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From:Jill Bolte Taylor , Viking Adult ,
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User Rating: Amazon Sales Rank:#58 |
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3 of 3 customers found the following review helpful:
 Last part of the book meanders, 2008-09-29
I thought that this book started off very well. Her description of the stroke itself and her inner "analysis" of what was happening to her was quite novel. Her frustration at other people's inability to understand what was happening to her was revealing. But then it all seemed to turn into New Age gunk. I am not unfamiliar with left brain-right brain logic vs. intuition (although her explanations are somewhat oversimplified), and believe that there is clear validity for this concept. However, the last chapters (when she describes engaging her right brain) are very repetitive, almost like she really can't clearly describe what it is she's trying to say (not enough left brain?). It got quite boring, and I found myself skimming pages.
1 of 2 customers found the following review helpful:
 Educational, 2008-09-28
The author, a trained brain scientist (neuroanatomist) experienced a stroke when a blood vessel broke in the left (rational, detail and time-oriented) side of her brain. Meanwhile, the right (intuitive, kinesthetic, nonverbal communication) side felt euphoric. That observation may be very helpful for others understanding what may be happening to them, and in choosing the correct reaction.
It took the author eight years to fully heal. At first she could not walk, talk, read, write, or recall any of her life. The ensuing confusion and memory losses were illustrated by her taking 45 minutes to call for help, and inability to speak intelligibly. She also experienced great difficulty understanding what people wanted, and were saying to her. She gave up after several hours trying to answer "Who is President of the U.S.?"
The good news is that recovery began almost immediately. At the end of day two she could roll over and stand up - with support. Her mother became her caretaker. A friend brought over children's books and puzzles - while helpfully, at first they were very frustrating (could not do a 12-piece puzzle). She slowly learned to read again, learn the ins and out of walking (the edge of a sidewalk could be a danger, lines in the middle were not).
Important needs included people talking confidently about her recovery, focusing herself on recovery - its work, and takes one away from serenity, requirement for plenty of sleep for healing, needing goals, and focusing on achievement and not disability. After three months the author learned to drive again, and in six months was able to make a limited professional presentation. However, it took until the fourth year until she could handle additional again.
The downside to "My Stroke of Insight" is an over-focus on feelings and emotion, rather than rational analysis and presentation - undoubtedly because it was the rational part of her brain that was damaged.
2 of 2 customers found the following review helpful:
Enjoyable, educational., 2008-09-22
Very enjoyable and educational read. This sure takes the mystery out of the mysterious "sudden enlightenment" stories we often hear about.
I learned so much about myself from this book. The author's story is amazing, her knowledge is fascinating, and her ability to put her experience together with her education, and weave this tale of recovery and insight for us... is astounding.
Thank you, Jill Bolte Taylor!
1 of 1 customers found the following review helpful:
 my stroke of insight, 2008-09-20
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.
2 of 2 customers found the following review helpful:
Beautiful book- I learned so much!, 2008-09-20
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!
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