On the morning of December 10, 1996, Jill Bolte Taylor, a thirty-seven-year-old Harvard-trained brain scientist, experi neuroanatomist by profession, she observed her own mind completely deteriorate to the point that she could not walk, talk, read, wrienced a massive stroke when a blood vessel exploded in the left side of her brain. Ate, or recall any of her life, all within the space of four brief hours. As the damaged left side of her brain--the rational, grounded, detail- and time-oriented side--swung in and out of function, Taylor alternated between two distinct and opposite realties: the euphoric nirvana of the intuitive and kinesthetic right brain, in which she felt a sense of complete well-being and peace; and the logical, sequential left brain, which recognized Jill was having a stroke, and enabled her to seek help before she was lost completely.

In My Stroke of Insight, Taylor shares her unique perspective on the brain and its capacity for recovery, and the sense of omniscient understanding she gained from this unusual and inspiring voyage out of the abyss of a wounded brain. It would take eight years for Taylor to heal completely. Because of her knowledge of how the brain works, her respect for the cells composing her human form, and most of all an amazing mother, Taylor completely repaired her mind and recalibrated her understanding of the world according to the insights gained from her right brain that morning of December 10th.

Today Taylor is convinced that the stroke was the best thing that could have happened to her. It has taught her that the feeling of nirvana is never more than a mere thought away. By stepping to the right of our left brains, we can all uncover the feelings of well-being and peace that are so often sidelined by our own brain chatter. A fascinating journey into the mechanics of the human mind, My Stroke of Insight is both a valuable recovery guide for anyone touched by a brain injury, and an emotionally stirring testimony that deep internal peace truly is accessible to anyone, at any time.

The women in our groups universally said this is an important book for all women to read. Most were reading passages of it to their husband. Here is what Publishers Weekly had to say about it: "This comprehensive new look at the hormonal roller coaster that rules women's lives down to the cellular level, "a user's guide to new research about the female brain and the neurobehavioral systems that make us women," offers a trove of information, as well as some stunning insights. Though referenced like a work of research, Brizedine's writing style is fully accessible. Brizendine provides a fascinating look at the life cycle of the female brain from birth ("baby girls will connect emotionally in ways that baby boys don't") to birthing ("Motherhood changes you because it literally alters a woman's brain-structurally, functionally, and in many ways, irreversibly") to menopause (when "the female brain is nowhere near ready to retire") and beyond." We say, buy it now.

NEUROLOGY RESOURCES

American Academy of Neurology 
A professional organization focused on continuing medical education; has an advocacy component and eLibrary.

National Brain Tumor Foundation 
NBTF is a national nonprofit health organization dedicated to providing information and support for brain tumor patients, family members, and healthcare professionals, while supporting innovative research into better treatment options and a cure for brain tumors."

National Brain Tumor Society 
Merging with the National Brain Tumor Foundation, this group is focused on serving and supporting patients. Launches in fall 2008.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
A government agency and a component of the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Public Health Service. It is the leading supporter of biomedical research on disorders of the brain and nervous system. Its mission is to reduce the burden of neurological. Links to dozens of web sites related to neurological disorders, research, news and events.

Neurology Channel
Developed and monitored by board-certified physicians, neurologychannel provides comprehensive, reliable information about conditions that affect the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles), such as stroke (brain attack), Alzheimer's disease, chronic fatigue, carpal tunnel, ADHD, brain cancer, cerebral palsy, and back pain. It is a medical information website of Healthcommunities.com, Inc.