How to Conquer the World With One Hand...And an Attitude (Paperback)

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

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.

Product Description
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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: Positive Power Pub. (March 20, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966837819
• ISBN-13: 978-0966837810
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,105,367 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 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)

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

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 What an attitude! He must be from Philly., December 4, 2000

By	Miriam Rosen (Philadelphia, Pa.) - See all my reviews

I admit, I am also from Philly, and nobody messes with us. Paul wouldn't accept any diagnosis other than a life that was interesting and fulfilling. It's remarkable how he struggled to get back his body. It's a funny uplifting book that should give inspiration to other head trauma victims. (And a nice reminder to the rest of us.) Paul and Stephanie have written about regaining a lifestyle they enjoyed in spite of new disablities. I found it fascinating that Paul came back with more of a sense of humor and a more outgoing personality. Imagine a man with aphasia starting conversations with his fellow commuters! What pluck. It's a readable book, for anyone, not just stroke victims.