Brain Attack [Paperback]

Paulina Perez (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 20, 2001

Brain Attack--Danger, Chaos, Opportunity, and Empowerment follows the author as she navigates a new road with all of its bumps and blind curves which was caused by a stroke that affected the very essence of her life as a public speaker.It is a powerful story of determination and perserverance. This book rings true because the reader is drawn into the author's experience.Brain Attack restores stroke survivors and their family's confidence in their ability to deal with the aftermath of a brain attack. Brain Attack reads like a novel and will inspire you as you read about the triumph of the human spirit against all odds.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This book is about more than the intimate and personal journey of a stroke victum to recovery. -- Robert Scaer, MD Medical Director, Mapleton Rehabilitation Center

About the Author

Paulina Perez is the nurse/author of 4 previous books on health care but this book is related to an experience where she found herself in the other side of health care. She writes about her devastating stroke and how she was able to overcome that tragedy. This intimate book is helpful to stroke survivors, their families and members of the health care profession (nurses, rehabilitation therapists, physicians and counselors).

Product Details

• Paperback: 252 pages
• Publisher: Cutting Edge Pr (February 20, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964115956
• ISBN-13: 978-0964115958
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,205,272 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Polly is an internationally known nurse,author and public speaker. Polly is the author of numerous books which include Special Women: The Role of the Professional Labor Assistant, The Nurturing Touch at Birth: A Labor Support Handbook, Doula Programs: How to Start and Run a Private or Hospital-Based Program with Success!, Birth Balls: The Use of Physical Therapy Balls in Maternity Care and Brain Attack: Danger, Chaos, Opportunity and Empowerment.Polly lectures on many perinatal health care issues & focuses on motivating and empowering them.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book by a wonderful woman!, September 29, 2001

By 

Michael Sutherland (Miamisburg, OH) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Brain Attack (Paperback)

Polly Perez has a lot to say for someone with aphasia! Join her in this remarkable journey through her stroke as she describes in detail the day-by-day events of this life-changing event. Polly is able to capture what I see so many of my patients try to describe - everything from the nurturing attitudes of the therapists to the struggles of both her and her family and friends. The uncaring attitude of some, which is too often a part of the healthcare system today is also described with emotional detail. Polly also uses some heartfelt quotations from a variety of sources which are spread throughout in the writing. I was especially touched by these quotations as they added to my understanding of what Polly must have felt as she wrote this diary. "Brain Attack" is a book which I will recommend to patients I work with. I always tell those patients, "I know some things about strokes, but you will always know more because you have experienced one first hand" I still know that to be true, but thanks to this wonderful book, I am a bit closer to understanding a stroke from the inside out.
Michael Sutherland, Licensed Massage Therapist, Recreational Therapist, Stroke Survivor Group Facilitator

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring! Everyone MUST read this book!, April 19, 2001

By 

Sue Coffman "CD(DONA), AAHCC" (Orange, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Brain Attack (Paperback)

Whether you know someone who has suffered a stroke, or you yourself have experienced one, OR you have never been around the effects of a stroke, this book is an absolute must-read for everyone! It's message of perseverence in the face of adversity can help anyone at anytime in their life.

While reading Brain Attack, I was overcome with emotion. All those friends/family of Polly's and how they've upholded and supported her through those tough times, was truly inspirational!

I believe this book is absolutely AMAZING!! It deserves national attention! All of Polly Perez' words are so heartfelt and sometimes sad and angry, yet so true and meaningful! I hope all people who suffer from ailments (especially strokes) get a chance to partake of this book.

I found such strength reading her words, and it made me realize how precious everything we have in our world is, and that at any given moment it could be taken away from us; that we must value our lives as we live them!

As a doula myself, the strength I gained from reading your life after the attack will help me persevere when birth takes a turn which no one expected, or when the mom needs to feel empowered. I will remember her strength and make it mine (I hope).

I want to thank you, Polly, for being strong, and speaking out about empowerment and upholding all that is dear to us poor old humans!

In the doula spirit and the spirit of humanity...

Sue Coffman

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational...moving....and helpful, April 14, 2001

By 

Stephanie Soderblom CCCE CD(DONA) ICD (Mesa, AZ USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Brain Attack (Paperback)

It's about time someone wrote a book about the stuggles and fears and triumphs associated with having a stroke. Paulina Perez writes from personal experience in a way that is comforting to those who have experienced the same thing. She not only gives her personal, intimate thoughts and feelings as a stroke survivor, but explores how it effects others around them and the perceptions people have of stroke survivors. This book is great for it's educational value....as well as a helping guide to others going through the same journey. This book is a must read for anyone who has had a stroke...or anyone who knows someone who had a stroke. My great grandmother had several stroks before she passed away 12 years ago....and reading this book made me look at the years after her strokes in a totally different light. It's about time this book was finally written..YEAH!