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During my first few days in the hospital, I asked one of the 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 since reading proved to be incredibly difficult for me in the early weeks after my stroke.
Reading Difficulties After Stroke
I passed all of the cognitive tests that I was given after stroke. I could always read what was put in front of me, albeit very 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 that the thought of picking up a new book, reading it cover-to-cover, and understanding everything I just read was intimidating.
Instead, I started reading again by simply going through my old books and reading the passages that I had previously highlighted. Yet, even on some days, this was quite exhausting.
Best Books for Stroke Recovery
When I finally felt comfortable starting a new book and reading some stroke recovery literature, I was overwhelmed by all of the books for stroke survivors that were available on Amazon.
Over the years, as I’ve searched for information that would help me in recovery after stroke, I’ve found that many of the lists that promote the “Best Books to Read After Stroke” are all pretty similar.
Some of the books often cited on these lists have been helpful for me, but there’s also a point where there’s only so much neuroscience and stroke-related content you can handle.
Instead, some of the books that had the biggest impact on my recovery had absolutely no relation to stroke.
I hope the following list provides some inspiring books that you might not find recommended elsewhere to help your recovery after stroke.
My Top 5 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
This is 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. Therapy sessions can be incredibly frustrating due to the physical deficits that stroke survivors face and the all-too-common post-stroke fatigue.
However, one of the easiest 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. “Balance” by Scott McCredie
Balance issues are a common challenge for stroke survivors.
In this book, Scott McCredie describes how our brain works to maintain balance while mixing in historical anecdotes from the world’s greatest balance performers. He also provides tips on how anyone can improve their balance.
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.
4 Essential Stroke Recovery Strategies
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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.
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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