Customer Reviews

Change in the Weather: Life After Stroke

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I had a cerebellar stroke in March, which caused this communications major and ex-Micrsoft college recruiter to become a disabled person who couldn't talk --overnight and very unexpectely, just like Mark..Mark's book is a good chronolgy of what that feels like and a good inspiration for recovery as he made a 100% comeback.

While I don't have his connections with Bill Cosby or presidents (and admire his newfound verve to use those contacts to get the word out about stoke), I share and admire his drive to recover - and that of his wife to support him...Stroke is not well known, we hear so often about cancer and heart attacks but it is the number one disabler - 455,000 americans will be struck by it this year, or one every 15 seconds...I had none of the prediposing symptoms (high blood pressure/smoker/family history/overweight) yet I still had a stroke and it has changed my life - just like it changed Mark's life into a recovering disabled person who had to learn to slow down and value a second chance at everything..we did not die and there is a distinct silver lining to stroke, which Mark's upbeat book chronicles...it was an easy read and a good boost...a profile in a different kind of courage for friends, family and Mark himself...Unlike many afflications, you CAN recover from stroke...it takes time and oomph.

CHANGE IN THE WEATHER: LIFE AFTER STROKE tells of a news anchorman at the peak of his life - and enjoying it - when he suffered a stroke. Mistreatment and misdiagnosis nearly cost him his life - and this memoir documents these issues, also following his rehabilitation from a massive stroke in which he lost some of his greatest gifts. A powerful account of triumph over harrowing physical issues evolves.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

MarkMcEwen has written an excellent book for those who have had a stroke or are caring for someone who has had one. His positive message is one of hope for all.

I often wondered what had happened to one of my very favorite TV personalities! Ironically, I have had several strokes over the past year and came across his book! I found it helpful and encouraging.

HOW INCREDIBLY SAD THAT THIS HAD TO HAPPEN TO SUCH A WONDERFUL PERSON DUE TO PROFESSIONAL INNATTENTION.
THEY TOOK AWAY HIS TV PERSONA.
HOW GLAD I AM THAT HE AND HIS FAMILY ARE DOING MUCH BETTER SINCE 'THE WEATHER CHANGED'.
WHAT INCREDIBLY POSITIVE ATTITUDES THEY HAVE.
HE PROVES THAT HARD WORK WINS OUT.
HE IS AN INSPIRATION.

I found Mark's book very informative. I am living with a father that had a stroke last year and it was interesting to compare the stroke and recovery process. The major differences between the stories is that my father is 81 and I found him within five minutes of the stroke so he was able to benefit from the clot busting medication. Many of the rehab exercises for my father are similar to Mark's. Until I read this book I had not been able to get this information from someone that had experienced stroke or was caregiver for a stroke patient. All too often when I spoke to someone that had a loved one suffer a stroke their story usually ended with a death shortly after the stroke. I'm thankful I found him so quickly and that he survived the clot busting medicine. They let you know when you sign the consent that your loved one might not survive it. That is an awesome responsibility for anyone. I've encouraged everyone I know to talk to their loved ones so they will know how you feel should they every have to make that decision for you.

Mark McEwan did a good job of describing his recovery; however, he did not put sufficient emphasis on the need for and benefits of agressive therapy. To be an aid to others who have a relationship with a stroke victim, his therapy program and its intended results should have been discussed in more detail.

Mark McEwen's account of his recovery from the deficits of a stroke should be a must read for stroke survivors and their caregivers--family and medical team. Someone once said that recovering the use of one's arms,legs, and speech is like watching paint dry or grass grow. McEwen's encouragement and sensible advice will be a comfort to all whose life has been so radically changed by a disease that is not understood by its sufferers or the physicians and therapists who treat it. I wanted his book to go on for at least 100 more pages.

The book appeals to a diverse audience from his network fans to anyone who's suffered a stroke or their families. It also serves as an inspiring account of overcoming disability that anyone can relate to.
He alternates chapters telling about his life before the stroke and chapters of the stroke and rehabilitation. A pleasant enough read, but I'd also recommend My Stroke of Luck for those interested in celebrity stroke experiences.

Mark McEwen's book is very insightful. In the past year three close friends have suffered a stroke and a relative has dealt with a stroke-like illness. Mark McEwen's book has helped me understand a bit more of what they have gone through, what they will go through and how I can help in their recovery. The book is well written, easy to read and I would highly recommend it.