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A review by half_bloodreader
Stronger Than Words by Paula Stokes
4.0
Review of the manuscript uploaded to swoonreads.
When I woke up after my stroke, I felt like the life I’d always planned for was impossible, like everything I’d ever wanted was suddenly out of reach, and would be forever. But maybe I was wrong. Maybe everything is still there, and all I have to do is find my way back to it.
[b:Stronger Than Words|50129828|Stronger Than Words|Paula Stokes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1577676556l/50129828._SY75_.jpg|75080579] is a story about recovery, family, resilience and inner growth.
Mackenzie Craig is a fighter, someone strong, ambitious, someone who perseveres. A debate champion, aiming to become a lawyer, she has experienced first hand some big hardships, which have motivated her to work hard so she'll never be poor or homeless again.
After her stroke, she must once again put her perseverance to the test, as she recovers from aphasia and reduced mobility.
This is a compelling story: fighting your way up not once, but twice, this time after having been ripped off your biggest strength is, frankly, empowering! Mackenzie's forte are her words, I'm the same, and I could feel her panic at having this weapon, this shield, this professional tool, this means of expression taken away.
My stroke didn’t affect my intelligence, but it’s hard not to feel academically impaired when I can’t really speak or write. I mean, I know all of my knowledge is still inside me, but does anyone else know that?
During the course of the book, through many experiences, Kenzie realizes who she wants to be as a person and allows herself to change certain perspectives about life and how to live it.
I absolutely loved Mackenzie's relationship with her sister, Cheyenne! And I loved Chey. They are such a united front, always there for each other - really, such a healthy sibling relationship.
Due to Kenzie's community service, we get to meet all these cute animals for us to coo at, and some romance. But never fear, it does not take over the plot! This is very much Mackenzie's journey to acceptance of her new reality and maturing as a person, maybe in ways she wouldn't have if circumstances were different. Thank the animals, the animals bring out her softie side, it's endearing!
I hope this book, as well as sources from real people who have gone through this, will open people's minds about some ableist ideas floating around and make them question what is "normal", and does it even exist?
There are so many important messages present, but I don't want to quote the manuscript excessively, so I'll leave you with my words: you're important and your feelings are valid. You can do anything you set your mind to.
When I woke up after my stroke, I felt like the life I’d always planned for was impossible, like everything I’d ever wanted was suddenly out of reach, and would be forever. But maybe I was wrong. Maybe everything is still there, and all I have to do is find my way back to it.
[b:Stronger Than Words|50129828|Stronger Than Words|Paula Stokes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1577676556l/50129828._SY75_.jpg|75080579] is a story about recovery, family, resilience and inner growth.
Mackenzie Craig is a fighter, someone strong, ambitious, someone who perseveres. A debate champion, aiming to become a lawyer, she has experienced first hand some big hardships, which have motivated her to work hard so she'll never be poor or homeless again.
After her stroke, she must once again put her perseverance to the test, as she recovers from aphasia and reduced mobility.
This is a compelling story: fighting your way up not once, but twice, this time after having been ripped off your biggest strength is, frankly, empowering! Mackenzie's forte are her words, I'm the same, and I could feel her panic at having this weapon, this shield, this professional tool, this means of expression taken away.
My stroke didn’t affect my intelligence, but it’s hard not to feel academically impaired when I can’t really speak or write. I mean, I know all of my knowledge is still inside me, but does anyone else know that?
During the course of the book, through many experiences, Kenzie realizes who she wants to be as a person and allows herself to change certain perspectives about life and how to live it.
I absolutely loved Mackenzie's relationship with her sister, Cheyenne! And I loved Chey. They are such a united front, always there for each other - really, such a healthy sibling relationship.
Due to Kenzie's community service, we get to meet all these cute animals for us to coo at, and some romance. But never fear, it does not take over the plot! This is very much Mackenzie's journey to acceptance of her new reality and maturing as a person, maybe in ways she wouldn't have if circumstances were different. Thank the animals, the animals bring out her softie side, it's endearing!
I hope this book, as well as sources from real people who have gone through this, will open people's minds about some ableist ideas floating around and make them question what is "normal", and does it even exist?
There are so many important messages present, but I don't want to quote the manuscript excessively, so I'll leave you with my words: you're important and your feelings are valid. You can do anything you set your mind to.