Back: Brain Attack - The Journey Back - A Unique Collection of Creative Writing about Stroke Recovery

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Book Review:

Brain Attack: The Journey Back

By Lin Wisman

  

  

Brain Attack, The Journey Back is a collection of writings by those affected by stroke, mostly survivors. It is researched and edited by Liz Pearl of Kope Associates in Toronto.

The thirty two contributors cover many different types of strokes, including both minor and massive strokes. Different stoke ages are also covered, from those whose children had strokes in utero to those who stroked in their 80s.

The book is divided into types of writings poetry, essays, journals, interviews, and so on. This format means that the reader is constantly inundated with the differences in stroke. This is a very different effect that if the classification would have been, for example, by severity. This proved to be an effective approach.

Much of the writings are story telling. There are many personal examples of how the stroke happened and how recovery occurred. The section of poetry fills a different role. Here the reflections are less direct. A few of the writings include suggestions. Most point to the need to have a positive attitude. In these writings you will see yourself and your fellow stroke family members.

Writings are inspirational. These stories are written by a group who has been successful in recovery. One interesting observance is that three of the writers have written articles in StrokeNet.

This book would be a good gift to someone who is new to stroke. It outlines the hope that is in each of us. It is not a book where the reader will receive a lot of practical advice on stroke recovery. If you are looking for inspiration, this is a good read.

To order the book, click http://at.yorku.ca/kope/ba.htm. Click order form at the top of the page. Currently the book is only available at this site.
 

 

Lin is Director Information Resources for The Stroke Network

 

Copyright © August 2006

The Stroke Network, Inc.

P.O. Box 492 Abingdon, Maryland 21009

All rights reserved.
 

 

Women's Heart Foundation

www.womensheart.org

Featured Book

Stroke is a leading killer of women. This book describes some of women's unique risk factors, particularly younger women. The book is authored by actual stroke survivors who chronicle near-fatal experiences and their road to recovery and leading productive lives. There are excellent accounts written with heart-wrenching clarity. This collection of creative writing was edited and researched by Liz Pearl. For more information, click here.

Stroke Smart Magazine

March/April 2006
THE LAST WORD

An Excerpt from:
The Opportunities Ahead of Me Are Endless

by Janel Nadeau
who was 19 years old when she suffered her stroke

Through this experience I have gained and learned so much.

I have reorganized my priorities for the better and my life is currently on an even better track than pre-stroke.

I value my family and personal relationships a great deal more.

My new-found resiliency has made me a stronger and more confident person.

I recognize that support of loved ones is essential to any meaningful recovery.

I have found support groups are a wonderful tool to assist in recovery and to make me feel like I am contributing to other people’s recovery.

My life post-stroke is fuller and richer because of the opportunities and focus I have found.

I am enriched from having experienced vulnerability.

What began on a fateful day in 2001 will continue to be an on-going challenge for years to come. However, I look at the stroke experience as exactly that—a challenge —and I have never been one to back down from a challenge. The opportunities ahead of me are endless!

You can find Janel's story published in a new book called Brain Attack, The Journey Back by Liz Pearl.

You can contact Liz through the web site at http://at.yorku.ca/kope/ba.htm