My Stroke of Luck by Kirk Douglas

'My Stroke of Luck' by Kirk Douglas is a memoir of a famous actor, film producer, and author's personal story before and after a debilitating stroke that he suffered at the age of 80. Within this book, Douglas describes the symptoms he experienced when having the stroke, which included a painful sensation in his right cheek followed by an inability to talk. He describes attempting to talk but how only strange and meaningless sounds were coming out, which shocked him. Not realizing what was happening, his cook kept slapping him in the face in attempts to 'revive' him.

Luckily, his wife understood what was happening and knew how important it is during a stroke to get immediate care in order to minimize the effects. After the stroke, he became confined to a bed which left him with self-pity and despair up to the point of contemplating suicide. Despite having a Hollywood career of at least 84 movies, his illness brings him the reality of how few meaningful relationships he had. When he sustained the stroke and severe case of aphasia, Douglas asks, 'how is an actor who cannot speak supposed to work? Wait for the return of silent films?' He shares his fear during his recovery: 'Strokes are for elderly people,' he writes, 'I was only 80.'

The author describes himself when he was younger as having been conceded and without any true friends, and how this led to his severe depression when he had to cope with the physical disabilities. Douglas describes how he finds a support system in friends, family, and his community by learning how he can be kind and begin to help others. This book also describes how through his illness he was able empathize with other fellow actors who were in poor health as well.

Order custom essay My Stroke of Luck by Kirk Douglas with free plagiarism report

450+ experts on 30 subjects Starting from 3 hours delivery

Get Essay Help

Douglas describes himself as a non-practicing Jew for decades but after his stroke he began studying with orthodoc and conservative rabbis. In the aftermath of the stroke he gets back in touch with Judaism, studying the Torah. At the age of 83, Douglas had his second bar mitzvah which was three years after the stroke. Within this book Douglas states, 'Pray not for God to cure you, but to help you help yourself.' The author begins to understand how God can give us hardships and struggles in life that have to be overcome in order to become a better and stronger person.

This story demonstrates the constant work the author had to put forth to be able to typically function again, but most importantly it shows how he begins to like himself as he becomes a better person. The author pulls you into his personal experience of fear, courage, and bravery in order to persevere. This changed my own perspective on stokes by fully understanding how they affect everyone differently. I used to look at stokes as a completely negative situation and terrible thing. After reading, I now see how he turned this situation into a positive by turning back to religion and going on to help others.

The memoir is personalized with photographs of family and many life experiences throughout. Douglas includes his memories of his own mother's death and how during dying she said, 'Don't be afraid, it happens to everyone.' This demonstrates the author getting in touch with his own mortality which for someone with a huge ego is difficult. He also talks about memories with his father when he was young as he reflects on his life before his illness. He reminisces on his past work in the movies tells about other actors he has worked with. He shares these details as he struggles with his physical and mental weaknesses in order to overcome his handicaps.

He describes constant work he put forth to be able to improve his speech as well as his life in general. Douglas highlights his humor and strength of character when dealing with his recovery. The main point throughout this memoir is how Douglas wishes to inspire and encourage others after having a stroke, he wants to make a difference in people's lives. Towards the end of the book he shares six rules on how to cope with a stroke as well as with life in general. He states the rules saved him and helped him heal. Among these rules was the saying that when things go bad, always remember it could be worse. Also how you should never give up as well as never quitting when it comes to working on your life. Douglas also uses this memoir to pay tribute to those who helped him in his recovery.

Since his stroke, he describes how he has been able to personally help other survivors as well as their family members. I learned from this book that speech therapists are not the only people who can help with the aftermath of a stroke. It's interesting to read about an actor that could suddenly develop a new outlook on the English language when trying to compensate and cope with his remaining speech impediments. This book also contains tips and exercises that the author learned from his speech therapist as well as other advice for those suffering after a stroke.

I can see now that someone who has suffered from a stroke, may find comfort in stories such as this one. Speech therapists have a duty to help post stroke victims rehabilitate but have never personally experienced a stroke themselves. This book helped me understand that it could be beneficial for a stroke victim to read or hear stories such as this one because it could be relatable to them and help them understand they aren't alone. This book has a message on how others can help someone who has had a stroke by giving very detailed examples. I think this book would be helpful for anyone suffering from a stroke or anyone suffering with any kind of communication problems.

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Run a free check or have your essay done for you

Check my essay Hire Writer