My Stroke of Insight Book Summary - My Stroke of Insight Book explained in key points
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My Stroke of Insight summary

Jill Bolte Taylor

A Brain Scientist’s Personal Journey

3.9 (43 ratings)
14 mins

Brief summary

"My Stroke of Insight" by Jill Bolte Taylor is a memoir about the author's experience of suffering a stroke and her journey to recovery. She shares insights on brain function, mindfulness, and the power of the human spirit.

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    My Stroke of Insight
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    The author became a neuroanatomist to understand her schizophrenic brother.

    The author, Jill Bolte Taylor, grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana. She was actually inspired to become a neuroanatomist – a doctor who specializes in human anatomy and how the nervous system functions – by one of her brothers, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia.

    Bolte Taylor was intrigued that his view of the world was disparate from hers despite the fact that they were siblings so close in age. The way he processed information, and therefore his behavior, differed from hers.

    Consequently, the author became interested in the way the human brain functions. She embarked upon intense academic training so that she could research the biological grounds for schizophrenia.

    Bolte Taylor was accepted as an undergraduate at Indiana University where she studied human biology. At the same time, she got a job at the Terre Haute Center for Medical Education. It was here that she worked as a lab technician in both the Human Anatomy Lab and the Neuroanatomy Research Lab.

    Later, the author joined a six-year Ph.D. program in the Department of Life Science at Indiana State University. In 1991, she received her Ph.D. and a couple of years later spent time at Harvard Medical School as a postdoctoral researcher with the Department of Neuroscience.

    Eventually, she landed her dream job at the Laboratory for Structural Neuroscience at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts. The lab was run by renowned neuroscientist Dr. Francine M. Benes. Bolte Taylor admired Benes for her expertise in analyzing the postmortem brain in order to understand schizophrenia.

    This is how Bolte Taylor became interested in, and began working with, the human brain. In the following blink, you’ll find out some scientific facts behind the harrowing, life-changing experience she endured when she had her stroke.

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    What is My Stroke of Insight about?

    My Stroke of Insight (2008) is about Jill Bolte Taylor, a neuroscientist who suffered a stroke in her mid-thirties. These blinks detail her personal story from medical school to experiencing a stroke to learning how to walk, talk and even identify colors again.

    My Stroke of Insight Review

    My Stroke of Insight (2008) by Jill Bolte Taylor presents a captivating account of the author's personal journey through a stroke and her subsequent recovery. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • Offers a unique perspective on the brain and its functions, shedding light on the complexities of stroke and how it impacts our lives.
    • Shares insights into the profound transformation the author experienced during her recovery, providing inspiration and hope for those facing life-altering challenges.
    • Combines scientific knowledge with personal storytelling to create an engaging narrative that educates and entertains, ensuring the book is never dull or dry.

    Best quote from My Stroke of Insight

    According to the American Stroke Association, 83 percent of all strokes are ischemic strokes.

    —Jill Bolte Taylor
    example alt text

    Who should read My Stroke of Insight?

    • Medical students
    • Friends and relatives of individuals with mental illnesses or brain traumas
    • Anyone interested in learning more about the human brain

    About the Author

    Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is an American neuroanatomist who specializes in mental illnesses. Her TED talk was the first of its kind to go viral and inspired many to buy her book, which subsequently became a New York Times bestseller. For over a decade, Bolte Taylor was the president of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and is now the NAMI president emeritus for Bloomington, Indiana.

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    My Stroke of Insight FAQs 

    What is the main message of My Stroke of Insight?

    The main message of My Stroke of Insight is that we have the power to choose how we perceive and respond to life's challenges.

    How long does it take to read My Stroke of Insight?

    The estimated reading time for My Stroke of Insight is several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.

    Is My Stroke of Insight a good book? Is it worth reading?

    My Stroke of Insight is a fascinating and inspiring book that offers valuable insights into the human brain and the power of resilience.

    Who is the author of My Stroke of Insight?

    Jill Bolte Taylor is the author of My Stroke of Insight.

    What to read after My Stroke of Insight?

    If you're wondering what to read next after My Stroke of Insight, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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