Review of My Stroke of Blessings

Chi Chiu Michael Mak · Post by **Chi Chiu Michael Mak** » 09 Jun 2025, 10:43

Gerry Steen wrote: ↑02 Jun 2025, 11:41 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "My Stroke of Blessings" by Liv Rosin.]

5 out of 5 stars
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Do you know anyone who has suffered a stroke? Do you have high blood pressure? Are you aware of the damage a stroke can do to you? Has your health care provider suggested ways to decrease your risk of having a stroke? Do you enjoy reading memoirs? If these questions have piqued your interest, you should read My Stroke of Blessings by Liv Rosin.

In 2011, Liv Rosin, a teacher at Mounds View High School in Minnesota, USA, was victimized by a stroke. In this memoir, Rosin described her stroke and how it affected her physically, emotionally, and mentally. Additionally, she recounted the process she followed to regain as much of her previous ability as she could—this included her hospital stay, rehabilitation therapy, reintegration into her home, and gradual return to her duties as a mother and teacher. She left no stone unturned in sharing how she managed her pain, anxiety, grief for the loss of her abilities, suicidal thoughts, and fear of addiction to painkillers.

I must note that this memoir had more to it than just sharing how problematic one’s life can become when they are a victim of a stroke. Rosin shared her experiences of being a church pastor’s daughter, a mother of three athletic children, a wife to a caring husband, a dedicated high school teacher, and a sister to a drug addict.

Rosin used a first-person narrative to recount her anecdotes. Her writing style was organized, clear, and explanatory. It was easy to put myself in her shoes because her words were simple, descriptive, and educational. The story flowed well and was chronologically organized.

I learned what it is like to be a victim of a stroke, grieve about a loss of autonomy, accept vulnerability, adopt a growth mindset, appreciate one’s blessings, and put in the effort required to retrain the brain. Additionally, I learned that it is a bad choice to ignore advice given by health professionals about managing one’s high blood pressure—taking prescribed medications and avoiding excessive consumption of caffeine can prevent a stroke.

I became familiar with many terms, and their meanings, related to a stroke: left neglect syndrome, proprioception, foot drop, neuroplasticity, hypoesthesia, baclofen, thalamic pain, ischemic stroke, growth mindset, esophageal dysphagia, and Dejerine-Roussy syndrome.

I enjoyed reading this memoir as it was interesting, humorous, well-written, educational, and professionally edited. Above all, it emphasized the importance of paying attention to high blood pressure; treating high blood pressure is better than recovering from a stroke. I had nothing negative to report about this book. I gave it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

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My Stroke of Blessings
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Liv Rosin’s journey sounds both heartbreaking and inspiring, especially how she navigated her recovery while balancing her roles as a mother and teacher. Loved the author's honesty about grief, anxiety, and the fear of addiction. The emphasis on high blood pressure awareness seems like an invaluable takeaway that could really change lives.

Macel A · Post by **Macel A** » 09 Jun 2025, 13:33

Fantastic review. I have never really experienced a situation in which a family member has suffered from stroke but from the little I know it's hard to recover from it especially in cases where at times it leads to paralysis of part or even the entire body and I'd like to read through this memoir to learn about the author's journey and how despite everything the author survived and fought through everything.

Creole · Post by **Creole** » 09 Jun 2025, 13:59

The title of the book is ambiguous and didn't immediately bring to mind a literal stroke until I read your engaging review. I found a personal connection to this, as I once blacked out due to not taking my prescribed medication for hypertension, causing my blood pressure to skyrocket. The author's healing journey and her emphasis on medication adherence have left a lasting impression on me. Gerry, I can't thank you enough for bringing this book to my attention. It's a timely reminder.

Post by **Omneya Shakeep** » 09 Jun 2025, 15:59

I think you captured the heart of the book in your review. It is very courageous of the author to use her life-changing experience to educate others on how to avoid her misfortune. Thanks for this great review and recommendation, Gerry.

Ali Pinar · Post by **Ali Pinar** » 09 Jun 2025, 16:43

The book about stroke must be very well-written for a reader to enjoy it. This is a very nice review. I am not sure if I will read the book, but I am convinced that it is a good book.

Author K · Post by **Author K** » 09 Jun 2025, 22:18

Your review makes me want to read the book. I am a hardcore lover of medical related books and this looks like something I will not only enjoy reading but also find informative. I have struggled with loss of autonomy due to an accident I had a couple years back, and I still do find it hard sometimes, hopefully I learn a thing or two from this book. Will definitely check it out. Thank you for an awesome review!

Post by **Neha Panikar** » 09 Jun 2025, 22:56

At the outset, I didn't think I'd pick up this book. But as I read through your review, I realized how informative it is. It has piqued my interest. Adding it to my bookshelves right away! Thanks for sharing the review!

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 09 Jun 2025, 23:53

Books like these are invaluable as they can educate not only other stroke victims, but their friends, families and carers. Touchwood, this is something I won't go through, as my blood pressure is always on the low side. I'm sure this book will have a broad readership.

Post by **Anu Anand** » 10 Jun 2025, 08:13

Thank you for sharing this thoughtful review. I know people who’ve had a stroke, and my father has high blood pressure. You're right—many people take health advice lightly until things get serious. This book sounds both moving and important.

Post by **Maggie Johnson 2** » 10 Jun 2025, 10:50

This sounds like an excellent book. You mentioned that it focused on more than just the consequences of the stroke, but also prevention and the rehabilitation process, which I think is so important. It also has an interesting title. I imagine that this book may have been difficult to read at times, but is ultimately an inspirational and worthwhile read. Thanks for the great review!

Post by **Magdalyne chebet** » 11 Jun 2025, 13:25

"My Stroke of Blessings" by Liv Rosin is a moving and powerful memoir that recounts her journey of recovery after a life-altering stroke. It’s deeply impactful to see someone openly share such personal struggles, reminding us of the strength in vulnerability and the importance of managing high blood pressure to prevent similar tragedies. Thank you for such informative review!

Ruth Shirk · Post by **Ruth Shirk** » 12 Jun 2025, 21:46

My hubby was in a nursing home for five years. The strike victims had it bad because so much was taken from them in a heartbeat. I look forward to reading this book.

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 13 Jun 2025, 08:22

Ruth Shirk wrote: ↑12 Jun 2025, 21:46 My hubby was in a nursing home for five years. The strike victims had it bad because so much was taken from them in a heartbeat. I look forward to reading this book.

When I was growing up, a very long time ago, LOL, my Grandmother used to have a mini-stroke about once every couple of years. She would faint, then come to, and one side of her face would be paralyzed for a few weeks. She was lucky that her strokes were not so debilitating as they were for most people.

Kunal Padwal · Post by **Kunal Padwal** » 13 Jun 2025, 13:14

My Stroke of Blessings" by Liv Rosin is a deeply touching memoir that reflects strength, hope, and unwavering faith. It’s not just about recovering from a life-altering stroke, but about discovering a new appreciation for life and the blessings hidden in pain. The author’s courage in sharing her journey is inspiring, and I found myself reflecting on my own life while reading. Has anyone else read this book? What moment stood out the most to you?

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 13 Jun 2025, 17:05

Kunal Padwal wrote: ↑13 Jun 2025, 13:14 My Stroke of Blessings" by Liv Rosin is a deeply touching memoir that reflects strength, hope, and unwavering faith. It’s not just about recovering from a life-altering stroke, but about discovering a new appreciation for life and the blessings hidden in pain. The author’s courage in sharing her journey is inspiring, and I found myself reflecting on my own life while reading. Has anyone else read this book? What moment stood out the most to you?

Hi, Kunal. The moment that stood out to me the most was when Liv Rosin was actually having the stroke but did not understand what was happening to her. This was compounded by her admission that she had never made the effort to curb her caffeine intake nor take her high blood pressure medication. This really struck home for me.