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My Stroke of Insight

a Brain Scientist's Personal Journey
bibliotechnocrat
May 04, 2013bibliotechnocrat rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
This is the fascinating account of a brain scientist who has a stroke. Because of her neurological training, she is able to identify and articulate the different brain functions affected as the trauma progresses. What's more, her observations will make you think about issues ranging from spiritual insight, to childhood perceptions. It is an astonishing journey. Ordinarily, we don't think about the two halves of our brains working together because their cooperation is just given; in Bolte Taylor's case, the left brain gradually shuts down due to the stroke leaving her perceptions solely reliant on right brain functions. Her descriptions of a world perceived through the right brain sound exactly like the nirvana that the Buddha points toward. The absence of monkey-mind chatter, the timeless quality of the Now (which describe my memories of childhood), the deep inner peace - it's physiology meeting spirituality. If the case studies of Oliver Sacks interest you, you'll eat this book up. The first three chapters focus on simplified neuroanatomy. If you're like me, and narrative works better than textbook study, start with chapter 4. The book also contains advice for helping people recover from brain trauma events. Check our the author's TED talks lecture on Youtube.