The Nostalgia of Trauma

by Troy Thompson

Most memoirs written by men are about war, athletics or business success. Not from everyday vulnerable places that are relatable. The Nostalgia of Trauma will change that.

The Nostalgia of Trauma is a raw, darkly funny, and deeply moving memoir about the legacy of mental illness, neurodivergence, the weight of family obligation, and the unexpected healing power of friendship.
Troy grew up in chaos. A mentally ill mother, an absent father and a powerful inner critic. His survival depended on getting laughs or being completely numbed out.
Everything shifted when a group of unlikely high school friends opened their homes, and their hearts to him. Their quiet, unconditional loyalty rewired his sense of worth and showed him that love can exist even in the ruins of a broken childhood.
Told with unflinching honesty and wry humour, The Nostalgia of Trauma explores the long reach of family dysfunction, the stories we tell ourselves to endure, and the possibility of breaking free from the voices that try to define us. For anyone who has doubted their worth or struggled to rewrite the expectations they were born into, this memoir is proof that something beautiful can grow from moments meant to break us.

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 1, 2025

Reviews

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give it more stars, I would. This book is brilliant and helped me understand my ADHD son. Troy’s memories of his life are described beautifully and with humour. I would love a sequel to this book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Nostalgia of Trauma is an excellent read that gives voice to the inner critic in all of us.

This thoughtful memoir of a young man growing up in a tough times follows a growing awareness and taming of negative self-talk to activate personal advocacy. It also highlights the power of peer connection and community in building feelings of worthiness and belonging.

Parents and educators should read this to better understand the complexity of the adolescent journey, as well as the significant and healing role that peer relationships play. When adults listen in support of connection rather than judgement we open doors that offer potentially life-saving and life altering avenues of care.

The Nostalgia of Trauma is an outstanding read and I highly recommend it. As a school leader and lifetime educator it affirmed my belief in the significance of a caring 'village' in raising healthy, empowered and self-reflective children and teens.

[Marc Eaglesham]

It’s been a LONG time since, “I haven’t put a book down”! No disrespect to many of the excellent reads over the past decade for example, but this one had me somewhere else. Many years ago a Canadian once showed us how “Life is a Journey” - somewhat unresolved - travelling across Canada in freight cars and sharing lived experiences that were all-consuming. Thompson brings a fresh voice to an incredible journey that embodies the notions of perseverance, self-reflection, purpose, and the incredible power of friendship over time.

The vulnerability, suffering, joy, adversity, and a lingering voice…, or is it a force - that helps shape the perception of self against Time? Thompson presents some difficult topics, and makes them accessible, maybe too relatable for some, but all the while with incredibly raw poise and honesty. Sometimes sad. Sometimes funny. Sometimes difficult to breath… And sometimes you just feel darn lucky that someone had the courage to put out their hand, walk with you, and share THIS story. Thank you.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Nostalgia of Trauma is gritty, insightful and inspiring. A powerful glimpse into the isolating world of ADHD, and what is possible when we lead with compassion, honesty and empathy

[Michael Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I only received delivery of my copy two days ago and I've already finished. I couldn't put this book down, as the author's naked, vulnerable voice kept drawing me in, compelling me to keep following him on this brutally honest and sometimes harrowing journey.

Poignant, funny, distressing, and yes, darkly nostalgic, Thompson paints a robust picture of early Gen-X life in southern Ontario, Canada. He unabashedly mines the depths of his tale of survival, navigating the macro expectations of 70s/80s masculinity, as well as the magnified isms and anxieties of growing up in a dysfunctional and damaging Toronto household.

One can't help but be drawn into this delicately illustrated world that almost defies you not to relate. An abject examination of childhood naïveté turned sour, then reclaimed and redeemed through an arduous and inspiring journey of self discovery, I left Thompson's world feeling a similar catharsis, its universal themes and parallels impossible to ignore while immersing oneself in such a raw, yet welcoming, account.

[C G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This witty and uplifting book explores what it means to rise above a dysfunctional childhood. Through the author’s vivid storytelling, we follow his journey through adolescence, as he navigates life in southern Ontario, living with ADHD and family chaos. The novel’s core revolves around the importance of friendship, and explores the supportive and enduring relationships he forms along the way. The book is an inspiring testament to resilience, chosen family and the transformative power of compassion. Thompson’s journey is both uplifting and inspiring, making the book a brilliant and compelling read.

[MT · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thought provoking title of Thompson’s book alone grabs you and pulls you in. What could this mean? I need to know and as you get into this book, the dots are connected through brutal honesty, humour and bold story telling. Thompson tells a very real story that most will be able to connect with, one way or another, but you’re also left with a significant level of appreciation for ALL Thompson perseveredd through. Thompson’s journey reminds us unconditional friendships centre us all and are a beautiful thing.

[Alison Buxbaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Nostalgia of Trauma by Troy Thompson is a powerful exploration of how pain can affect our lives. With raw honesty and emotional precision, Thompson examines memory, survival, and the quiet ways trauma shapes identity. I highly recommend this book, I was absorbed by its brutal honesty.

[Reader]

This is a wonderful story of a boy dealing with a difficult and traumatic childhood. However the positive message of overcoming those challenges is one that resonates with me and left me with hope for my own children. I really loved the way the author wrote through reflections, reminding us of the connection between the boy and the man he would become.

[Emmanuel Haronitis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was excellent and the story telling abilities of the author made it easy to read and difficult to put down.

Raw and truthful - finding your way through life overcoming your own challenges and the challenges of others to ultimately succeed against the odds.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really interesting, well written memoir, I couldn't put it down.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thompson’s memoir is rare in how it blends bleak material with warmth, wry humour and real laughter. He lays out a childhood shaped by a mentally ill mother, an absent father and a relentless inner critic, and he refuses to sugarcoat the survival tactics he adopted to get by.

The most moving element is how Thompson shows friendship as a kind of therapy: a band of unlikely teens offering roofs, food and steadiness that slowly rewires his sense of worth. The book explores the long reach of family dysfunction, the stories we tell ourselves to endure and the brave work of breaking free from voices that try to define us.

Reading it made me cherish my lifelong friends all the more, confronted me with my own patterns of mental health, and also opened my eyes to how new friendships can transform you at any stage.

This is not a tidy redemption story—the work of selfhood continues—but it is honest about pain and generous about tenderness.

A brave, hopeful memoir affirming that new life can grow from old wounds.

[Paul Meier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wholeheartedly recommend this book. The author poured himself into this reflection on his youth. It is unflinching and moving narrative that is powerful, thoughtful and well written. The author skillfully blends a number strong literary techniques to lead the reader through his story: e.g., clinical notes document his challenges that he persevered to overcome, crisp proses capture the zeitgeist of the late 1970s and 80s, his incredible ear for dialogue makes characters and events thoroughly relatable. And there is the profound insight into the human condition - the “Sculpture” inside his head, a seemingly insurmountable force that the author shows can ultimately be tamed not least of all by the power of friendship.

[Lindsay A · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Nostalgia of Trauma is a striking and deeply human exploration of what it means to grow, hurt, and ultimately hope again. The author recounts their journey with honesty and vulnerability. It’s the kind of book that lingers, urging readers—especially those who work with young people—to reconsider how they see and support the youth in their care. It highlights the essential truth that connection is not an extra; it is the work.

At its heart, this book is a testament to the power of being seen. It acknowledges trauma as a real and shaping force while insisting that hope can coexist with pain. Through moving stories and thoughtful reflection, the author shows how even small acts of kindness or genuine presence can shift the trajectory of a young person’s life.

[Chelsea Ghelani · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Nostalgia of Trauma by Troy Thompson is a beautifully written and deeply affecting book. The writing is honest, reflective, and powerful without ever feeling forced. Every page feels intentional, and the language stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.

What made this book especially meaningful for me was the sense of place. Reading about locations that are familiar and close to where I currently live created an immediate connection. It made the story feel grounded and real, and added an extra layer of intimacy to an already personal work.

This is the kind of book you can feel the care in. It is thoughtful, moving, and incredibly well done. A powerful read that I would highly recommend.

[Jay Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Nostalgia of Trauma is an introspective work that lingers long after the final page.

Rather than treating trauma as a single moment in time, the book explores its emotional echoes in a deeply human way.

What I appreciated most is the author’s ability to approach difficult experiences with honesty, while still offering space for reflection. I don’t read many books cover to cover but I did with this literary effort. Highly recommend.

[Ian Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read.
I especially enjoyed the the presence of “The Sculptor”… very Reminiscent to Carl Jung’s “Shadow”.
I’ve been trying to bring mine into the “Light”and I found that “The Sculptor” has helped me recognize what dialogue inside myself is the Shadow, Ego or my Truth…

I will definitely read it again, so I can find more insight for my “Journey”…

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an honest and uplifting portrayal of overcoming a troubled childhood. It is a fast and easy read with relatable messages and heartwarming tales. I recommend it for anyone who has experienced challenges in their lives, as they will relate to the importance of friendship to get through adversity. 

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUCH a great read.
I'm fascinated with the concept of "The Sculptor" the inner voice that alters our view of reality and self worth. Bravo to the author Troy Thompson