BOOK CLUB
"Let’s be reasonable and add an eighth day to the week that is devoted exclusively to reading." —Lena Dunham
We’re thrilled to introduce the Shambhala Farm Book Club — a new gathering for thoughtful conversation, soulful inquiry, and community connection. We’ll meet every other month to explore books that touch on the themes of spirituality, yoga, and inner growth—stories and teachings that inspire us to live with more awareness, compassion, and presence. Whether you’re a lifelong seeker or just beginning your journey, this book club is a welcoming space to share reflections, ask questions, and connect through meaningful conversation.
What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo
Thursday, August 28th at 5:45 PM
About the Book
What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo—a deeply personal and unflinchingly honest memoir about living with and healing from complex PTSD. After being diagnosed in her early thirties, Foo embarks on a journey to understand how childhood trauma shaped her life, her mind, and her relationships. A successful journalist with a seemingly perfect life, Foo peels back the layers of performance and survival to confront the pain of her past—growing up in an abusive home, navigating a world that often misunderstands trauma, and seeking therapy that honors both her cultural identity and her emotional reality.
With a rare blend of investigative journalism, heartfelt storytelling, and unexpected humor, What My Bones Know is not just a memoir—it’s a call for compassion and a testament to the strength it takes to break cycles and reclaim your story. This book has sparked important conversations across communities about mental health, resilience, and the complexities of healing.
Content note: This book includes a detailed exploration of childhood abuse, neglect, complex trauma, mental illness, and suicide. These themes are addressed with emotional depth and vulnerability, and may be triggering or activating for some readers. Please care for yourself while reading—there’s no right or wrong way to engage with this book.
About the Author
Stephanie Foo is a Malaysian-born American journalist, audio producer, and author known for her deeply human and investigative storytelling. She began her career in radio at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and went on to produce for acclaimed programs such as This American Life and Snap Judgment. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times, Vox, 99% Invisible, and Reply All.
In 2018, Foo was diagnosed with complex PTSD, a turning point that inspired her to begin researching the condition from both a personal and journalistic perspective. Finding few accessible resources that reflected her own experience—especially as an Asian-American woman—she set out to write the book she needed but couldn’t find. The result was What My Bones Know, a critically acclaimed memoir that blends memoir, science, and social commentary to explore the long-term effects of trauma and the possibilities of healing.
Foo’s work has been celebrated for its emotional honesty, rigor, and cultural depth. She has taught at Columbia University, spoken at major festivals, and continues to advocate for mental health awareness and media diversity. She currently resides in New York City, where she finds balance through creative work, community, and time spent in nature.