A Stroke of Luck
A Girl’s Second Chance at Life
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Prime members: New to Audible?Get 2 free audiobooks during trial.
A Stroke of Luck
Buy for $15.56
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Tara Saltzman
About this listen
"At a critical juncture during brain surgery, Alex Dixon, age 12, had a stroke...."
Alex was a normal, bright, and healthy little girl, when the sudden onset of a mysterious illness began to take over her life. Months of physical therapy and medication failed to provide relief from acute pain and muscle spasms. Doctors across the country were at a loss for answers. A last ditch attempt at treatment, brain surgery, ended up stopping the spasms but with unexpected, dire consequences.
A Stroke of Luck is the remarkable true story of a close-knit family that meets challenge after challenge with resilience, hope, and love.
Juli K. Dixon, Ph.D. is a professor of mathematics education at the University of Central Florida. A prolific writer and speaker, she has published numerous textbooks and delivered keynote presentations throughout the United States. She lives in Central Florida with her husband Marc and their two daughters. Her younger daughter and co-author Jessica Dixon began writing this book when she was eleven years old.
©2014 Juli K. Dixon & Jessica Dixon (P)2014 Brook Forest VoicesListeners also enjoyed...
-
Don't Leave Me This Way
- Or When I Get Back on My Feet You'll Be Sorry
- By: Julia Fox Garrison
- Narrated by: Joyce Bean
- Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 99
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 86
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 86
Julia Fox Garrison refused to listen to the professionals she called Dr. Jerk and Dr. Panic, who - after she suffered a massive, debilitating stroke at age thirty-seven - told her she’d probably die, or to Nurse Doom, who ignored her emergency call button. Instead she heeded the advice of kind, gifted Dr. Neuro, who promised her he would “treat your mind as well as your body.” Julia figured if she could somehow manage to get herself into a wheelchair, at least she’d always find parking. But after many, many months of hospitalization and rehab, Julia not only got into a wheelchair, but she got back out.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Heroic Story
- By Pamela Harvey on 02-29-12
-
The Center Cannot Hold
- By: Elyn R. Saks
- Narrated by: Alma Cuervo
- Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,481
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,184
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 1,190
Professor of psychiatry Elyn R. Saks writes about her struggle with schizophrenia in this unflinching account of her mental illness. In The Center Cannot Hold, Saks draws readers into a nightmare world of medications, a misguided health-care system, and social stigmas. But she would not be defeated. With a strength and force of will that most can only imagine, Saks reclaimed her life and went on to achieve great success.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Schizophrenia Inside Out
- By Pamela Harvey on 07-23-09
By: Elyn R. Saks
-
Through the Eyes of Hope
- Love More, Worry Less, and See God in the Midst of Your Adversity
- By: Lacey Buchanan
- Narrated by: Lacey Buchanan
- Length: 5 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 37
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 35
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 35
What happens when things don't go as planned? What happens when the storm you face is completely out of your control? The Buchanans' precious son Christian was born with a medical condition that is so incredibly unique, it's one of only 50 known cases in the world. This story has captured the hearts of hundreds of thousands.
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
Couldn’t get through it
- By Kelly Doke on 03-07-24
By: Lacey Buchanan
-
Little Big Steps
- A Life-Changing Injury and the Inspirational Journey to Overcome the Odds
- By: Arash Bayatmakou
- Narrated by: Arash Bayatmakou
- Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 21
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 21
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 21
After 30 years of a healthy, rewarding, and exciting life, I wake up in a hospital bed unable to move. The neurosurgeon leans down and breaks the news: You won't regain any function in your body and you will never walk again. My medical insurance sends me home, discontinues my care, and tells me to "adapt to my new life". Little Big Steps is the story of the pivotal moments, interactions, and breakthroughs following the injury that turned my life upside down.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
An absorbing story of courage and willpower
- By Patricia Lawrence on 05-15-22
By: Arash Bayatmakou
-
The Little Big Things
- A young man's belief that every day can be a good day
- By: Henry Fraser
- Narrated by: Henry Fraser
- Length: 3 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 28
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 25
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 25
A short, inspirational audiobook from Henry Fraser, a young quadriplegic motivational speaker and artist. Henry Fraser was a 17-year-old sports enthusiast and senior prefect when he broke his spinal cord and was left paralysed from the shoulders down. Life as he knew it was over, and yet, through extraordinary determination and a positive attitude, he has forged a successful career as an inspirational speaker and an artist.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Amazingly inspirational
- By L. Peanut on 05-07-22
By: Henry Fraser
-
She Danced with Lightning
- My Daughter's Struggle with Epilepsy and Her Boundless Will to Live
- By: Marc Palmieri
- Narrated by: Marc Palmieri
- Length: 7 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 25
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 22
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 22
Eleven-year-old Anna has lived all her life with severe epilepsy. Despite the ravage of thousands of violent seizures and heavy medications, she has thrived at school, athletics, and her greatest passion—dance. As she approaches her twelfth birthday, Anna's condition takes a dire turn. Her health declines quickly and a new diagnosis is revealed, leaving the family only one excruciating choice.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Remarkable
- By Sheila Valaer on 01-08-24
By: Marc Palmieri
-
Don't Leave Me This Way
- Or When I Get Back on My Feet You'll Be Sorry
- By: Julia Fox Garrison
- Narrated by: Joyce Bean
- Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 99
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 86
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 86
Julia Fox Garrison refused to listen to the professionals she called Dr. Jerk and Dr. Panic, who - after she suffered a massive, debilitating stroke at age thirty-seven - told her she’d probably die, or to Nurse Doom, who ignored her emergency call button. Instead she heeded the advice of kind, gifted Dr. Neuro, who promised her he would “treat your mind as well as your body.” Julia figured if she could somehow manage to get herself into a wheelchair, at least she’d always find parking. But after many, many months of hospitalization and rehab, Julia not only got into a wheelchair, but she got back out.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Heroic Story
- By Pamela Harvey on 02-29-12
-
The Center Cannot Hold
- By: Elyn R. Saks
- Narrated by: Alma Cuervo
- Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,481
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,184
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 1,190
Professor of psychiatry Elyn R. Saks writes about her struggle with schizophrenia in this unflinching account of her mental illness. In The Center Cannot Hold, Saks draws readers into a nightmare world of medications, a misguided health-care system, and social stigmas. But she would not be defeated. With a strength and force of will that most can only imagine, Saks reclaimed her life and went on to achieve great success.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Schizophrenia Inside Out
- By Pamela Harvey on 07-23-09
By: Elyn R. Saks
-
Through the Eyes of Hope
- Love More, Worry Less, and See God in the Midst of Your Adversity
- By: Lacey Buchanan
- Narrated by: Lacey Buchanan
- Length: 5 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 37
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 35
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 35
What happens when things don't go as planned? What happens when the storm you face is completely out of your control? The Buchanans' precious son Christian was born with a medical condition that is so incredibly unique, it's one of only 50 known cases in the world. This story has captured the hearts of hundreds of thousands.
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
Couldn’t get through it
- By Kelly Doke on 03-07-24
By: Lacey Buchanan
-
Little Big Steps
- A Life-Changing Injury and the Inspirational Journey to Overcome the Odds
- By: Arash Bayatmakou
- Narrated by: Arash Bayatmakou
- Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 21
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 21
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 21
After 30 years of a healthy, rewarding, and exciting life, I wake up in a hospital bed unable to move. The neurosurgeon leans down and breaks the news: You won't regain any function in your body and you will never walk again. My medical insurance sends me home, discontinues my care, and tells me to "adapt to my new life". Little Big Steps is the story of the pivotal moments, interactions, and breakthroughs following the injury that turned my life upside down.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
An absorbing story of courage and willpower
- By Patricia Lawrence on 05-15-22
By: Arash Bayatmakou
-
The Little Big Things
- A young man's belief that every day can be a good day
- By: Henry Fraser
- Narrated by: Henry Fraser
- Length: 3 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 28
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 25
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 25
A short, inspirational audiobook from Henry Fraser, a young quadriplegic motivational speaker and artist. Henry Fraser was a 17-year-old sports enthusiast and senior prefect when he broke his spinal cord and was left paralysed from the shoulders down. Life as he knew it was over, and yet, through extraordinary determination and a positive attitude, he has forged a successful career as an inspirational speaker and an artist.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Amazingly inspirational
- By L. Peanut on 05-07-22
By: Henry Fraser
-
She Danced with Lightning
- My Daughter's Struggle with Epilepsy and Her Boundless Will to Live
- By: Marc Palmieri
- Narrated by: Marc Palmieri
- Length: 7 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 25
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 22
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 22
Eleven-year-old Anna has lived all her life with severe epilepsy. Despite the ravage of thousands of violent seizures and heavy medications, she has thrived at school, athletics, and her greatest passion—dance. As she approaches her twelfth birthday, Anna's condition takes a dire turn. Her health declines quickly and a new diagnosis is revealed, leaving the family only one excruciating choice.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Remarkable
- By Sheila Valaer on 01-08-24
By: Marc Palmieri
-
Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story
- By: Cecil Murphey, Ben Carson MD
- Narrated by: Dion Graham
- Length: 6 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,504
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 1,322
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 1,337
Gifted Hands reveals the remarkable journey of Dr. Ben Carson from an angry, struggling young boy with everything stacked against him to the director of pediatric neurosurgery at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center. Join Dr. Carson on his journey from a struggling inner-city student to the pinnacle of his career as a world-renowned neurosurgeon. A man of humility, decency, compassion, courage, and sensitivity, he now serves as a role model for everyone who wants to achieve their God-given potential.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Absolutely inspiring!
- By Jimbo on 03-13-13
By: Cecil Murphey, and others
-
Forever Boy
- A Mother's Memoir of Autism and Finding Joy
- By: Kate Swenson
- Narrated by: Kate Swenson
- Length: 9 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 733
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 676
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 674
When Kate Swenson’s son Cooper was diagnosed with severe, nonverbal autism, her world stopped. She had always dreamed of having the perfect family life. She hadn’t signed up for life as a mother raising a child with a disability.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Beautiful and eye opening
- By Holly Olsen on 11-01-22
By: Kate Swenson
-
Gratitude in Motion
- A True Story of Hope, Determination, and the Everyday Heroes Around Us
- By: Colleen Kelly Alexander, Jenna Glatzer, Bart Yasso - foreword
- Narrated by: Colleen Kelly Alexander
- Length: 8 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 31
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 27
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 27
It was a beautiful fall day in Connecticut when Colleen Kelly Alexander, a lifelong athlete, rode her bike home from work. She had survived both a diagnosis of lupus and brain surgery, had a fulfilling career, and was married at last to the love of her life. Everything was good as she coasted along, meeting the eyes of a truck driver as he approached the stop sign beside her. He didn't stop. The truck hit Colleen, running over her lower body with front and back tires and dragging her across the pavement.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Amazing testimony
- By HikerGirl on 08-26-19
By: Colleen Kelly Alexander, and others
-
You've Been Chosen
- Thriving Through the Unexpected
- By: Cynt Marshall
- Narrated by: Cynt Marshall
- Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 271
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 249
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 250
Cynt Marshall has spent her entire life beating personal and professional odds while also helping everyone she meets see how they are uniquely equipped to thrive. Through it all, this self-described “people person” never stopped reaching out and built a reputation as an inspiring motivator and mentor in business and beyond.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Heartfelt !!
- By Terri C. on 02-06-23
By: Cynt Marshall
-
Elle & Coach
- Diabetes, the Fight for My Daughter's Life, and the Dog Who Changed Everything
- By: Stefany Shaheen, Mark Dagostino
- Narrated by: Stefany Shaheen
- Length: 5 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 28
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 27
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 27
Stefany Shaheen takes listeners on an emotional journey as she tries everything to manage her daughter Elle's deadly and unpredictable disease, all while juggling a family of four children. Overcoming the skepticism that a dog can provide answers that medical science is still seeking, the family finds a resounding sense of peace and reassurance through Coach's near miraculous abilities as a medic-alert dog, specially trained to detect dangerous changes in blood sugar levels.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
AMAZING
- By AMANDA on 01-17-17
By: Stefany Shaheen, and others
-
Messenger
- The Legacy of Mattie J. T. Stepanek and Heartsongs
- By: Jeni Stepanek
- Narrated by: Jeni Stepanek
- Length: 11 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 26
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 21
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 19
Oprah Winfrey has called him an inspiration, Maya Angelou saw him as a kindred spirit and fellow poet, and Jimmy Carter described Mattie Stepanek as the "most remarkable person I have ever known". When Jerry Lewis received his lifetime achievement award at the Oscars, footage of Mattie played behind him. Five years after his death from a rare neuromuscular disease, Mattie is still being celebrated for his indomitable spirit and message of hope.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Loved Jeni telling Mattie’s story
- By Hello Mrs. on 12-29-22
By: Jeni Stepanek
-
Your Heart, My Hands
- An Immigrant's Remarkable Journey to Become One of America's Preeminent Cardiac Surgeons
- By: Arun K. Singh MD, John Hanc - contributor, Delos Cosgrove MD - foreword
- Narrated by: Shridhar Solanki
- Length: 8 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 27
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 23
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 23
Leaving a life marked by crippling setbacks and his father's doubt, in 1967 a 20-something doctor from India arrived in America with only five dollars and the desire to claim his American dream. Faced with an entirely new culture, racism, and the lasting effects of disabling childhood injuries, through hard work and perseverance he overcame all odds. Now having performed over 15,000 open-heart surgeries, more than nearly every surgeon in history, Dr. Singh reflects on his most memorable patients and his incredible personal life.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Remarkable!
- By Stacey on 12-01-22
By: Arun K. Singh MD, and others
-
Warrior Mom
- 7 Secrets to Bold, Brave Resilience
- By: JJ Virgin CNS CHFS
- Narrated by: JJ Virgin CNS CHFS
- Length: 6 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 110
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 100
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 98
Celebrity health expert and four-time New York Times best-selling author JJ Virgin reveals how one life-altering event taught her to tap in to an indomitable mind-set, trust her instincts, and defy the odds, ultimately saving her son's life - and her own. She'll share the lessons she learned that can help you create your own resilient mind-set.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Shift Your Mindset with this book!
- By Melissa Kathryn on 02-23-17
-
Wild Ride
- A Memoir of I.V. Drips and Rocket Ships
- By: Hayley Arceneaux
- Narrated by: Hayley Arceneaux
- Length: 5 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 73
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 66
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 66
In this boldly optimistic debut memoir, Hayley Arceneaux details how she overcame seemingly insurmountable odds to grab hold of a life greater than she’d ever imagined. With her signature upbeat messaging, Arceneaux recounts her odyssey, from her cancer diagnosis at age ten and the yearlong treatment that inspired her goal of working with pediatric cancer patients, to living through her father’s terminal cancer diagnosis, to getting her lifelong dream job at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as a physician assistant.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Great outsider’s perspective on splaceflight
- By JUSTIN on 11-10-24
By: Hayley Arceneaux
-
Salt in My Soul
- An Unfinished Life
- By: Mallory Smith
- Narrated by: Mozhan Marnò
- Length: 9 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 161
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 148
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 148
Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at the age of three, Mallory Smith grew up to be a determined, talented young woman who inspired others even as she privately raged against her illness. Despite the daily challenges of endless medical treatments and a deep understanding that she’d never lead a normal life, Mallory was determined to “Live Happy,” a mantra she followed until her death.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
inspiring and sad
- By valerie on 03-27-23
By: Mallory Smith
-
Lost in My Mind: Recovering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Reflections of America
- By: Kelly Bouldin Darmofal
- Narrated by: Lisa Negron
- Length: 6 hrs and 53 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 26
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 24
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 24
Lost in My Mind is a stunning memoir describing Kelly Bouldin Darmofal's journey from adolescent girl to special education teacher, wife and mother - despite severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). Spanning three decades, Kelly's journey is unique in its focus on TBI education in America (or lack thereof).
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
More than just a memoir
- By BoysMom on 10-15-19
-
Not Fade Away
- A Memoir of Senses Lost and Found
- By: Rebecca Alexander, Sascha Alper
- Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert
- Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 54
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 47
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 47
Thirty-four-year-old Rebecca Alexander is a psychotherapist, a spin instructor, a volunteer, and an athlete. She is also almost completely blind, with significantly deteriorated hearing. Not Fade Away is a deeply moving exploration of the obstacles we all face-physical, psychological, and philosophical. Rebecca's story is an exquisite reminder to live each day to its fullest.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Loved this!
- By Daryl on 11-24-14
By: Rebecca Alexander, and others
Critic reviews
Related to this topic
-
Don't Leave Me This Way
- Or When I Get Back on My Feet You'll Be Sorry
- By: Julia Fox Garrison
- Narrated by: Joyce Bean
- Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 99
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 86
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 86
Julia Fox Garrison refused to listen to the professionals she called Dr. Jerk and Dr. Panic, who - after she suffered a massive, debilitating stroke at age thirty-seven - told her she’d probably die, or to Nurse Doom, who ignored her emergency call button. Instead she heeded the advice of kind, gifted Dr. Neuro, who promised her he would “treat your mind as well as your body.” Julia figured if she could somehow manage to get herself into a wheelchair, at least she’d always find parking. But after many, many months of hospitalization and rehab, Julia not only got into a wheelchair, but she got back out.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Heroic Story
- By Pamela Harvey on 02-29-12
-
Not Fade Away
- A Memoir of Senses Lost and Found
- By: Rebecca Alexander, Sascha Alper
- Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert
- Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 54
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 47
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 47
Thirty-four-year-old Rebecca Alexander is a psychotherapist, a spin instructor, a volunteer, and an athlete. She is also almost completely blind, with significantly deteriorated hearing. Not Fade Away is a deeply moving exploration of the obstacles we all face-physical, psychological, and philosophical. Rebecca's story is an exquisite reminder to live each day to its fullest.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Loved this!
- By Daryl on 11-24-14
By: Rebecca Alexander, and others
-
Carly's Voice
- Breaking Through Autism
- By: Arthur Fleischmann, Carly Fleischmann
- Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor, Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 11 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 389
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 348
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 352
At the age of two, Carly Fleischmann was diagnosed with severe autism and an oral motor condition that prevented her from speaking. Doctors predicted that she would never intellectually develop beyond the abilities of a small child. Although she made some progress after years of intensive behavioral and communication therapy, Carly remained largely unreachable. Then, at age 10, Carly had a breakthrough....
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
A peek inside...
- By Yolanda on 08-09-13
By: Arthur Fleischmann, and others
-
Laughing at My Nightmare
- By: Shane Burcaw
- Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne
- Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 566
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 505
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 505
With acerbic wit and a hilarious voice, Shane Burcaw's Laughing at My Nightmare describes the challenges he faces as a 21-year-old with spinal muscular atrophy. From awkward handshakes to having a girlfriend and everything in between, Shane handles his situation with humor and a "you-only-live-once" perspective on life. While he does talk about everyday issues that are relatable to teens, he also offers an eye-opening perspective on what it is like to have a life threatening disease
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Insightful and unflinchingly honest
- By Abby Goldsmith on 11-09-14
By: Shane Burcaw
-
Messenger
- The Legacy of Mattie J. T. Stepanek and Heartsongs
- By: Jeni Stepanek
- Narrated by: Jeni Stepanek
- Length: 11 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 26
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 21
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 19
Oprah Winfrey has called him an inspiration, Maya Angelou saw him as a kindred spirit and fellow poet, and Jimmy Carter described Mattie Stepanek as the "most remarkable person I have ever known". When Jerry Lewis received his lifetime achievement award at the Oscars, footage of Mattie played behind him. Five years after his death from a rare neuromuscular disease, Mattie is still being celebrated for his indomitable spirit and message of hope.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Loved Jeni telling Mattie’s story
- By Hello Mrs. on 12-29-22
By: Jeni Stepanek
-
The Center Cannot Hold
- By: Elyn R. Saks
- Narrated by: Alma Cuervo
- Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,481
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,184
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 1,190
Professor of psychiatry Elyn R. Saks writes about her struggle with schizophrenia in this unflinching account of her mental illness. In The Center Cannot Hold, Saks draws readers into a nightmare world of medications, a misguided health-care system, and social stigmas. But she would not be defeated. With a strength and force of will that most can only imagine, Saks reclaimed her life and went on to achieve great success.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Schizophrenia Inside Out
- By Pamela Harvey on 07-23-09
By: Elyn R. Saks
-
Don't Leave Me This Way
- Or When I Get Back on My Feet You'll Be Sorry
- By: Julia Fox Garrison
- Narrated by: Joyce Bean
- Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 99
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 86
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 86
Julia Fox Garrison refused to listen to the professionals she called Dr. Jerk and Dr. Panic, who - after she suffered a massive, debilitating stroke at age thirty-seven - told her she’d probably die, or to Nurse Doom, who ignored her emergency call button. Instead she heeded the advice of kind, gifted Dr. Neuro, who promised her he would “treat your mind as well as your body.” Julia figured if she could somehow manage to get herself into a wheelchair, at least she’d always find parking. But after many, many months of hospitalization and rehab, Julia not only got into a wheelchair, but she got back out.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Heroic Story
- By Pamela Harvey on 02-29-12
-
Not Fade Away
- A Memoir of Senses Lost and Found
- By: Rebecca Alexander, Sascha Alper
- Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert
- Length: 7 hrs and 56 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 54
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 47
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 47
Thirty-four-year-old Rebecca Alexander is a psychotherapist, a spin instructor, a volunteer, and an athlete. She is also almost completely blind, with significantly deteriorated hearing. Not Fade Away is a deeply moving exploration of the obstacles we all face-physical, psychological, and philosophical. Rebecca's story is an exquisite reminder to live each day to its fullest.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Loved this!
- By Daryl on 11-24-14
By: Rebecca Alexander, and others
-
Carly's Voice
- Breaking Through Autism
- By: Arthur Fleischmann, Carly Fleischmann
- Narrated by: Patrick Lawlor, Cassandra Campbell
- Length: 11 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 389
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 348
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 352
At the age of two, Carly Fleischmann was diagnosed with severe autism and an oral motor condition that prevented her from speaking. Doctors predicted that she would never intellectually develop beyond the abilities of a small child. Although she made some progress after years of intensive behavioral and communication therapy, Carly remained largely unreachable. Then, at age 10, Carly had a breakthrough....
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
A peek inside...
- By Yolanda on 08-09-13
By: Arthur Fleischmann, and others
-
Laughing at My Nightmare
- By: Shane Burcaw
- Narrated by: Kirby Heyborne
- Length: 6 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 566
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 505
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 505
With acerbic wit and a hilarious voice, Shane Burcaw's Laughing at My Nightmare describes the challenges he faces as a 21-year-old with spinal muscular atrophy. From awkward handshakes to having a girlfriend and everything in between, Shane handles his situation with humor and a "you-only-live-once" perspective on life. While he does talk about everyday issues that are relatable to teens, he also offers an eye-opening perspective on what it is like to have a life threatening disease
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Insightful and unflinchingly honest
- By Abby Goldsmith on 11-09-14
By: Shane Burcaw
-
Messenger
- The Legacy of Mattie J. T. Stepanek and Heartsongs
- By: Jeni Stepanek
- Narrated by: Jeni Stepanek
- Length: 11 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 26
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 21
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 19
Oprah Winfrey has called him an inspiration, Maya Angelou saw him as a kindred spirit and fellow poet, and Jimmy Carter described Mattie Stepanek as the "most remarkable person I have ever known". When Jerry Lewis received his lifetime achievement award at the Oscars, footage of Mattie played behind him. Five years after his death from a rare neuromuscular disease, Mattie is still being celebrated for his indomitable spirit and message of hope.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Loved Jeni telling Mattie’s story
- By Hello Mrs. on 12-29-22
By: Jeni Stepanek
-
The Center Cannot Hold
- By: Elyn R. Saks
- Narrated by: Alma Cuervo
- Length: 12 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,481
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,184
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 1,190
Professor of psychiatry Elyn R. Saks writes about her struggle with schizophrenia in this unflinching account of her mental illness. In The Center Cannot Hold, Saks draws readers into a nightmare world of medications, a misguided health-care system, and social stigmas. But she would not be defeated. With a strength and force of will that most can only imagine, Saks reclaimed her life and went on to achieve great success.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Schizophrenia Inside Out
- By Pamela Harvey on 07-23-09
By: Elyn R. Saks
-
When Your Parent Becomes Your Child
- A Journey of Faith Through My Mother's Dementia
- By: Ken Abraham
- Narrated by: Tim Lundeen
- Length: 7 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 89
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 80
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 80
At first, Ken Abraham wrote off his mother’s changes in behavior as quirks that just come with old age. There was memory loss, physical decline, hygiene issues, paranoia, and uncharacteristic attitudes. He soon realized that dementia had changed her life - and his family’s - forever. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 5.4 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s disease. That’s one in eight older Americans. More than likely, that figure includes someone you know and love.
-
2 out of 5 stars
-
Very Christian and not very useful so far
- By Cat288 on 11-29-15
By: Ken Abraham
-
How to Get Run Over by a Truck
- A Memoir
- By: Katie McKenna
- Narrated by: Katie McKenna
- Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 1,500
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,385
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 1,384
People often say, "I feel like I've been run over by a truck." Katie actually was. On a sunny morning bike ride in Brooklyn, 24-year-old Katie McKenna was forever changed when she was run over by an 18-wheeler. Being crushed under a massive semi wasn't something Katie should have survived. After 10 hours of emergency surgery, she woke to find herself in a body and a life that would never be the same.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Funny and an amazing story.
- By T. Thompson on 12-16-16
By: Katie McKenna
-
This Is How I Save My Life
- From California to India, a True Story of Finding Everything When You Are Willing to Try Anything
- By: Amy B. Scher
- Narrated by: Amy B. Scher
- Length: 6 hrs and 43 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 93
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 83
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 85
When Amy B. Scher was struck with undiagnosed late-stage, chronic Lyme disease, the best physicians in America labeled her condition incurable and potentially terminal. Deteriorating rapidly, she went on a search to save her own life - from the top experts in Los Angeles and the world-renowned Mayo Clinic in Minneapolis to a state-of-the-art hospital in Chicago. After exhausting all of her options in the US, she discovered a possible cure - but it was highly experimental, available only in India, and had as much of a probability of killing her as it did of curing her.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
A great comfort
- By Sue on 07-07-18
By: Amy B. Scher
-
Your Heart, My Hands
- An Immigrant's Remarkable Journey to Become One of America's Preeminent Cardiac Surgeons
- By: Arun K. Singh MD, John Hanc - contributor, Delos Cosgrove MD - foreword
- Narrated by: Shridhar Solanki
- Length: 8 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 27
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 23
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 23
Leaving a life marked by crippling setbacks and his father's doubt, in 1967 a 20-something doctor from India arrived in America with only five dollars and the desire to claim his American dream. Faced with an entirely new culture, racism, and the lasting effects of disabling childhood injuries, through hard work and perseverance he overcame all odds. Now having performed over 15,000 open-heart surgeries, more than nearly every surgeon in history, Dr. Singh reflects on his most memorable patients and his incredible personal life.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Remarkable!
- By Stacey on 12-01-22
By: Arun K. Singh MD, and others
-
Mother Warriors
- A Nation of Parents Healing Autism against All Odds
- By: Jenny McCarthy
- Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert
- Length: 5 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 69
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 44
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 44
No two autistic children heal in exactly the same way. And in her new book, Jenny expands her message to share recovery stories from parents across the country, showing how each parent fought to find her own child's perfect "remedy of interventions." Along the way, Jenny shares her own journey as an autism advocate and mother, as well as the continuing progress of her son, Evan. Emotional and genuinely practical, Mother Warriors will inspire a generation of parents with hope.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
McCarthy Is Pro Vaccine Safety
- By DEF on 04-16-16
By: Jenny McCarthy
-
Inconceivable
- A Medical Mistake, the Baby We Couldn't Keep, and Our Choice to Deliver the Ultimate Gift
- By: Carolyn Savage, Sean Savage
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell, Danny Campbell
- Length: 9 hrs and 52 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 68
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 58
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 55
A medical mistake during an IVF procedure.An unthinkable situation....you're pregnant with the wrong baby. You can terminate, but you can't keep him. What choice would you make?
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
"Misconception" and "Inconceivable"
- By Simone on 12-17-12
By: Carolyn Savage, and others
-
Unshattered
- Choosing a Beautiful Life After Unspeakable Tragedy
- By: Carol J. Decker, Stacey L. Nash
- Narrated by: Stacey L. Nash
- Length: 5 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 71
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 57
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 58
On June 10, 2008, Carol Decker walked through the hospital doors a healthy woman with flu-like symptoms and early labor contractions. Three months later, she returned home a blind triple-amputee struggling to bond with a daughter she would never see. Unshattered recounts Carol's fight for survival against sepsis and its life-shattering complications. From excruciating skin grafts to learning how to function in daily life without lower legs, a left hand, and her sight, Carol takes us on a personal and raw, yet inspiring journey.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
inspiring !
- By Cindy Tortorici on 12-03-18
By: Carol J. Decker, and others
-
Critical Care
- A New Nurse Faces Death, Life, and Everything in Between
- By: Theresa Brown
- Narrated by: Coleen Marlo
- Length: 5 hrs and 24 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 96
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 76
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 77
In her former career as an English professor, Theresa Brown had been shielded from the harsh reality of death. That all changed the day she decided to become an oncology nurse. In Critical Care, Theresa writes powerfully and honestly about her first year on the hospital floor. With great compassion and a disarming sense of humor, she shares the trials and triumphs of her patients and comes to realize that caring for a patient means much more than simply treating a disease.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Excellent all the way around!
- By Susan on 10-12-17
By: Theresa Brown
-
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive
- 101 Inspirational Stories about Counting Your Blessings and Having a Positive Attitude
- By: Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Amy Newmark, and others
- Narrated by: Tanya Eby, Jim Bond
- Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 176
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 146
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 149
101 True Stories about how Positive Thinking can change your life! Everyone needs a little attitude adjustment once in a while, and these amazing true life stories reveal how real people used positive thinking to improve their lives and overcome challenges. You’ll read stories about how you can make every day a special day, incorporate gratitude and joy into your daily life, count your blessings and change your outlook, use a few well-chosen words to reorient your life, manage cancer and other health challenges through a positive attitude, simplify and have a more meaningful life and more!
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Good overall.
- By Sergey Makeev on 02-21-24
By: Jack Canfield, and others
-
Schuyler's Monster
- A Father's Journey with His Wordless Daughter
- By: Robert Rummel-Hudson
- Narrated by: Johnathan McClain
- Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 50
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 40
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 40
When Schuyler Rummel-Hudson was 18 months old, a question about her lack of speech by her pediatrician set in motion a journey that continues today. When she was diagnosed with bilateral perisylvian polymicrogyria (an extremely rare neurological disorder), her parents were given a name for the monster that had been stalking them from doctor to doctor, and from despair to hope, and back again.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Must-read for medical parents & those who ❤them
- By Kelly A. Wolske on 05-23-18
-
Louder Than Words
- A Mother's Journey in Healing Autism
- By: Jenny McCarthy
- Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert
- Length: 4 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 109
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 63
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 62
One morning, Jenny McCarthy sensed something was wrong and ran into her two-year-old son Evan's room to discover he was having a seizure. In that moment, Jenny was thrust into the midst of a medical odyssey. After numerous misdiagnoses and many harrowing, life-threatening episodes, Evan was finally diagnosed with autism. Jenny didn't know what to do next and found herself alone, without any resources except for her determination to help her son.
-
1 out of 5 stars
-
unfortunate
- By R. Clausen on 03-24-08
By: Jenny McCarthy
-
One Call Away
- Answering Life's Challenges with Unshakable Faith
- By: Brenda Warner, Jennifer Schuchmann
- Narrated by: Christie King
- Length: 11 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 38
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 32
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 33
What can you do when your well-laid plans fall apart and life takes an unexpected turn? Brenda Warner is best known as the outspoken wife of NFL superstar and Dancing with the Stars alum Kurt Warner. But years earlier, she found herself living through any woman’s nightmare: a healthy baby tragically injured in the bathtub; a sudden end to a career she loved; betrayal and divorce; poverty; public humiliation; a deadly natural disaster that destroyed her foundation and shook her to her core. One shattering phone call at a time, Brenda Warner’s life came to resemble little of her dream.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Page turner and worth a thousand credits !
- By Marian on 10-27-14
By: Brenda Warner, and others
What listeners say about A Stroke of Luck
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Erica
- 12-02-16
Such an inspirational story
My professor is the author of this book and has talked about her family's story in class. I wanted to read more about it and am so happy I did. The book will make you cry, laugh, get frustrated, and cheer. They are a real family and it's captured through the stories. I highly recommend it to everyone as it shows what you can overcome with love, support, and perseverance. Alex and her family are so inspirational.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mr.Cee
- 02-24-15
A must read!! - or listen to :)
An amazing narrative of the difficult and trying yet incredibly unifying family trial that proves to be an inspiration to all who have faced moments they felt were insurmountable. Dr. Dixon and Jessica make the very real, but sometimes embarrassing spectrum of human emotions approachable and helps us all to accept our own struggles with strength, determination and the presence of mind to demand the best from ourselves, for ourselves as well as from and for those we love. A Stroke of Luck reminds us that with a village of loving, caring and dedicated supporters the best of every situation is certain to rise from what seems to be ashes. A must read!!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Terri Stahlheber
- 07-26-17
fantastic
Loved it! Amazing story about how parents need to be advocates for their kids. Also about how our plans are not always THE plans.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!