Explore. Reflect. Transform.

 

Praise for Beyond the Darkness

 

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

Beyond the Darkness is a powerful and personal journey—and a highly recommended must-read for fans of meaningful travel writing and reflective memoirs. With a rare and courageous blend of scholarship and insight, Dr. Chad Scott never loses sight of the human cost at the heart of these iconic places. Nothing feels sensationalized or unnecessarily morbid, making this a book that stays with you and reshapes your perspective on history, healing, and humanity.

—K.C Finn, USA Today Best-Selling Author

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A powerful and often gripping guided tour through some of humanity's dark places. Scott transforms his visits to troubling destinations into opportunities for personal growth. His earnest tone is the book's consistent bit of magic."         —Kirkus Reviews

Kirkus Reviews also awarded this book their "GET IT" verdict — a strong endorsement reserved for books they recommend readers seek out.

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"A powerful journey through history’s shadows, Beyond the Darkness explores how places marked by tragedy can reveal unexpected paths to healing. With raw honesty and deep empathy, Dr. Chad Scott connects dark tourism to personal transformation, weaving together themes of grief, resilience, and meaning. This is a rare and unforgettable exploration of how honoring the past helps us understand ourselves. A moving tribute to the strength found in reflection."
—Kathryn Dare, San Francisco Book Review

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Scott’s integration of therapeutic insights with his personal journey offers a nuanced exploration of post-traumatic growth that has implications for both clinical practice and social work education. From Auschwitz’s gas chambers to the battlefields of Normandy, his story becomes a masterclass in meaning-making. Reflections on finding meaning through suffering provide a narrative of hope without minimizing pain—a delicate balance we strive for in therapeutic work. Scott’s journey offers valuable lessons about resilience and the complex ways humans process tragedy.

—Dava Wilson, Ed.D., Assistant Professor, Austin Peay State University Social Work Department

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“Beyond the Darkness expertly documents Dr. Chad Scott’s journey toward self-discovery. His clear and crisp writing, discoveries from historical moments, philosophical inquiries, and much more set this book apart from other travel memoirs. With a kind of reverence, he writes about death, grief, and genocide in a way that challenges readers to confront their fears, honor the past, and reflect deeply on what it means to be human.”
—Ruffina Oserio, ★★★★★ Readers’ Favorite

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“Dr. Chad Scott takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through dark tourism, exploring places marked by tragedy and human suffering. The writing is stellar, with vivid imagery and emotional depth that bring each location and emotion to life. The book reflects on grief, the light within darkness, and the search for meaning in suffering. It is a critical reminder of the importance of understanding and cherishing our collective past. There is a lot of wisdom sprinkled in this book about humanity and how we can appreciate even the darkest moments in our story.”
— Divine Zape, ★★★★★ Readers’ Favorite

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Dr. Chad Scott's stirring descriptions and captivating, perceptive stories make readers feel as though they’re truly there. He evokes the imagination with each location’s poignant atmosphere and surrounding environment. As a psychotherapist, his remarkable writing naturally weaves behavioral and mental concepts with themes of self-improvement, change, compassion, and history. Beyond the Darkness is more than a travel memoir; its heartwarming words offer fresh insights to inspire courage, self-assurance, and the healing of minds, bodies, and relationships. Highly recommended for history buffs and thoughtful travelers alike.

— Carmen Tenorio, ★★★★★ Readers’ Favorite

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READER REVIEWS

Select reader comments from concise edition

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"Definitely a must-read!"
"Not only was this book very informative, but it was also extremely inspirational. It made me feel like I was right there on his travels. The book did an incredible job showing the true meaning of resilience. Dr. Scott is a talented author who writes with his heart as well as his pen."

— Debbie

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"A great book!"
"The way Chad intertwines history, personal growth, and empathy is truly remarkable. His words touched my heart and gave me new perspectives on life. I will continue to recommend this book to everyone!"
— Mshappy

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"Compelling!"
"Well-written and gut-wrenching, this book takes you on a journey around the world. It makes you think about the cruelty faced by so many in history. I couldn’t put it down!"
— Mary M.

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"Wealth of knowledge!"
"Fascinating to say the least. The parallel drawn between the suffering of so many and our own battles within ourselves is absolutely felt. Human suffering is a part of life, and this book puts it into clearer perspective. Highly recommended!"
— Coolpjs

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"Leaves you wanting more!"
"Dr. Chad Scott expertly weaves his experiences as a psychotherapist, aviator, and traveler into a page-turning guide to visiting 'dark tourist' sites. It left me pondering the draw these places have on us and reignited my travel bug!"
— Alyssa B.

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"Inspirational!"
"This book had me feeling history. Chad’s personal struggles allow readers to reflect on their own lives, making it relatable to all. His descriptions bring the reader with him on his travels. I look forward to the full edition!"
— MLong

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"Unexpected gem!"
"Chad dives into dark history while making you think about your own life and relationships. Intense and super relatable. Definitely worth the read if you’re into a deeper understanding of life."
— Ella P.

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"Empowering!"
"Totally feels like you’re walking alongside him during his travels. Listening to his personal triumphs during his darkest hours is inspiring and heartfelt. Bravo for inspiring all to rethink those times and grow."
— James