Geoffrey R. Jonas is no stranger to suffering, and his heartrending story will resonate with readers who have endured similar trials. Though many of us have family histories that are less than exemplary, Jonas chronicles a long record of violations, including Alcohol Use Disorder, Substance Use Disorder, and Narcissistic Personality Disorder in his compelling book, Being Broken. From as far back as his memories stretch, Jonas’s dysfunctional family tree is laid out branch by branch, sharing all the wins and losses that contribute to the tangled legacy he has inherited and shapes with his own choices. Like a skilled litigator, Jonas builds his case with meticulous detail, presenting the evidence of generational trauma as though arguing before a jury of readers. He weighs in on each event, while searching for truth, assigning blame, confronting pain, embracing accountability, allowing forgiveness, and embarking on a healing journey. While many might succumb to victimization, Jonas takes the harder path by revisiting his deepest wounds, allowing understanding and empathy to replace resentment and entitlement.
Author Geoffrey R. Jonas not only lives with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, but also leverages his experiences into what he calls Post-Traumatic Wisdom. “I feel a need to share my story because I want to help other people who may have had, or are having, the same experience.” As honestly as his scarred memories allow, these reflections and insights detail the mistreatments perpetrated by those in the best position to protect him, allowing similarly affected readers to feel seen and heard. Some of the accounts are of great consequence, such as the callous treatment and fateful decline of his sister preceding her tragic death. Other sections focus on incidents of abuse that become so repetitive, they’re tough to differentiate. The Essay sections offer a striking departure in a book of such emotional magnitude. They serve as sharp indictments of systems that repeatedly fail vulnerable individuals, thoughtful assessments of society’s inequitable treatment of mental health, and specific steps on the author’s journey to self-improvement. Beyond its compelling call to action, the book serves as a valuable resource for readers striving to recognize and understand the complexities of mental health and various disorders. Both haunting and empowering, Being Broken tells the transformative story of a man who learns that while we can’t always control our circumstances, we can choose how we respond and move forward.
