Tammy M. (Tamsbooks) reviewed on 10/30/2011 + 39 more book reviews

This is the story of a brain scientists reflections on what a stroke does to the person as they are experiencing it. It is told from the authors own experience. Indeed, I found the most fascinating part of this book was the first-hand description of what it was like to experience a stroke.

The second-most helpful part of this book was the practical suggestions for interacting with someone who has had a stroke. For many, that part of the book alone is worth reading.

The story is short with the most details to befound in the morning of the actual stroke. Interspersed in the narrative are chapters about how the brain works, particularly the different roles and functions of the right and left hemispheres. Author Jill Taylor experiences a death of the neurons in the left side of the brain, the seat of language, mathematics, ego, and logic. This frees her right brain and leads to what she describes as nirvana, being one with the world.

While initially interesting, I found the description of the right and left functions to be eventually repetitive. The call for readers to free themselves from the tyranny of the left brain and experience the peace that the right brain brings was reiterated over and over. It left my(left) brain impatient.

Though not the most satisfying book in the beauty of its prose or the flow of the structure, I think its a worthy read for the insights scattered throughout.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details