With One Hand Tied behind My Brain: A Memoir of Life after Stroke Paperback – 23 December 2020

I just finished the book today and found it by turns sad, funny, inspiring, engaging, but primarily honest. Avrel held nothing back in describing the initial shock of the stroke and ensuing brain surgery but also the hard slogging and determination to regain as much of his former life as absolutely possible. He unabashedly shared the bad times as well as the good and through it all, his fierce love of his family, friends, and life itself came shining through. Did I mention that it is very well-crafted as well? This was a very enjoyable and sometimes challenging read. I finished the book with freely flowing, happy tears.

Stroke is my most feared event and that of all my friends--and we're in our 8th decade. It's hard to imagine what it would have been like in our 50s. A friend's son close to the author's age experienced a stroke, so I bought this book to give her. I also read it myself and it did not disappoint. In addition to describing the inevitable shock and dread, the author entertained as he enlightened with his wit, keen observations, and wry style. Seale's discussions and descriptions of fellow rehab patients read like a favorite novel while showing the empathic camaraderie between diverse humans in intense rehab. I have greater appreciation of the deep and sustained effort required to regain activities of daily living we take for granted. I was also reminded that many inane routines also persist among the miracles in our healthcare. And BONUS ALERT: The author's passion for music introduced me to songs that I dialed up on Spotify and enjoyed as background. Seale wrote about the specific favorite that he plays to start each day. I was so inspired that now it's my perfect wake up anthem too !

and very real - Mr. Seale lays bare the emotional roller coaster that he endured following a stroke that appeared out of nowhere and left him at death's door - the majority of the book is about the recovery process, and coming to grips with the new life that he's forced to figure out - and yet with these entirely serious issues, I found myself laughing out loud numerous times with the humorous reflection that he's able to bring through his recollections - there are also some very good side note observations regarding our current medical protocols, and suggestions as to how we can do better - highly recommended

This book gave me a new perspective on life and health and the impact that small acts of kindness can have on others. It was a very honest examination of the emotional and physical highs and lows that come with suffering a major health event. At times my eyes were full of tears and at others I couldn't control my laughter. It was a truly inspiring read that will stay with me for years to come. I highly recommend it!

This book was amazing - it should have been depressing, but I was laughing so hard in places that I was crying. What a great sense of humor and way with words!