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Teenagers Young Adult Mental Health Inspiring
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Critic reviews

"Rare and compelling in its compassion and its unassuming eloquence...her examples are so vivid and so ordinary they touch the hurt child in us all."—The New York Magazine

"An unpretentious little book with an amazing impact...Many readers find themselves portrayed with an accuracy and empathy that seem uncanny, as if the author had been a silent, unseen witness to their childhood [and] their innermost and secret selves."—Vogue

"Full of wisdom and perception."—The New Republic

Transformative Insights • Profound Psychological Analysis • Clear Narration • Healing Perspective • Revolutionary Approach
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Excellent work. This is probably the most important work in psychology I've read after CG Jung. She expresses the affects of childhood trauma on the adult psyche.

Psychology for psychologists

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A painful awakening to the inner torment of ly past and the desire to continue the lie.

Worth it.

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Really found meaning and resonance with a lot of this book. As a young adult in today's world, I've struggled a fair amount with specific traumas of my childhood. Perhaps even what one could call "microtraumas." Regardless, it's useful for anyone whose parents affected them in a negative way, whether in mild or extreme negative ways. Can't offer enough praise.

Highly recommended, even for 18-25+

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Miller doesn't hold back in her harsh and deeply necessary truths about the patterns of development passed from parents to child, which have mishapen our world and left in as it is today. This is essential for anyone searching for answers about what's wrong with themselves, anyone who harbors self-blame and especially for anyone who intends to help, heal, or treat others.

Rattling the bars of forgotten selves

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it is great how this book clarifies and explains so much painful family heritage. thank you!

Just puts in words everything.

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I highly recommend this book. It was shorter than i thought, but definitely a powerful book!!

Great book!!!

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This book is amazing! Go ahead if you dare... Opened my eyes to many inner issues.

Amazing!

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Loved it. It made me look into myself in a different way. The author is obviously very wise and knowledgeable from her years of working with people. I'm glad I got this book.

Great Book

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Deep insights that require a second listen. A beautiful presentation of complex and emotional material.

Powerfully Insightful

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Amazing book, understanding and feeling are my way to go. I am in my spiritual awakening at this moment and I am grateful for what I am learning.

All of us have a wounded child inside

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