My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey

I cannot say enough about how much I got out of this book. The list in the back for supporting someone with a brain injury or illness is worth the cost of the book, let alone Ms. Taylor's story and the great insights about how our brains function in and out of illness.
I have purchased copies for others and recommended it to just about everyone I could. Not long after I read the book (a quick read with great information), a friend had brain surgery; I had a great deal more understanding for her issues because I had read this book. Jill Bolte Taylor is a gift.

This is a beautiful book that teaches you so much about how the brain works. It is wonderful to know that the right side of the brain is joyous and peaceful and that one can tap into that feeling. The author explains in great detail how you might use your right brain more in life, and I've used many of her suggestions. This book also gives you so much compassion for people who are recovering from accidents or illness and having to relearn common behaviors from scratch. It is a very positive and enlightening book- highly recommended!

This book gave me an inside view of what its like to have a stroke and how to treat a person that has had a stroke.

Thanks to Dr. Taylor for writing this rare gem. I can't imagine a more knowledgeable, more vivid account of a malady that strikes so many of our loved ones yet is understood by so few "civilians." You will learn not only about the Taylor's stroke itself but also the brain functions that were affected by it -- not to mention that slippery state called cognition.

If you are in doubt about the compelling nature of this incident as well as Dr. Taylor's storytelling ability, listen to her interview with Terry Gross on Fresh Air. It's in the archives. And then read the book.

The archives are at the NPR.org website or (if this link makes it) here:

http://www.npr.org/templates/rundowns/rundown.php?prgId=13

Gina Pera, author
Is It You, Me, or Adult A.D.D.? Stopping the Roller Coaster When Someone You Love Has Attention Deficit Disorder (September, 2008)

This book has so much important information. I only wish I had that infomation when my father was dying. He did not have a stroke, but he was unable to speak and some of his caregivers were very unaware of his ability to hear and understand the energy they were bringing into his space. With this book, hopefully people who care for those who seem to be unaware will look at their patients with a new eye.