The ATS Book Club
The ATS Book Club is a space for reflection, dialogue, and shared learning rooted in the values that guide our work — trauma-informed care, cultural awareness, relational healing, and social justice. Each month, we explore texts that challenge dominant narratives, deepen our understanding of self and systems, and support both personal and professional growth.
June’s theme of Transitions, Belonging, and Pride invites us to reflect on the many ways we navigate change, identity, and personal growth. As summer begins and routines shift, we explore what it means to embrace new chapters while remaining connected to ourselves, our communities, and our values. In recognition of Pride Month, this month’s readings also honor the diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and communities, highlighting stories of self-discovery, resilience, authenticity, and belonging. Together, these selections encourage us to reflect on the ways identity is shaped, expressed, and affirmed, and how we can cultivate greater compassion, visibility, and connection in our personal and professional lives.
“Untamed”
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Glennon Doyle
A powerful exploration of identity, belonging, and self-liberation, Untamed invites readers to examine the stories they’ve inherited and the roles they’ve been taught to play. Through personal reflection and lived experience, Glennon Doyle offers a compelling call to embrace authenticity, navigate change with courage, and cultivate a life that feels fully one’s own.
“The Velvet Rage”
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Alan Downs
A seminal work exploring the impact of shame, identity, and belonging on the lives of many gay men, The Velvet Rage offers a powerful framework for understanding the emotional costs of stigma and the path toward self-acceptance. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Alan Downs offers insight into the journey from self-protection and performance toward authenticity, connection, and healing. Particularly relevant during Pride Month, this book invites readers to reflect on authenticity, resilience, community, and the importance of affirming mental health care.
“Gender Queer”
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Maia Kobabe
Blending memoir and graphic storytelling, Gender Queer explores the journey of understanding gender identity, finding language for one’s experience, and embracing authenticity. Through thoughtful reflection and personal narrative, Maia Kobabe offers a compassionate and accessible perspective on identity, belonging, and self-acceptance. This widely acclaimed memoir invites meaningful conversations about gender diversity, lived experience, and the many ways people come to understand themselves and their place in the world.
“Wintering”
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Katherine May
While it may seem ironic to read a book called Wintering as we transition into summer, Katherine May’s reflections on seasons of change, uncertainty, and renewal are especially relevant during times of transition. Blending memoir and thoughtful observation, Wintering invites readers to embrace periods of rest, reflection, and transformation rather than rushing through them. With compassion and wisdom, May reminds us that growth often requires patience, self-compassion, and the willingness to honor life’s quieter seasons.
