Reading stroke recovery books is not just about gaining knowledge, it's about regaining control and empowering oneself to take an active role in the healing process.

A stroke can be a devastating experience in one’s life. It can cause permanent damage if not spotted straight away, but at the same time, even a quick recovery may leave long term effects.

Getting over a stroke is a challenging experience. But then, there are people going through such issues on a daily basis.

Some people need to learn to talk again. Some others may have permanent motion damage. What truly matters is you’re not alone.

And unless you stick around people who have been through the same experience, no one can truly understand what you go through.

With these thoughts in mind, here are a few books on stroke to help you overcome the problem. Learn from others, find out what others have been through and how they’ve managed to get back on their feet.

Of course, surrounding yourself with family and friends is critical, but at the same time, here’s some valuable advice and tips from others who have recovered from stroke.

What Are The Top Books on Stroke Recovery?

Emerging From the Dark, by Terence Ang (2023)

What does a stroke feel like? How do you know you’re going through one? How do you get over a problem that will affect your body forever?

I’ll be honest with you, this isn’t really a book for those who have been through strokes. I think it’s just as handy if you’re exposed to such potential problems.

Anyway, another thing that drew my attention was the fact that all illustrations in the book are made by the author. And not just that, but with the hand that was affected by the stroke. It’s emotional and will make a statement.

This is the author's second book. Emerging From the Dark features stroke survivors sharing the individual story of their own journey. This is a book full of stories from fighters. You’ll find incredible courage from all of them, especially since no one finds it easy to discuss a stroke. But then, you’ll also be surprised by their determination to get back on their feet.

If you think a stroke will affect your life, you’re right. But if you think you’ll never recover, you’re wrong.

Learn from others’ past experiences, what they’ve done to overcome these problems and how to solve problems associated with stroke.

This isn’t a sad book. In fact, I think it’s incredibly positive and will have a massive impact on your life.

My Stroke of Insight, by Jill Bolte Taylor (2009)

In the winter of 1996, Jill Bolte Taylor was only 37 years old. She was a brain scientist with a degree from Harvard.

Life was good, but one day changed everything when she experienced a very aggressive stroke on the left side of her brain.

That experience changed her life forever.

Her stroke was shocking. The right part of her brain was asking her to relax and enjoy the peace. But the left side of her brain told her that she was going through a stroke.

In less than four hours, she could no longer read, write, talk or walk. She couldn’t remember anything either.

The stroke was massive and had a serious impact on her life. But believe it or not, she recovered. It took her eight years to do it, but she did everything by the book.

Although the stroke could seriously change her life, she saw it as a revelation, and that's what motivated me to go through this stroke recovery book.

She learned that you could focus on each side of the brain in order to feel the right things, and I think that's one of the most important things in the recovery process.

She describes everything in small details, and I believe her positivity can help everyone recover, at least to a certain point. Plus, the learning stage is clearly explained to help everyone tap into the right part of their brains.

Stronger After Stroke, by Peter G. Levine (2018)

This is one of the most detailed books on stroke. In fact, it’s so well detailed that it’s been through a few editions. Of course, I recommend the latest edition because it’s well updated with the latest discoveries in this field.

Anyway, the author puts the recovery process in your hands.

This book is a guide, a manual with simple and straightforward instructions to ensure you reach the highest level of recovery.

It teaches you how to set goals in the recovery process, measure progress to make sure you're getting somewhere, and practice basic activities.

Retraining the brain has never been easier, and all the tools in the book are backed by evidence. After all, the author is well known for his research studies.

The process is simplified and includes step by step instructions to maximize recovery, new research studies to push the recovery process, steps to take in order to deal with challenges, DIY solutions to improve results, and different medical solutions that can help in the process.

Whether you or a loved one suffered from a stroke, this stroke recovery book is one of the most detailed guides on the market and should be a priority in the recovery process.

Healing and Happiness After Stroke, by Kari Dahlgren (2016)

The recovery process starts on day one, no doubt about it. That’s when you need to start retraining the brain, yet it usually depends on how severe the stroke is.

But just like any other workout, there will be a time when you might stagnate. Results slow down a bit, and sooner or later, you'll see no progress.

According to the author, that's because you're missing something very important in the recovery process. Your happiness.

And this aspect hit me straight away. Everyone is worried about the medical part, but no one pays attention to how they really feel.

This is one of those books on stroke that redefine the power of positivity. Positive psychology is a must in the process. It will help the patient overcome depression, work on self esteem and boost motivation.

In the long run, that’s what can push you through a plateau.

This self help guide is explained in small details, and I believe every stroke survivor should give it a shot. It’s not based on a personal experience only, but on actual science and years of consistent research.

Happiness and the healing process go hand in hand, and this is often the path to a successful recovery.

The Brain That Changes Itself, by Norman Doidge (2007)

The Brain That Changes Itself brings some light to one of the oldest concepts in the medical industry, a concept that was proven to be wrong, yet it's widely embraced by people from all over the world.

Some would refer to it as a new type of science. Anyway, known as neuroplasticity, this type of science cancels the myth that the human brain is unchangeable.

Written by a psychiatrist with years of experience, the book looks at the brain, its power to change itself, and what it takes to retrain it. After all, that’s what happens during a stroke. The brain no longer works like you’ve trained it and can change your life within minutes only.

The Brain That Changes Itself also recalls some important cases in the medical industry.

Whether you or someone you know is learning to speak again or trying to recover some memories, this  stroke recovery book will change the way you look at your brain. It will change the way you see human nature, but more importantly, it will unleash your human potential.

I find this book to be motivational, but I also see it as a guide on how to recover after a stroke, definitely a must read.

Whole Brain Living, by Jill Bolte Taylor (2021)

The medical world has always thought the right side of the brain is responsible for emotions and feelings. On the other hand, the left hemisphere has always been thought to be more rational.

Now, a recent discovery in neuroscience proves that it’s much more complicated. Each side of the brain has both emotions and a practical approach.

This book redefines the brain and explains these new discoveries.

I know, it sounds like a technical book, but it’s not. It’s a very well explained book with no technical terms or jargon. Knowing how the brain works means you can retrain it in a more effective manner.

Everything we think or feel depends on the cells in the brain and the way they do their work. Each of these four main cells is unique and brings in particular thoughts or feelings.

Retraining them will retrain the brain, simple as that.

Conclusion

Bottom line, these books on stroke go in more directions.

Some of these titles explain how the brain works and help you retrain it with science in mind. Basically, forget about instincts, but follow some scientifically proven principles.

Some others go in a more emotional direction. Everyone who recovers after a stroke must follow some clear principles, but there’s also room for an individual approach.

Learning from others in the same situation can make the recovery process faster and more efficient.

Do you feel that you need more motivation? Check out my favorite spiritual books to empower your soul. Also feel free to check our stroke recovery activity book list.

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