Review of My Stroke of Blessings
Posted: 08 May 2025, 07:50
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "My Stroke of Blessings" by Liv Rosin.]
In My Stroke of Blessings, Liv Rosin tells her story after having survived a stroke at 47 years old. April 8, 2011, was the day Liv Rosin’s life changed forever. That day, the high school English teacher suffered from a sudden hemorrhagic stroke that caused hemiparesis on the left side of her body. Her once dominant left hand was numb, and walking without assistance seemed impossible. How could she resume her old life as a mother, wife, and teacher when her body wouldn’t cooperate? The immense support Liv received during her stay at a rehabilitation facility gave her the strength to focus on regaining control over her body. After returning home, it was hard for Liv to accept her new reality. She fell into a downward spiral of depression, of thalamic pain, and of comparing her old life with the life after her stroke. All she could focus on were the things she so easily could do before and couldn’t now—like writing with her left hand, climbing stairs without support, or driving her son to summer camp.
Liv Rosin shares the bad but also the good memories she has made since her stroke. Her story is one of strength, hope, and acceptance. With time and the support of her loving family, friends, and church community, she found happiness in her new life after that fateful day in 2011.
Having grown up with a family member who had multiple ischemic strokes, I know how life-changing such an event can be for the affected person and their loved ones. Because of that, I am especially grateful that I stumbled upon this memoir. Stories like Liv Rosin’s are beacons of hope for people in similar situations. Stroke recovery, physically and mentally, is not linear. There can be ups and downs along the way, but Liv Rosin’s story shows that even after the darkest moments in life, there can be light. The book is filled with wholesome and joyful memories Liv made after her stroke, like going to the theater with her friend Marie, hosting Thanksgiving, or attending the wedding of her daughter. While moments like these often made me smile, others brought tears to my eyes. Liv Rosin opens up about her experience with depression and anxiety after her stroke, and I commend her for sharing these deeply private thoughts and emotions with her loved ones, her church community, her students, and lastly, her readers.
It is obvious that the author of this book is an English teacher. The way Liv Rosin describes her feelings and experiences, negative and positive ones, makes it easy to relate to her. She did an excellent job recounting her memories in a vivid and detailed manner that kept me interested in her story. The writing is almost immaculate; I spotted only a few minor typos.
To conclude, I give My Stroke of Blessings 5 out of 5 stars. Liv Rosin created a well-written memoir that people in similar situations can relate to and might draw strength from. This book is perfect for anyone interested in getting a better understanding of the impact a stroke or a traumatic brain injury can have on the life of the affected person. Since the book contains mentions of suicidal thoughts and depression, it is best suited for older teenagers and adults.
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My Stroke of Blessings
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
In My Stroke of Blessings, Liv Rosin tells her story after having survived a stroke at 47 years old. April 8, 2011, was the day Liv Rosin’s life changed forever. That day, the high school English teacher suffered from a sudden hemorrhagic stroke that caused hemiparesis on the left side of her body. Her once dominant left hand was numb, and walking without assistance seemed impossible. How could she resume her old life as a mother, wife, and teacher when her body wouldn’t cooperate? The immense support Liv received during her stay at a rehabilitation facility gave her the strength to focus on regaining control over her body. After returning home, it was hard for Liv to accept her new reality. She fell into a downward spiral of depression, of thalamic pain, and of comparing her old life with the life after her stroke. All she could focus on were the things she so easily could do before and couldn’t now—like writing with her left hand, climbing stairs without support, or driving her son to summer camp.
Liv Rosin shares the bad but also the good memories she has made since her stroke. Her story is one of strength, hope, and acceptance. With time and the support of her loving family, friends, and church community, she found happiness in her new life after that fateful day in 2011.
Having grown up with a family member who had multiple ischemic strokes, I know how life-changing such an event can be for the affected person and their loved ones. Because of that, I am especially grateful that I stumbled upon this memoir. Stories like Liv Rosin’s are beacons of hope for people in similar situations. Stroke recovery, physically and mentally, is not linear. There can be ups and downs along the way, but Liv Rosin’s story shows that even after the darkest moments in life, there can be light. The book is filled with wholesome and joyful memories Liv made after her stroke, like going to the theater with her friend Marie, hosting Thanksgiving, or attending the wedding of her daughter. While moments like these often made me smile, others brought tears to my eyes. Liv Rosin opens up about her experience with depression and anxiety after her stroke, and I commend her for sharing these deeply private thoughts and emotions with her loved ones, her church community, her students, and lastly, her readers.
It is obvious that the author of this book is an English teacher. The way Liv Rosin describes her feelings and experiences, negative and positive ones, makes it easy to relate to her. She did an excellent job recounting her memories in a vivid and detailed manner that kept me interested in her story. The writing is almost immaculate; I spotted only a few minor typos.
To conclude, I give My Stroke of Blessings 5 out of 5 stars. Liv Rosin created a well-written memoir that people in similar situations can relate to and might draw strength from. This book is perfect for anyone interested in getting a better understanding of the impact a stroke or a traumatic brain injury can have on the life of the affected person. Since the book contains mentions of suicidal thoughts and depression, it is best suited for older teenagers and adults.
******
My Stroke of Blessings
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon