"I thought it was jut ME (but it isn't)" by Brene Brown, PhD, LMSW

I listened to this audio book CD.  It is all about the science of shame in the world.  Brown explains how shame is a belief that one is inherently bad.  She explains various scenarios from abuse survivors to addicts to alcoholics to single moms to those struggling with infertility to divorcees and more.  Brown argues that everyone has at some point in time has experienced something they didn't plan or admire.  That does not mean that has to define the person.  Brown talks about therapy and the dangers of those who never move past old identities.  If someone was bullied 10 years ago, that identity as "loser" or some other mean name can haunt them for years if not properly dealt with.  Brown also encourages listeners to think of how they shame others both consciously and unconsciously.  The enemies of shame are compassion and empathy.  Only when one can extend these virtues to others can one move past shame.  It's often said that people are kinder to others than they are to their friends.  This CD can be depressing at times but it does drive home the point that holding onto shame has no advantage for one's personal self development.