Customer Reviews

Return to Ithaca

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've not only had the pleasure of reading this book, but I've met it's author. She's the real thing. She absolutely shines. She walks a couple of feet off the ground. Ms. Newborn is not only a survivor, but a person who has happiness to share with others. Her book offers incredible insight to those who have either experienced a stroke or know someone who has. She gave me a clear understanding of aphasia and how strokes effect people.

I read quite a few books about strokes following my own, but only wanted to own two. This book, which was a gift from a dear friend, provided such inspiration during my recovery. I still read it from time to time because it continues to be a touchstone for me. I've always loved the poem "Ithaca" which is referenced in the title but it's taken on a special meaning since reading this book. Thank you for writing it, Barbara.

Although there are several first person accounts of the stroke experience, most have been written from the perspective of the older victim. When stroke hits a young person there a special twists to the knife. All those who have to deal with young people with stroke should read this wonderful book.

This book says it all. My sisiter suffered a stroke at 46 and this book helped me and her husband to understand what exactly she was going through and what to expect.

For survivors of stroke who can read, I recommend this book because Newborn's example of persevering and refusing to wallow in self-pity is a good one. However: if your loved one, like mine, cannot speak, read or write after an extended period (more than two years), I would recommend against reading this or any other book written by a stroke survivor. Return to Ithaca was written by a young woman who, five months after her stroke, was living independently and attending classes at Cornell University. Reading it simply underscored the reality of my husband's condition and reflected a sharp contrast between someone who regained language function and someone who has not and probably never will. I am happy for Newborn, and any other stroke survivor who is able to recover the ability to speak, but it is bittersweet to read these types of accounts knowing my husband is not one of the lucky ones. I admire Newborn's spunk, but upon finishing her narrative I found myself revisiting my grief over my husband's and my loss. In short, I not only did not find this book inspiring, I also found it depressing. I know this review is purely subjective so far, so I will add a literary note: while competently written, it contained shades of purple prose and was a bit thin (figuratively and literally) and chirpy.

This is an incredible book, I am an Occupational Therapy student and I found this book to be powerful and insightful. Newborn captures her emotions, thoughts and experiences in such a way that you feel as though you experienced them with her. For those working in rehab settings, knowing someone who had a stroke or stroke survivors, this is a must read. It is pretty short and I was unable to put it down, happy reading!

Great story of a young woman with her whole life before her and how she actually fulfilled her dreams using what she went thru with the stroke.....amazing story of perseverance and determination! What an amazing person!