Customer Reviews

Realistic Hope: Aspirations for Survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Excellent resource for friends, family and caregivers. The book is clear, concise and filled with the compassion and knowledge of one who has "been there, done that." Every page tells a story and/or provides useful how-to information that can actually be applied today, right now, by anyone who cares about someone with TBI or even another type of traumatic injury.

This book can help you in your survival of any life changing experience. Mark puts his personal experiences out there for all in an effort to help others become the best they can be by accepting their "new normal". The journey is much more complex than it would appear from the outside. As a parent and a nurse I have seen many instances where having realistic goals would make the journey an easier one. Kudos to Mark for writing such a wonderful guide for surviving whatever life may send your way.

I wish I could have read this book 15 years ago; my life would be much different today. Mark's grasp of the denial and reality of a catastrophic or life threatening illness or injury surpasses TBI and is applicable to any major life altering illness or injury. An easy read, and a book to be shared with all, Mark's words are from the heart and his personal experience makes a profound effect on the reader. I highly recommend it as a gift for friends and family faced with the challenges and anguish of a serious health issue. It quickly becomes a grounding reference for dealing with the difficult journey of healing and recovery for the patient and everyone involved with the patient.

This excellent booklet shows the wisdom and insight that enabled Mark to overcome significant injury and become a successful business executive. This is a wonderful resource for anyone who has suffered signicant brain injury as well as their friends, family and caregivers. A logical,clear, concise perspective that shows genuine understanding, compassion and knowledge.

This book is a "must" read for everybody. You may think it just has to do with traumatic brain injury when in fact I think this book is a broad and necessary tool to handle life's curve balls. This book takes a very realistic approach to a new beginning not only for the patient but all those that are a part of it. It is a journey of discovery while giving you the tools to live a life of success and satisfaction even when your faced with significant illness or injury directly or indirectly. This book should be in "every" hospital waiting room, as well as distributed among doctors, social workers,
health care providers, victims, and their family and friends.

Simply and beautifully articulated! Mark Palmer has managed to tackle an extremely difficult and emotional topic in straightforward, plain English. His book is a great guide and comfort for anyone seeking direction on how to deal with serious illness or injury, whether their own or a loved one's.

Having seen that this book is now available on Amazon, I've ordered it with one-click immediately. I have no doubt it will deliver exactly what its subtitle suggests, and I anxiously await its arrival. I was introduced to the author (and some of his writing) a number of years ago, and I find it nearly unbelievable that he suffered the traumatic event he did indeed suffer -- he is one of the most well-spoken, generous, intelligent, warm and personable people you'd ever hope to meet -- with an amazing head for business, and people skills to boot. He's achieved much professional success, rightly deserved. It's a real testament to Mark Palmer's character that he'd take the time and be courageous enough to share his personal story to offer hope to others facing TBI or other health issues. I am just out of the hospital myself -- nothing at all to do with brain injury -- and yet I know Realistic Hope will be the first thing I turn to during my recovery. It may seem premature to have already decided my rating as 5-stars, but I am confident that this book will deliver. Mark Palmer is a true inspiration himself, and his written story certainly will be as well.

Realistic Hope is an inspiring book written in a very readable, conversational style. The author describes every phase of the initial trauma (or diagnosis) and the many ways it impacts the individual, family members, friends, physicians, and even strangers. Understanding the concept of the "old normal," the "new normal"--unattainable goals versus attainable goals, and "unrealistic hope" and "realistic hope"-- is crucial to the well-being and acceptance of the new challenges in living with a traumatic brain injury, or indeed, to any diagnosis that requires changes in the activities of daily living. Living for years in a state of denial may result in years of frustration and stress, and ultimately delay the fullest state of rehabilitation possible. This book has applications in many other areas, such as adjusting to loss-- whether a job, a divorce, one's health, or the loss of a loved one. In this book, the author is trying to help others avoid the years of pain and frustration he personally experienced, and it is invaluable.

When reading this book you soon begin to realize that the content transcends that of the injury survivor. The themes are not only invaluable for brain injury survivors but anyone who has gone through an injury or illness or cares for someone who has had to confront the associated challenges. Highly recommended.

Whether you have experienced a traumatic event or you know someone who has, Mark's book will help you deal with the practical reality of your situation. Although Mark focuses on traumatic brain injury, his book is a practical guide for anyone struggling to find a "new normal". Most often, we are so focused on our injured loved one that we forget how much the pain of a traumatic event extends to everyone around the one who is injured. Mark reminds us that everyone who has weathered the acute crisis still has a long journey ahead. He provides us with a great roadmap to travel that road successfully. Mark has inspired a much greater understanding of how family, friends, and the medical profession can help the survivor of any trauma to accomplish realistic dreams.