During my first few days in the hospital, I asked one of my doctors “So, what’s a good book on stroke recovery I should read?”
He looked at me puzzled, probably thinking something like “Why are you asking me? I’m a neurosurgeon, not a librarian.”
Needless to say, he never recommended a book.
However, that may have been for the best considering that reading proved to be difficult in the early weeks after my stroke.
Reading Difficulties After Stroke
I passed all of the cognitive tests during my stay in the hospital and inpatient rehab center. I could always read what was put in front of me, albeit slowly.
The significant challenge was trying to comprehend everything that I was reading. In one of my first follow-up visits after being released from the hospital, I told that original neurosurgeon the thought of picking up a new book, reading it cover-to-cover, and understanding everything I just read was intimidating.
In the early weeks of recovery, I started reading again by simply going through my old books and reading the passages I had previously highlighted. Yet, even on some days, this was quite tiring.
When I finally felt comfortable starting a new book and reading some stroke recovery literature, I was overwhelmed by all of the books related to stroke available on Amazon.
Over time, I’ve found that many of the lists covering the “Best Books to Read After Stroke” are all pretty similar. Some of those books have been helpful for me, but there’s also a point where there’s only so much neuroscience you can handle.
For me, some of the books that had the biggest impact on my recovery had no relation to stroke.
I hope this list provides some inspiring books that you might not find recommended elsewhere to help your recovery after stroke.
Best Books for Stroke Survivors
1. “The Obstacle is the Way” by Ryan Holiday
At its core, stroke recovery is a test in overcoming adversity. How resilient can you be when everything you do, mentally and physically, is more challenging than it was previously?
The Obstacle is the Way is the book I had by my bedside in the hospital. I’m forever grateful that I had read this book pre-stroke and was able to reference its lessons in the earliest days of my recovery.
2.“Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl
As mentioned above, recovery after a stroke is a test in resiliency. How do you bounce back after adversity?
The first book that I read cover-to-cover after stroke, Viktor Frankl’s memoir provides countless teachings on how to turn a personal tragedy into triumph.
After a stroke, physical activity is hard. Rehab can be incredibly frustrating considering the physical deficits that stroke survivors face and the all-too-common post-stroke fatigue.
However, one of the simplest ways we can improve our overall well-being is by improving how we breathe. James Nestor’s book provides insight into numerous breathing practices and the scientific background on how each can improve our health.
Nestor introduced me to the idea of mouth taping at night to breathe through my nose. This has since become an incredibly effective practice for me and one that has had a significant impact on my recovery.
4. “Never Give Up” by Tedy Bruschi
Stroke recovery can appear like it’s all about regaining your physical abilities, but the psychological aspect is just as challenging, if not more so.
Tedy Bruschi’s personal account provides a glimpse into his experiences with challenges on the mental and emotional side of recovery after stroke.
5. “Stronger After Stroke” by Peter Levine
A staple on every “Best Books to Read After Stroke” list and for good reason. Peter Levine’s roadmap to recovery provides countless practical exercises and strategies that may support recovery after stroke.
Reading After Stroke
I hope one of these books may interest you and provide some helpful information that you can apply to your recovery after stroke.
If you’re looking for more book recommendations, I often link to at least one book in each of my blog posts. Some more books that didn’t make this list, but that I still considered to be helpful, can be found throughout my various blog posts.
I’m always looking for new book recommendations. If there’s a book that you found to be helpful in recovery after stroke, be sure to drop a note about it in the comments. I’d love to check it out.
Stroke Recovery Rehab 
What did you like most about Stronger After Stroke and what was most motivating?
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Hi Tracy! A lot of great insights in the book. However, this line always stood out to me: “Worthwhile therapies tend to show pretty immediate results.” This was certainly my experience. Whenever I would experiment with a new therapy exercise, some gave me an “a-ha moment” while others felt like a waste of time.
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Great ideas, thanks
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Thanks for this, Blair. Just getting back to reading was important to me but difficult. I’m now doing mostly audiobooks, and am able to listen to about two a month. “Breath” was very helpful.
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