Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves After Stroke

Description

Winner of the 2019 Silver Nautilus Book Award. Identity Theft centers on Debra's experience: her stroke, her extraordinary efforts to recover, and her journey to redefine herself. But she also draws on her skills as a social scientist, sharing stories from several dozen fellow survivors, family members, friends, colleagues, therapists, and doctors she has met and interviewed. By sharing this diversity of experiences, Debra highlights how every person is different, every stroke is different, and every recovery is different. She provides a valuable look at the broad possibilities for successfully navigating the challenging physical recovery-and the equally difficult emotional journey toward rebuilding one's identity and a rewarding life after a trauma like stroke.

Previously a tenured professor at Stanford University, DEBRA MEYERSON studied, wrote, lectured, and taught about diversity, gender, identity, and organizational change. In September 2010, Debra's life and career were derailed by a severe stroke that nearly killed her and initially left her paralyzed on the right side-and completely mute. Years of intensive therapy and a relentless work ethic enabled Debra to regain her independence, but she still lives with physical limitations and speech challenges. Debra wrote Identity Theft to help other survivors and those closest to them navigate the emotional journey that she has found very difficult-and rewarding. Debra lives in Menlo Park, California, with her husband, and has three grown children. DANNY ZUCKERMAN is the cofounder of 3Box, a peer-to-peer social network that helps people create more meaningful connections and communities online. He previously worked on a new digital identity system based on blockchain technology, helped build digital math curriculum at Zearn, worked as a management consultant at Bain & Company, and studied political philosophy and economics at Stanford University. Danny is Debra Meyerson's son.

"What sets this book apart ... is its focus on stroke survivors' emotional journeys ... An encouraging story of personal growth after a life-altering medical event." (KIRKUS REVIEWS) "Identity Theft is the most powerful book I've read on the psychological experience of having and recovering from a stroke. This is a moving memoir-and a testament to the strength of the human spirit." (ADAM GRANT, N- ADAM GRANT, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF OPTION B, ORIGINALS, AND GIVE AND TAKE) "Identity Theft is a must read for stroke survivors, their families, and stroke professionals. Using her story and those of others, Debra writes with humor and pragmatism about embracing and thriving in new identities after stroke." (DR. CHITRA VENKATASUBRAMANIAN, MBBS, MD, MSC, FNCS, PROFESSOR, STROKE AND NEURO CRITICAL CARE, STANFORD UNIVERSITY) "Identity Theft will provoke thoughts, ideas, and paths to growth for anyone wrestling with identity in the face of life changes. Even while struggling with the aftermath of her stroke, Debra found a way to create this gift to others." (LAWRENCE BACOW, PRESIDENT, HARVARD UNIVERSITY) "After watching Debra Meyerson's extraordinary academic career cut short by her debilitating stroke, it is so inspiring to see her create such a powerful book for anyone trying to build a life of meaning in the face of adversity." (CLAUDE STEELE, PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF PSYCHOLOGY, STANFORD UNIVERSITY, AND FORMER DEAN, STANFORD SCHOOL OF EDUCATION; AUTHOR OF WHISTLING VIVALDI) "Identity Theft is a scholarly yet easy-to-read exposition that addresses so many issues faced by stroke survivors, especially those with aphasia. It is a story of determination and hope that should be of interest to everyone." (LEORA R. CHERNEY, PHD, SCIENTIFIC CHAIR, THINK + SPEAK LAB, SHIRLEY RYAN ABILITYLAB; PROFESSOR, PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY) "It is a rare book that can begin with medical trauma and loss of selfidentity and turn into a deeply moving, surprisingly uplifting, and profoundly wise meditation on what it means to be human." (ROB REICH, PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, STANFORD UNIVERSITY; AUTHOR OF JUST GIVING) "With Identity Theft, Debra Meyerson has written what will certainly become a go-to resource for stroke survivors and their families, navigating that critical question-'Who do I want to be now?'" (JULIA FOX GARRISON, STROKE SURVIVOR AND MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF DON'T LEAVE ME THIS WAY) "Identity Theft offers a deeply moving, candid, eye-opening, and compassionate picture of life after stroke. It displays the power of resilience, determination, acceptance, and love-and is sure to inspire helpful reflection, no matter one's age or health." (KATHERINE J. KLEIN, EDWARD H. BOWMAN PROFESSOR OF MANAGEMENT AND VICE DEAN, WHARTON SOCIAL IMPACT INITIATIVE, THE WHARTON SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA)