A story of fighting for her life, the Author Julia Fox Garrison tells of her stroke and brain damage. Having to learn many things ll over again, such as walking, she tells how she stayed strong through all of the negative medical situations. I found some of her comments to those attempting to help her , rude, but that may be her personality or a way to take charge of her recovery. I have a brain tumor and am on strong medications to stop a stroke if possible, and would never hesitate to be assertive with medical staff. But I don't want to become aggressive, as I read some of that in this book. The ordeal is not pleasant and the come-back is long and tedious. The author tells her story in a way that is very readable and makes one so thankful that she made it through the ordeal and that we can read about it, not endure it as she did.
I heartily recommend this book to any who have gone through, are going through or have a relative in the 'had a stroke' situation. You will learn many things, and come away much more aware of what others go through in medical situations. ( )

I loved the way this wonderful author wrote about her more than incredible experiences---as if she is telling herself what has happened and what continues to happen. It's as if we are inside her looking out and being told what we are thinking and feeling after a brain hemorrhage. Julia Garrison is a one-of-a-kind in the most wonderful way. We all need to absorb what she describes in the way we treat each other---doctor, patient, parent, spouse, child, friend, stranger. You cannot forget Julia Garrison. ( )

Julia was an ordinary wife and working mother--until a brain hemorrhage robs her of the ability to control one side of her body. Suddenly she is plunged into the world filled hospitals, doctors, nurses, and therapists and she is shocked to find that she is not always treated with dignity and her opinions about her own body are no longer given much weight. She shares her story with much sarcastic humor--the same humor that often put her doctors on the defensive--but that also preserved her sanity and sense of self throughout her ordeal. Despite the pessimism of "Dr. Jerk, Dr. Panic, and Nurse Doom" she learns to walk again and has now written this memoir to not only share her experiences but to also challenge and educate patients and doctors. It was a fascinating read, if would especially suggest it for those that enjoy stories of people overcoming the odds to not only survive but thrive. ( )

I really loved this book, and would recommend it to anyone and everyone. Although I've never suffered any of the physical impairments that the author has, her story is very easy to relate to. Not to mention that it serves as a reminder to all of us to never give up, and to never take anything for granted.

Ms. Garrison's persistance is to be admired, as is her sense of humor through ordeals that have broken the spirits of many. Kudos to you, Julia, and may you never lose your courage, love of life, and wonderful spirit! ( )

Julia Fox Garrison was 37 when her world exploded from a massive cerebral hemorrhage. Determined to understand what happened to her and to make the best of her newly disabled life, she used humor and hope to learn to walk and learn to drive again and to be a functioning part of society. A wonderful, positive book dealing with a disastrous life situation. ( )