My Complicated Relationship with ACoA Books…

If you’ve read a bit about me and why Change of Air was created, you know that I have a “thing” for “those” books. The books we are all told to read when we first realize we are children of alcoholics. And though those books didn’t ultimately lead to my healing, they are packed full of really helpful foundational information that you should definitely read if you haven’t already. I’ve included them below, along with some books that have been transformational for me in understanding how we show up in this world based on our painful past and how we can heal through dinners together, hikes together, yoga together and so much more. I expect this resource list will change and grow over time, so please check back again and again. Ultimately, it has been a combination of these resources and so many things that have led me down a path of healing and beginning to choose a life of my dreams. Please share the books that have helped you heal. Maybe we can read them together and chat?

Foundational Books for Children of Alcoholics

Adult Children of Alcoholics by Janet G. Woititz
Perfect Daughters: Adult Daughters of Alcoholics by Robert Ackerman
Codependent No More by Melody Beattie
Adult Children: Alcoholic / Dysfunctional Families by ACA

Healing Trauma (aka The Books That Saved Me)

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.
Scared Sick: The Role of Childhood Trauma in Adult Disease by Robin Karr-Morse
Healing Developmental Trauma: How Early Trauma Affects Self-Regulation, Self-Image, and the Capacity for Relationship by Laurence Heller, PhD & Aline LaPierre, PsyD
Childhood Disrupted: How Your Biography Becomes Your Biology  by Donna Jackson Nakazawa
It Didn’t Start With You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are by Mark Wolynn

How Nature & Community Heal

The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes Us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative by Florence Williams
Eating Together: Food, Friendship and Inequality by Alice P. Julier
Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do by Wallace J. Nichols

Getting Your Self-Care/Lady Power Mojo On

Rise Sister Rise: A Guide to Unleashing the Wise, Wild Woman Within by Rebecca Campbell