49 pages 1 hour read

Gabor Maté

In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2008

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, Gabor Maté, an addiction specialist at the Portland Hotel in Vancouver, Canada, explores how childhood stressors contribute to adult addiction and challenges societal misconceptions about addicts. The book combines scientific data, patient anecdotes, and Maté's personal experiences, advocating for compassionate and supportive approaches to addiction rather than shaming and persecution. Topics include discussions of childhood trauma and addiction.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Gabor Maté's In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts is acclaimed for its compassionate and thorough exploration of addiction, intertwining personal stories with scientific research. Reviews praise its empathetic narrative and insightful analysis, although some critique its dense medical jargon and occasionally repetitive content. Overall, it's a powerful, enlightening read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts?

Readers who are drawn to deep explorations of addiction, trauma, and societal issues will appreciate Gabor Maté's In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts. Comparable to works like Johann Hari's Chasing the Scream and Bessel van der Kolk's The Body Keeps the Score, this book offers a compassionate, insightful perspective on human suffering and recovery.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Health / Medicine

Addiction / Substance Abuse

Themes

Values/Ideas: Music

Genre

Self Help