My lucky stroke

by Sarah Brooker

Sarah Brooker was an ambitious young woman studying to be a neuroscientist. She had the world at her feet. On New Year's Eve, 2002, an unbelievable series of events occurred: a brain aneurysm, a devastating car accident, a body broken and a mind shattered. A life was changed forever. Several weeks later Sarah woke from a coma with no idea of who or where she was or what had happened. But thanks to an extraordinary quirk of the brain, Sarah could remember neuroscience. In fact, when doctors came to visit her during the many months she spent in hospital, Sarah assumed they were consulting her as the brain expert, not attending to her as a patient. MY LUCKY STROKE is an extraordinary memoir, full of life and insight, humour and drama, a story about rebuilding a life from square one that you won't easily forget.

Genres: Biography

Paperback

Published January 1, 2019

Reviews

[Emily Norman · Rating 2 out of 5]

A really interesting read!

[nye · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK IS THE MOST AMAZING THING IVE HEARD ABOUT. I WILL BUY IT AFTER DR BROOKER TOLD US ABOUT IT IN ENGLISH INSTEAD OF TEACHING SHOW DONT TELL OR AS HER EDITOR CALLS IT “killing the puppy” I HAVE HAD DR BROOKER AS A TEACHER MANY TIMES BEFORE BUT THIS ONE LESSON CHANGED MY OUTLOOK ON LIFE. WE STARTED OFF THE LESSON TALKING ABOUT PERSONIFICATION WE THEN GOT INTO TALKING ABOUT MISS/DR AND HER AMAZING LIFE CHANGING STORY. EVERYONE THAT DISLIKES THIS BOOK SHALL PERISH. I LOVE DR BROOKER SO MUCH SHE IS MY ROLE MODEL ESPECIALLY WHEN SHE DOESNT TEACH US ENGLISH LIKE WE SHOULD BE DOING BUT WE ALL HATE ENGLISH AND THOSE FEW PEOPLE THAT GAVE MISS A BAD RATING.
CANT WAIT TO READ YOUR BOOK
KEEP SLAYING

[Simone Inez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book guided me into a rare opportunity to listen to, feel and understand just a little, what the effects of a brain injury can have. And that each injury is unique. I found it to be uplifting in that in the most dire of circumstances, Sarah was able to push through and achieve what would seemingly be improbable. What an amazing character and family. There is so much to navigate when one digs just a little below the surface. Brilliant read.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! Sarah’s story of her aneurysm and car accident, and subsequent life is eye opening. Throughout it all, she is positive and explains what is happening so well. I liked the person she was and is, both come across as wonderful human beings. I learned a lot about an issue I knew little about, thank you for sharing your journey.

[Ana Urban · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Inspiring, sweet and an eye opener!

[Emily Kowal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an extremely interesting book, definitely a page-turner that can be finished quickly. A good beach read.

[Eddi Chicco · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a remarkable story! Although I get a mention in Sarah’s book and know her well I still had no idea of the struggles she went through in order to rebuild her life. Her story is poignant, funny and superbly written and shows how dedication, perseverance, and a search to find her ’new’ self helped her achieve more than most people achieve in a ’normal’ lifetime. I am truly in awe of her courage and resilience and glad that she put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard) to share her remarkable story. Note to Sarah: I must say that 'arm swinging whilst walking' must be a genetic thing, because your Uncle Pete suffers from the same affliction. I was gobsmacked when I read about it in your book.

[Chin Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Having experienced a series of strokes myself, where she described waking up and pulling the tube out was exactly what I did when first coming out of my coma. I find her inspirational, as so much of her experience mirrors mine, and have signed myself up for some courses. My experience happened in my 60s, but I'm still going to try and continue my educational path. I recommend this book to all my doctor's.

[Izzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book sounds a lot more interesting than it is. Having a medical background I thought this book would be insightful and interesting but I struggled to get through it. In short it’s a very boring diary of a young girl recovering from a tragic brain injury. Not very insightful. Very long winded.

[Charli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It made me really think about what it's like to live with an ABI, and what patients and their family go through. I never thought it would be like that. Insightful and funny and sad all at once.

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an AMAZING book by the storyline to the heartwarming ending. Dr. Brooker is a hero to be alive and to tell her story. I feel honoured to read this book and to share her story. I recommend this book to anyone who is waiting for a thrill seeking, heart warming and an insight on a true story that indeed changed my life.


NO NEED TO BRAG BUT SHES MY TEACHER

[Graham Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspiring true story of courage and recovery. I read the whole thing in a couple of days.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Brooker is a relief teacher at my school, she is a queen. Buy this book, tis' very interesting. She told us the story to get us out of work so shoutout to the Doctor. Doctor Brooker taught us a lot, and anyone who disses her book need to leave and no one loves you. this book is wonderful

[Kristina Row · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having had two strokes. I thought this book would be a bit depressing But it is well written. this lady is amazing!

[Rachael Berndt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so pleased Sarah Booker wrote this. Every stroke survivor should read

[Melinda Crumblin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read. I’m always intrigued by the human brain and enjoy learning about brain injuries and how humans change and recover. Pretty good writing and very interesting to learn Sarah’s story.

[Andrea Myers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Memoirs are not usually my cup of tea unless it’s a relatively famous person I’m interested in outside of what they have become famous for. I remember once being told that unless you’re a somebody nobody really cares about your life story — which I think is a very true statement unless your life is way beyond the ordinary — and this book was that. Truly fascinating to be introduced to what it’s like to suffer such a devasting brain injury, how that changes how Sarah interacts with the world and processes those experiences. Her resilience is inspiring.

-Read E-book version from my public library

[Hayley McManus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sarah Brooker's memoir. The fascinating detailed content of her childhood years, her academic career, her horrific accident and her general personal life, was incredibly well structured and well written in the memoir styled publication it is. She gave a really clear idea of what life has been like for her post-accident wise, internally and externally as a disabled adult. I have learnt so much from her about what it's like to live with a disability and I can relate a lot to her love of teaching as a fellow teacher. Really grateful to know her story.