Review of My Stroke of Blessings

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 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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Chinwe Chike · Post by **Chinwe Chike** » 07 Jun 2025, 06:20

A stroke victim is not something you enjoy with my mother in-law is a stroke victim in case of my mother in-law she have partial stroke and all she do is lying down she can't move her one leg and one hand she will lye down every day you feed her bath her do all most everything for her stroke is very bad and is not enjoyable at all.

Post by **Kibet Hillary** » 07 Jun 2025, 10:14

Indeed, prevention is better than cure. With the rising incidence and prevalence of non-communicable/lifestyle diseases, it is good to see that the author focuses on prevention and the need to follow the advice and recommendation of a physician. The books sounds moving. Thanks for the review, @Gerry Steen.

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 07 Jun 2025, 10:30

Chinwe Chike wrote: ↑07 Jun 2025, 06:20 A stroke victim is not something you enjoy with my mother in-law is a stroke victim in case of my mother in-law she have partial stroke and all she do is lying down she can't move her one leg and one hand she will lye down every day you feed her bath her do all most everything for her stroke is very bad and is not enjoyable at all.

Hi, Chinwe. I am sorry your mother-in-law had a stroke. If you read this book, you will find some helpful information regarding how a stroke victim can regain some of their abilities.

Post by **Catherine Sweet** » 08 Jun 2025, 08:34

I enjoyed reading this review. The memoir sounds well worth reading. My blood pressure has recently got higher, this review is a good reminder to follow my doctor's recommendations.

Post by **Seetha E** » 08 Jun 2025, 10:26

The struggle encountered when trying to return to normal is painful; it requires a lot of patience and effort. This book shares valuable information. Hopefully, this book reaches the masses. Preventive actions from an early age and consistent mental and physical engagement, if, god forbid, someone has to suffer a stroke, are the topics rightly addressed by the author in simple language. I'll look out for this one. Thank you for your informative review.

Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis · 08 Jun 2025, 10:27

Great review! I will have to read this book because of certain health issues; I am at high risk of having a stroke. It is good to know things before they happen rather than wait until it's too late.

Post by **Priya Murugesan** » 08 Jun 2025, 10:32

I always enjoy reading medical related books. I have blood pressure problem and I am eager to read this book. Thanks for your wonderful review, Gerry!

Post by **Sarah Zain** » 08 Jun 2025, 17:04

Showing her difficult experience is something I respect. It is a serious matter that must be paid attention to because most people do not pay attention to the symptoms that precede it.
Although I don't like medical content very much, the book seems useful. Thank you, Gerry, for the detailed review.

Post by **Julie Marie Basil** » 08 Jun 2025, 22:02

I have had several family members who have experienced a stroke, so this is an issue that is quite meaningful to me. I am definitely interested in this memoir after reading your review.

Yasmine ZM · Post by **Yasmine ZM** » 09 Jun 2025, 01:51

I like the title, it's a clever play of words : My Stroke of Blessings.
Liv Rosin is relatable which makes her struggles and ordeal feels relatable as well. She is a spouse, a parent and a teacher. And like so many people, she is not sure she can trust the doctors enough to follow their full instructions, which unfortunately lead to a stroke. She has a strong mindset and came out of these challenges much stronger and better. This sounds like a fascinating memoir; I am adding it to my shelves. Thanks for this insightful review.

NetMassimo · Post by **NetMassimo** » 09 Jun 2025, 04:59

My grandmother had a stroke, and it changed her life, as she lost her autonomy due to the loss of her mobility. That can affect a whole family, so a memoir of such an event and its consequences can be very educational. Thank you for your great review!

Post by **sayjil gordhan** » 09 Jun 2025, 08:48

Thanks for the review! I haven’t read My Stroke of Blessings yet, but it sounds really powerful and insightful. I’m especially interested in how she shares both the medical and emotional sides of recovery. Sounds like there’s a lot to learn from her story.

Post by **Laney K** » 09 Jun 2025, 09:15

Strokes are a common medical issue, so this memoir sounds like a helpful book for those who have suffered one or knows someone who has. Thank you for the informative review!

Nana Samantha · Post by **Nana Samantha** » 09 Jun 2025, 10:41

My Stroke of Blessings is an honest and inspiring memoir about surviving a life-changing stroke. Liv Rosin shares her long journey of recovery with raw emotion and deep faith. The book isn’t just about healing—it’s about finding purpose, hope, and gratitude through pain.

Some parts feel repetitive, but overall it’s powerful, especially for readers going through tough times. Her story reminds us that even the hardest moments can bring unexpected blessings