4092 - The Healing Heart : Antidotes to Panic and Helplessness
Author: Norman Cousins
Description: In this deeply personal memoir, Norman Cousins recounts his harrowing experience of surviving a massive heart attack in 1980 and the recovery journey that followed. He reflects on the emotional and psychological turmoil—panic, helplessness, fear—that ensued and demonstrates how inner resolve, laughter, and active participation in his treatment enabled extraordinary healing. The book highlights his pioneering belief in the mind–body connection and healing through positivity and self-empowerment . ⸻ Keywords: heart attack recovery, mind–body medicine, humor therapy, patient empowerment, stress reduction, healing memoir ⸻ Ideal for: Heart attack survivors, patients and caregivers, mental health professionals, general readers interested in psychology–health narratives, anyone exploring the role of attitude in healing (). ⸻ Age: 16 years and up (mature teens and adults suited for autobiographical and health-oriented reading) ⸻ Theme: Overcoming fear and panic, healing through humor and hope, empowerment in illness, partnership between patient and physician ⸻ Tone: Reflective, candid, hopeful, instructional, occasionally witty, and infused with humility and gratitude . ⸻ Book Type: Non-fiction memoir of illness and recovery; mind–body healing narrative; inspirational testimony ⸻ Length: Approximately 236–302 pages.