The Transcendent Child: Tales of Triumph Over the Past

by Lillian B. Rubin

How is it that some people can transcend even the most harsh and painful past? For the answer, Dr. Rubin turns to the life stories of adults who were scarred by the worst kinds of family and social pathologies as children yet found the strength to endure and live rich and satisfying adult lives. Through their life stories, she provides new insight into human development and shows readers how they too can overcome their own personal trauma. A vivid reminder that people don't have to be live as hostages to their past, The Transcendent Child is a truly timely and important book for the thousands of Americans who are fed up with living their lives as victims.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1996

Reviews

[Matthew Arora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, easy read for anyone interested in psychology and/or childhood trauma. Recommend reading it one chapter (story) at a time.

[Maïté Ismail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meerdere levensverhalen over mensen die een vreselijke jeugd hebben meegemaakt en erdoor zijn gegroeid in de maatschappij.
Gevarieerde profielen waar meerdere thema's aan bod komen. Deze mensen tonen veel veerkracht en intelligentie om hun leven te transformeren.

Zware onderwerpen aan bod zoals incest, mishandeling, psychologisch en fysiek geweld, wreedheid, psychose, depressie, verslavingen en eenzaamheid.

"Dat is wat me overkomen is, niet wat ik ben." Karen Richards

"Het verleden houdt ons niet eeuwig in gijzeling." Lillian B. Rubin

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book, you will think twice about what you bitch about in your life. Don't get me wrong, you will still bitch, moan and complain... but you will put it into perspective too.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have no memory of reading this book, but a blog post from 2010 has a title, author, and rating, so here we are.

[Lindsay Debeaussaert · Rating 5 out of 5]

In het kader van mijn job en mijn eigen levensverhaal, las ik op aanraden van mijn therapeut, dit boek. Het was verhelderend en herkenbaar. Zeker een aanrader.

[Cynnamon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring book for those dealing with childhood trauma

[Lula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking, yet uplifting, examples of how we can rise from our childhoods to become amazing adults. This book is one of the most touching non-fiction books that I have ever read.

[Sandra de koning-vd pol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mooi momenten van stilstaan bij ons bestaan. Het neemt je mee naar leven, laten leven en loslaten hoe lastig ook. Aanrader!

[Wilmar Janssen · Rating 4 out of 5]

soms wat te analytisch maar hoopvol krachtig en confronterende verhalen

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting to think that the best way to become a writer is to read psychological treatises.

[Jordan Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! That's how I felt as I made it to the end. To read of real people overcoming such tremendous adversity written in such beautiful prose rings true in my heart. A good friend recommended that I read this book, and I see why now. This book helped me realize things about myself and my journey that I was not consciously aware I was doing. It helped me put words to some of the strategies I have used to become resilient, and I can sense I will think of this book for a long time to come.

This book fits in perfectly with an empowerment / strengths-based approach. Everyone deserves a fair shot at life, and this book gave me ideas for how to bring out the best in others.