My Stroke of Insight

by Jill Bolte Taylor
My Stroke of Insight cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Biography and Memoir
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
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Technical
  • ID: 3336
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781848942929
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2009-03-19
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Jill Bolte Taylor, a Harvard-trained neuroanatomist, experienced a massive stroke that left her unable to walk, talk, read, or recall her life within hours. As her left brain deteriorated, she alternated between the logical left side and the euphoric right side, gaining profound insights into the brain's capacity for recovery. /n/nTaylor's eight-year journey to recovery involved using her scientific knowledge and her mother's support to repair her mind and recalibrate her understanding of the world. Her personal journey offers a unique perspective on human consciousness and the brain's remarkable ability to heal.

Reviews
American Network of Community Options and Resources · 2025-03-27
insightful 4.00

The book offers a detailed exploration of brain processes, providing new insights into how the brain functions. The reader is left with a deeper understanding of the brain's capabilities and the author's personal journey.

This review highlights the book's ability to delve into the intricate workings of the brain, offering a unique perspective from someone who has experienced a significant brain event. The author's detailed account of her stroke and recovery provides valuable insights into the brain's functions and the differences between the left and right hemispheres. The reviewer appreciates the depth of information and the personal touch that makes the book both educational and engaging. The book is praised for its ability to make complex neurological concepts accessible and relatable, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in neuroscience or personal resilience.

Quick quotes

    Bolte Taylor offers a detailed look into processes of the brain for which she had newfound consciousness.

    As a reader, I found myself thinking about the intricate workings of the brain in a new light.

    The book provides a unique perspective on the brain's capabilities and the author's personal journey.

Brain Stuff · 2023-07-10
inspiring 4.75

The reviewer had a complex, positive, and intense reaction to the book, finding it brilliant and deeply moving. The author's account of her battle with the consequences of a massive stroke is both powerful and inspiring.

This review highlights the reviewer's intense and positive reaction to the book. The author's personal account of her stroke and recovery is described as brilliant and deeply moving. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to convey the complexity of her experiences in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The book is praised for its emotional depth and the valuable insights it provides into the human brain and the author's personal journey. The reviewer finds the book to be a powerful and inspiring read, offering a unique perspective on resilience and the human spirit.

Quick quotes

    I had a complex, positive and intense reaction to reading once more Jill Bolte Taylor's brilliant account of her battle with the consequences of a massive left hemisphere stroke.

    Her descriptions of her experiences are both powerful and deeply moving.

    The book offers a unique perspective on resilience and the human spirit.

Kitchener Integrated Health Clinic · 2012-06-06
informative 4.50

The book is praised for its simple yet informative writing style, making it an easy and quick read. It is filled with amazing information about the brain and the author's experiences.

This review emphasizes the book's simplicity and the wealth of information it contains. The reviewer appreciates how the author manages to convey complex neurological concepts in an accessible manner. The book is described as a quick read, but one that is packed with valuable insights into the brain's functions and the author's personal journey. The reviewer highlights the author's ability to make the subject matter engaging and relatable, making it a great resource for anyone interested in neuroscience or personal stories of resilience.

Quick quotes

    The book is simply written and a rather quick read, yet it is chock full of amazing information.

    We appreciated her description of how the brain works and the unique insights she gained.

    The author's personal journey adds a layer of depth and relatability to the scientific information.

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