Resmaa Menakem Books In Order

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

About Resmaa Menakem

Resmaa Menakem is renowned for his insightful work on racialized trauma. With his background in social work and therapy, he’s crafted a unique approach called Cultural Somatics, which focuses on using the body and its resilience to foster personal growth. Menakem’s expertise isn’t just in theory; he puts it into practice in his role as a trauma specialist. Through his leadership consulting firm, he guides leaders to navigate the complexities of societal change.

In addition to his hands-on work, Resmaa Menakem shares his wisdom through writing. His book ‘My Grandmother’s Hands’ has reached a wide audience, becoming a national bestseller. This book reflected his deep understanding of trauma and offers pathways to healing. Readers met his next work critical acclaim, ‘The Quaking of America,’ as it provided further guidance in these challenging times.

Menakem’s blend of professional skill and genuine commitment to helping people shines through in his role as a teacher and mentor. Through Justice Leadership Solutions, his consulting firm, he empowers community leaders to lead with compassion and wisdom amid social turmoil. Menakem’s influence extends past individual interactions, shaping a broader societal understanding of trauma and resilience. His contributions make a lasting impact on the way people think, heal, and grow together.

Early and Personal Life

Resmaa Menakem, originally born Chester Mason, Jr. in Milwaukee, USA, has grown into an esteemed American author and psychotherapist. His work powerfully explores the interplay between individual trauma, societal issues like racism, and the collective impact on the human body. Menakem’s roots in Milwaukee planted the seeds of curiosity and compassion that would bloom throughout his career, encompassing both the written word and direct engagement in healing practices.

Menakem is no stranger to the airwaves, with a history of engaging audiences through radio. For a decade, he co-hosted a show with Keith Ellison, sharing perspectives and insights that resonated with many. He paved his way into the hearts of the community with ‘Resmaa in the Morning,’ drawing listeners in Minneapolis closer to the topics he’s passionate about.

With a diverse background that includes directing counseling services at Tubman Family Alliance, serving as behavioral health director at African American Family Services, and offering his expertise as a community care counselor in Afghanistan, Menakem’s experiences heavily inform his writing.

He’s also shared his insights on mainstream platforms, touching lives through appearances on ‘The Oprah Winfrey Show,’ ‘Dr. Phil,’ and impactful podcasts. Motivating others, Menakem continues to inspire and educate through various mediums, leaving a positive mark on those seeking to understand and overcome trauma.

Writing Career

Resmaa Menakem has made a name for himself in the self-help genre with a series of thoughtful books. His works such as ‘Rock the Boat’ (2015) and ‘Life, Leadership, and Legacy’ (2017) offer guidance on personal growth and leadership, drawing from his insights as a seasoned psychotherapist. ‘My Grandmother’s Hands’ (2017), one of his most acclaimed books, delves into the societal and embodied dimensions of racialized trauma.

Continuing his exploration into America’s complex tapestry of social issues, Menakem authored ‘The Quaking of America’ (2022), which offers a perspective on navigating the country’s tumultuous landscape. His next work, ‘Monsters in Love’ (2023), contributed further to the conversation on healing and relationships.

In addition to writing his own texts, Menakem extends his expertise by writing forewords, helping to amplify the messages in the books of fellow authors.

My Grandmother’s Hands

‘My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Mending of Our Bodies and Hearts’ is authored by Resmaa Menakem. This self-help book was released on September 19, 2017. Central Recovery Press is the publisher behind this influential title, marking another important stepping stone in Menakem’s influential career.

Here therapist Resmaa Menakem explores how societal issues like racism manifest within our bodies, an approach stemming from body-centered psychology. He posits that the enduring effects of white supremacy are not limited to African Americans but extend to all bodies in the United States, including those of White and police officers.

Menakem suggests that to traverse the deep racial divide, we must address this trauma not intellectually but physically. The book provides both a novel understanding of how white supremacy affects us on a physiological level and a practical guide for healing these entrenched wounds.

The Quaking of America

‘The Quaking of America’ is a self-help book by author Resmaa Menakem. It saw its release on April 12, 2022. As with much of his other work, the book was again brought to readers through the Central Recovery Press imprint. Combining social-justice and self-help, it would prove to be enormously beneficial to many readers both nationally and internationally.

In this book Menakem guides readers through somatic methods to confront the growing menace of politically motivated, white-supremacist violence. He illustrates how America’s persistence in false narratives could lead to mass unrest and a shared traumatic experience. The book’s focus isn’t on political maneuvers, but on cultivating bodily awareness, finding calm amidst conflict, and enhancing personal and collective safety.

Menakem’s work aims to heal racial wounds and inspire embodied, cooperative social engagement, offering timely insights for building an antiracist society.

Rock the Boat

‘Rock the Boat: How to Use Conflict to Heal and Deepen Your Relationship’ was authored by Resmaa Menakem. The self-help book was released to the public on April 28, 2015. It was published by Hazelden Publishing. It would also be his debut title, paving the way for more to follow.

This book offers a candid exploration into deepening trust and intimacy in relationships, encouraging partners to embrace rather than shy away from conflict. Therapist Resmaa Menakem stresses the importance of not compromising individual integrity, suggesting that the stalemate arising from avoiding differences can be a powerful opportunity for growth. The book suggests standing firm in one’s needs and identity within a relationship, fostering mutual maturation, and a stronger connection through understanding and compassion.

Menakem emphasizes honest communication and acceptance of discomfort, while also identifying when conflicts may require professional intervention. This practical guide challenges the avoidance of conflict, underscoring its potential to strengthen bonds in a realistic and achievable manner.