One Sentence Summary
A brain scientist shares her personal journey of dealing with and recovering from a severe stroke, offering insight into the brain’s abilities and potential for healing.
Book Genre
Non-fiction, memoir, neuroscience.
Main Topic of the Book
The book focuses on Jill Bolte Taylor’s experience of having a severe stroke and her journey to recovery, as well as her unique perspective as a brain scientist.
Key Ideas
- The brain has the ability to heal and rewire itself, even after a severe injury like a stroke.
- Our brain’s two hemispheres have different functions and ways of perceiving the world.
- Connecting with our right hemisphere can bring us a sense of peace and inner harmony.
- Mindfulness practices can help us cultivate a stronger connection with our right hemisphere and bring more balance to our lives.
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary
- Part One: The Stroke
- Part Two: The Journey
- Part Three: The Brain
- Part Four: Our Own Personal Journey
This section of the book details Jill’s experience of having a stroke at the age of 37 and the challenges she faced as a result.
Here, Jill shares her journey of recovery and the insights she gained as she navigated her way back to health.
In this section, Jill delves into the fascinating world of the brain, sharing her knowledge and research as a brain scientist and explaining its functions and capabilities.
The final part of the book focuses on how we can apply the lessons and insights from Jill’s journey to our own lives, including practical exercises and practices to cultivate a deeper connection with our right hemisphere and bring more balance to our minds and emotions.
Key Takeaways
- The brain has a remarkable ability to heal and rewire itself, even after a severe injury like a stroke.
- Our brain’s two hemispheres have different functions, and our right hemisphere is responsible for our sense of inner peace and connection to the world.
- By cultivating a stronger connection with our right hemisphere through mindfulness practices, we can bring more balance and harmony to our lives.
- It is possible to overcome even the most daunting challenges with determination, patience, and a positive mindset.
Author’s Background and Qualifications
Jill Bolte Taylor is a Harvard-trained brain scientist who had a severe stroke at the age of 37. She also holds a degree in biology and a PhD in neuroanatomy from Indiana University School of Medicine. She has been featured on various media outlets and is a frequent keynote speaker on the topics of neuroscience, recovery, and mindfulness.
Target Audience
The book is suitable for a general audience, but those with a keen interest in neuroscience, mindfulness, and personal growth will find it particularly compelling.
Publisher and First Publication Date
The book was published by Viking and was first released in May 2008.