We Are Alike: How A Doctor Leveraged her Neuroscience Expertise to Survive and Heal from Narcissistic Abuse

by Carol Beth Nelson MD, Elizabeth Ann Atkins (Editor)

330 pages, Hardcover

Published November 14, 2025

Reviews

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

We Are Alike is a courageous and insightful memoir in which Carol Beth Nelson, MD recounts her two decades in a covertly abusive marriage while maintaining a demanding career as a neurologist and raising four children. With clear, relatable storytelling, she reveals how grief and vulnerability made her susceptible to a partner who later displayed classic signs of narcissistic abuse—love bombing, gaslighting, manipulation, and emotional withdrawal.
What makes the book especially powerful is Nelson’s blend of personal experience with her expertise in neuroscience. She explains why leaving a narcissist is so difficult and shares the strategies that helped her survive, separate, and rebuild her life.
Both a gripping personal story and a practical guide to recognizing and escaping toxic relationships, We Are Alike offers validation, education, and hope to anyone navigating or recovering from narcissistic abuse.

[Katelin Albers-Kleinsasser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow… what an amazing story. I couldn’t put this book down from start to finish. Make sure you have tissues on standby! A truly amazing story of loss, abuse, and incredible strength to overcome all of the challenges life throws at you. Highly recommend this book to everyone

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Carol Nelson bravely details her life story as a survivor of narcissistic abuse. Dr. Nelson's writing is informative, down to earth, and intertwined with her sense of humor. This book will help women who find themselves in or out of similar situations feel heard, become empowered with information to identify the warning signs of NPD, and take positive steps to move forward into the next chapter of their lives.

This book will also help those who know women in similar situations gain a better understanding. Some common responses from friends and family of survivors when they learn about the abuse are: How can an educated, strong, independent woman can end up the victim of someone with NPD? Why didn't they share about the abuse with their friends or family? Why didn't they just leave? How did friends and family miss the signs of narcissistic abuse? Dr. Nelson helps provide clarity to these questions from her perspective as a survivor and education as a neurologist.

*I received an ARC of this book

[Amy Freed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very well written and takes you right into her story of abuse. Parts of it are very emotional to read yet I could not put it down as I rooted for her to find her strength and make her exit strategy. You would not believe the manipulation and lies that can make it so difficult for an otherwise strong and independent woman/mother to feel trapped and stifled. Seeing that there is hope and love available when you stay true to your values, lean on your support system and gather the strength to leave. I loved how this book gives the reader scientifically backed resources to learn how to move forward. Look for these signs in your family and friends marriages and offer any support you can.

[Lora · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are no words to describe this book fairly. It is beyond amazing heartfelt and inspiring. The story of one woman’s strength, determination, courage and resilience in this life to live the life she deserves. This book will teach you to keep going. No matter what keep going. You are worth it and Dr Carol Nelson is proof of that! Read this book. Give it to your family and friends. Pass it around everywhere. The world is a better place with this book being available to all!!

[Sharleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of love lost, love betrayed and love found again. We Are Alike is a page turner. I was on the edge of my seat from the first page to the last. Carol's story is honest, relatable and witty. She's a woman of intelligence, strength and resilience. Her experiences resonated with me all the way through. Whether you've experienced a narcissist in your life or not, you'll find her story fascinating as well as enlightening. I highly recommend this book for everyone.