Good Morning, Monster is a five-star book by psychotherapist Catherine Gildiner. This is not a book about monsters, but rather about five of Gildiner’s patients who have had to face their own. She has deemed these five patients “heroic” for their strength in finding help to grow past the most terrifying parts of their lives.

All five stories featured in Good Morning, Monster contain compelling and insightful observations on what can influence human thought and behavior. They all face horrible events and treatment in their childhood, and their development, personally and in regards to others, is truly remarkable and touching.

Not only are these stories fascinating and inspiring, but they also come from people with distinct backgrounds. No two of these patients are alike. Gildiner first shared the story of a woman abandoned to raise her younger siblings in the forest at age nine, followed by a first generation Chinese American whose only connection to others was through music. Next, Gildiner discusses a man of First Nations descent who grew up trapping in the Canadian bush until he was forced into a residential school that forcefully erased his culture. Then, recounting of a woman whose abuse at the hands of her father forced her to develop multiple personalities in order to cope, followed by the wealthy daughter of an American businessman whose hateful mother greeted her every morning with “Good morning, monster.”

Gildiner’s discussion of her patients is sensitive and clear. The book is written well and structured well, with 5 patients split into their own sections, exploring their years of therapy and development thoroughly and insightfully. It is a truly informative and even an inspiring book, as it shows that no matter what one may face there is always a way forward. It also encourages the audience to see that they are capable of asking for help from their loved ones or a professional when they may need it.