How to Conquer the World With One Hand...And an Attitude [Paperback]

Stephanie Mensh (Author), Paul E. Berger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 20, 1999

This is the story of a young man's recovery from a devastating stroke, taking the reader on a journey far beyond the typical "survivor" story, into the depths of a young man's feelings, across ten years of physical and emotional challenges. "Paul does not let anything stop him from exploring and treating life as a gutsy adventure," says Barbara Newborn, author of "Return to Ithaca."

Follow Paul's story from his fight to live...his stubborn determination to return to work...his joy in testing his physical limits...getting lost in a coal mine...lobbying Congress on the space program...traveling to Europe...finding job, losing jobs...building a new career and a new life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I think even those who haven't suffered disabilities or know people who have, will find this fascinating," -- Brenda Rapp, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University.

"It is the story of an ordinary person who becomes extraordinary in determination and humor...I was very moved by this book," -- Hon. Leslie L. Byrne, Former Member of Congress and Director, White House Office of Consumer Affairs.

"Paul travels a compelling, inspiring and remarkable hero's journey through an unexpected life. It is an extremely powerful and motivating story...I didn't want to put the book down," -- Elaine R. Axelrod, Ph.D., licensed psychologist.

"The need to be redefined and develop a new 'self' over a long period of time is also an important contribution that many stroke survivor stories overlook or avoid," -- Dr. Martha Taylor Sarno, NYU School of Medicine.

From the Publisher

Positive Power Publishing is dedicated to inspiring people with disabilities to live a full life and to show the world that having a disability doesn't mean giving up. Paul Berger's compelling story is an example of the can-do attitude and abilities that many disabled people offer.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: Positive Power Pub (March 20, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966837819
• ISBN-13: 978-0966837810
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,674,786 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It gave me hope!, July 16, 2001

By 

Sarah L. Fails "sfails" (South Lake Tahoe, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Conquer the World With One Hand...And an Attitude (Paperback)

My father is much older than Paul when he suffered his stroke in December of 2000. My father's stroke was very severe and has left him totally paralyzed on his right side and unable to speak or effectively communicate in any manner, which is the same side and conditions that Paul suffered. This book gave me hope that some day my 78-yr. old father may be able to communicate on some level. All speech therapy has been stopped for my father, but after reading this book and seeing what 8 years of therapy has done for Paul, my family is looking into our options once again. I can think of nearly nothing worse than being able to understand most of what is being said around you and not being able to communicate back. People with aphasia are essentially trapped within their own body. Thanks, Paul for having the courage to move forward with your life and to tell your story. It truly gave me hope!!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An informative and uplifting book on overcoming stroke., November 18, 1999

By 

Jocelyn D. Challas (Chapel Hill, NC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Conquer the World With One Hand...And an Attitude (Paperback)

After my father had a stroke, I read several books on stroke and stroke recovery. I found Paul Berger and his wife's first-person accounts of their experiences the most valuable by far. At such a difficult and confusing time in my family's life, it was comforting to read about another family's similar experience and the road to recovery. If you or someone you care about has suffered a stroke, this book will inform you, inspire you, and give you hope for the future.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't take "no" for an answer, November 28, 2000

By 

"spirogale" (Vienna, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: How to Conquer the World With One Hand...And an Attitude (Paperback)

For 8 years I led a support group for people with stroke and other brain injuries. This honest, funny, gutsy account of one man's struggle to regain his life after a devastating stroke shows what can be done, and what it takes to do it.

What struck me most in this inspiring story was Paul's ability to keep on trying despite innumerable setbacks. I felt empowered by his wife's tireless advocacy, creative solutions, and search for resources. As a member of a family that struggles with chronic illness, I enthusiastically recommend this book to anyone seeking to change a life.