In the Bones: Trauma, Truth, & the Journey to Wholeness
Stephanie Foo’s What My Bones Know is a compelling memoir that chronicles her journey of navigating and healing from the complex trauma of a deeply tumultuous childhood. With raw honesty, vulnerability, and sharp wit, Foo brings readers into the heart of her experience, unraveling the nuanced and often misunderstood realities of living with Complex PTSD (CPTSD). This book isn’t just a story of survival but a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-compassion.
Foo’s writing is intimate and deeply human, making the complexities of trauma accessible to a wide audience. Her narrative weaves between painful memories of a childhood marked by neglect and abuse and her adult life as she pieces together her fragmented sense of self. Foo’s determination to understand her pain leads her to explore therapeutic modalities, scientific research, and cultural narratives around trauma. Through this exploration, readers gain insight into how trauma shapes the brain, body, and relationships.
“The PTSD had always told me I am alone. That I am unlovable. That I am toxic. But now, it is clear to me: That was a lie. My PTSD clouded my vision of what was actually happening.”
One of the most impactful aspects of What My Bones Know is Foo’s ability to articulate how trauma lives in the body. Her journey highlights the intricate connection between mind and body, reminding readers that unresolved trauma can manifest as physical symptoms, chronic conditions, and persistent pain. For those who live with conditions like endometriosis, Foo’s story offers a deeply resonant perspective. While endometriosis is primarily a biological condition, it is not uncommon for individuals with trauma histories to experience a heightened sensitivity to pain and chronic illness. Foo’s memoir reinforces the importance of addressing both physical and emotional wounds in the healing process.
Foo’s narrative is a powerful complement to the work of trauma experts like Perry’s What Happened to You? or Gabor Maté (When the Body Says No). Where these experts provide clinical and theoretical frameworks, Foo offers a lived experience that vividly illustrates how the body holds onto trauma and how it can begin to release it. Her memoir serves as a bridge between the scientific understanding of trauma and the deeply personal, emotional reality of living with its effects.
Foo’s exploration of CPTSD also challenges societal norms that prioritize achievement and productivity over mental health and self-awareness. As a high-achieving journalist, Foo’s story is especially relevant for readers who may also feel trapped by perfectionism and a constant drive to prove their worth. Her path toward healing—through therapy, community, and creative expression—is a powerful reminder that worthiness is inherent and that healing requires us to embrace our vulnerabilities rather than hide them.
What My Bones Know sheds light on the lingering impacts of trauma and also offers hope and inspiration. Foo’s courage in sharing her story invites readers to reflect on their own experiences with compassion and curiosity, paving the way for deeper understanding and connection.
Ultimately, What My Bones Know reminds us that healing is not linear or easy, but it is possible. By acknowledging the ways trauma impacts our bodies and minds and by embracing the tools and support systems available to us, we can move toward a fuller, more integrated sense of self. Stephanie Foo’s memoir is a gift to anyone seeking to understand the profound interplay between trauma, resilience, and the human body.
