What is it like to go through a stroke? Additionally, what’s it like to observe your own stroke if you’re an elite brain scientist? Those two storylines are what Jill Bolte Taylor offers in this short memoir. For those not yet exposed to the internals of how the brain works, it offers an accessible tutorial.
Many readers are not accustomed to understanding how different regions of the brain function together to provide a coherent experience of reality. With scientific terminology, the author saw in herself how certain regions were becoming dysfunctional as the blood clot expanded. Later, in her therapy, she saw how she was able to regain functionality as her brain cells reengaged.
Due to her experience, she has some particularly pointed critiques of the rehab system. She believes it too loud and too inconducive to healing. She believes that she would not have recovered as well had she been relegated to that system. Although she’s just one voice, her advice for the system should be acknowledged given her expertise.
Overall, she provides an engaging story that can teach how the brain works together. Her story concludes with some personal advice about mental health. This book can help anyone who’s recovering from a stroke or helping someone recover from a stroke. Reading the neuroscience processed through experience is also fascinating and deserves readers’ attention.
My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey
By Jill Bolte Taylor
Copyright (c) 2006
Penguin Books
ISBN13 9780452295544
Page Count: 206
Genre: Memoir, Science
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