The Transformation Toolkit: Books That Inspire My Stroke Journey
Five years. It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since my stroke, and every day, I’m reminded of how far I’ve come.
My path hasn’t just been about the physical process of healing but also about understanding my brain, discovering new aspects of myself, and finding the mental strength to keep pushing forward… especially when it felt impossible.
Throughout this journey, (audio)books have been a lifeline—guiding me, comforting me, and giving me the knowledge I needed to rebuild and redefine what my 2.0 looks like. These books shaped how I approached my own healing and continue to inspire me to this day.
Whether you’re navigating your own recovery, supporting someone else, or simply looking for a bit of insight and inspiration, I’m sharing my top book recommendations with you.
This is my Transformation Toolkit—the books that have empowered me and, I hope, will offer you the same strength and encouragement.
All About the Head!
These are the books that have helped me understand the incredible power of the brain and its ability to heal itself.
The Brain’s Way Of Healing Itself: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity by Norman Doidge
This book showcases remarkable stories of neuroplasticity and how the brain can rewire itself, providing hope and insight into recovery that felt out of reach.
The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science by Norman Doidge
If you want to see the adaptability of the brain in action, this book is a must-read. It’s filled with real-life examples of personal triumphs through brain science.
How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body by David R. Hamilton PHD
This book helped me connect the dots between my mental state and physical healing, showing me just how powerful the mind-body connection really is.
Carotid and Vertebral Artery Dissection: A Guide For Survivors and Their Loved Ones by Jodi A Dodds MD
This guide was invaluable for navigating my own carotid artery dissection. It’s an essential read for survivors and those caring for them, full of practical advice and reassurance.
Healing the Broken Brain, Mike & David Dow
Written by two brothers—one a stroke survivor, the other a doctor—this book offers expert insights and heartfelt personal experiences, making it a go-to guide for stroke recovery.
Whole Brain Living, Jill Bolte Tailor
Taylor, a neuroscientist and stroke survivor, explains how understanding the different parts of our brain can help us live more balanced lives. Her story resonated with me deeply.
From Our Peeps
These books are by people who’ve walked the walk—fellow survivors of stroke, brain injuries, and other challenges. They’ve lived through it and come out the other side with powerful stories to share.
Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves After Stroke by Debra E. Meyerson and Danny Zuckerman
Meyerson, a stroke survivor and former Stanford professor, blends her personal experience with research on stroke survivors, making this both a memoir and a deep dive into identity and recovery.
Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness by Susannah Cahalan
Cahalan’s journey through misdiagnosis and recovery from Autoimmune Encephalitis is riveting. She vividly reconstructs the time when her brain was under attack, and her resilience shines through.
Don't Leave Me This Way: Or When I Get Back on My Feet You'll Be Sorry by Julia Fox Garrison
Garrison’s humour is infectious. Her memoir of stroke recovery had me laughing out loud even as she tackled the serious hurdles of her journey with grace and determination.
My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor
Taylor’s personal account of her massive stroke and recovery is a unique window into the brain from the perspective of a neuroscientist. Her message of peace and resilience was incredibly powerful.
Prognosis: A Memoir of My Brain by Sarah Vallance
Vallance’s raw and authentic voice drew me in as she navigated life after a traumatic brain injury. Her matter-of-fact storytelling made her struggles and triumphs feel relatable and inspiring.
Inspirational Reads
These are the books that kept my spirit strong when things got tough. They remind me that we can choose how to respond to life’s challenges and that resilience can come in many forms.
The Source by Tara Swart
A practical guide to unleashing the power of the brain to create the life we want, this book reinforced my belief in our ability to shape our own realities.
The Gift by Dr. Edith Eva Eger
Dr. Eger’s journey of surviving Auschwitz and learning to heal emotionally is a profound reminder of the strength of the human spirit, even in the darkest times.
Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
Brown’s work on vulnerability and courage has been instrumental in my recovery, reminding me that it’s okay to be seen fully, even when we’re at our most vulnerable.
These books have been cornerstones of my journey, helping me to better understand my mind, my body, and my spirit. They’ve guided me through the hardest moments and inspired me to keep thriving. I hope they’ll be just as meaningful to you.
Now, it’s your turn! What books have helped you through your own challenges, recovery, or growth? Drop your recommendations in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s been a part of your transformation toolkit.