My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey

This was a fascinating journey with a brain scientist into her own stroke and recovery. I read or heard about this book a long time ago, and I didn't remember to read it until it was mentioned by my Rabbi. He was fascinated by how closely her description of the two hemispheres of the brain matched the Jewish teachings.

I enjoyed the book, even the last few chapters which took us on a new age journey. While I usually look down on such journeys (using my left hemisphere to judge the heck out of it), I realized that there might be something there, something that cannot be explained by my rational philosophy. I'm still undecided and continue to lean dangerously to the side of rationality. I did notice the smallest of spaces opening before returning to my ridiculing nature.

Besides the new age philosophy, brain physiology and psychology, this book also presented a guide to self-improvement. While rebuilding her left brain, Dr. Taylor was able to decide on which circuits in her brain she wanted to activate. She used this time to rid herself of some of her more negative aspects. While I’m hoping not to have a stroke anytime soon, I do hope to apply some of her lessons to NEQID. I have many such bad and negative circuits. To learn that these circuits can be reprogrammed is in itself an amazing insight and worth the price of this book.