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53 pages 1 hour read

Nadine Burke Harris

The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2018

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Deepest Well by Nadine Burke Harris explores the link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and long-term health disparities through the lens of her pediatric practice in San Francisco's Bayview community. She shares powerful anecdotes, medical history, and scientific research to advocate for early identification and treatment of toxic stress responses to improve health and educational outcomes for children. The book includes descriptions of gun violence, child sexual abuse, physical abuse, and domestic abuse.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Nadine Burke Harris's The Deepest Well provides a compelling exploration of childhood trauma and its lifelong impacts, blending personal stories with scientific research. The engaging narrative and accessible writing draw praise, though some readers find the repetitive elements detract from its effectiveness. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read on a crucial health issue.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Deepest Well?

Readers of Nadine Burke Harris's The Deepest Well typically are interested in public health, trauma, and the long-term effects of adverse childhood experiences. They may also enjoy books like The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk and Childhood Disrupted by Donna Jackson Nakazawa for their insights into mind-body connections and healing.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years