How to Conquer the World With One Hand...And an Attitude - Softcover

Mensh, Stephanie; Berger, Paul E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0966837819 ISBN 13: 9780966837810

Publisher: Positive Power Pub, 1999

Synopsis

This is the story of a young man's recovery from a devastating stroke, taking the reader on a journey far beyond the typical "survivor" story, into the depths of a young man's feelings, across ten years of physical and emotional challenges. "Paul does not let anything stop him from exploring and treating life as a gutsy adventure," says Barbara Newborn, author of "Return to Ithaca."

Follow Paul's story from his fight to live...his stubborn determination to return to work...his joy in testing his physical limits...getting lost in a coal mine...lobbying Congress on the space program...traveling to Europe...finding job, losing jobs...building a new career and a new life.

About this title

About the Author

Paul E. Berger lives with his wife, Stephanie Mensh, and two cats in Falls Church, Virginia, a suburb of Washing-ton, D.C. Paul survived a stroke at the young age of 36. In the years since, he has focused his positive energies on setting goals and following his dreams.

Paul was born in Philadelphia, where he graduated with a B.A. from Drexel University. He continued his studies earning an M.A. at the New School in New York City, then an M.B.A. at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. After his stroke, he earned a certificate in Architectural Drafting, and started a new career, working full time for building engineering consultants.

Paul began writing How to Conquer the World With One Hand...And an Attitude three years ago. He also wrote the inspirational booklet, "You Can Do It, 55 Thoughts, Feelings and Solutions on How I Cope With My Stroke to Help You With Your Stroke or Brain Injury!" also published by Positive Power Publishing. Paul plans to write other practical and inspirational publications on how to conquer disabilities and enjoy life.

Stephanie Mensh, Paul's wife, has worked as a professional lobbyist, writer, editor and manager in the health field for over 20 years. She is the managing editor of one of the largest private consumer health newsletters, and serves on the boards of various organizations advocating for disabled people. Stephanie is a native of the Washington, D.C. area, where she earned a B.A. in English and Politics from the American University and a masters degree from George Mason University. Stephanie plans to write about her experiences as the spouse of a stroke survivor.

From the Back Cover

"A story of courage, perseverance, humor, determination and love. Fighting against all odds-and winning. True 'rehabilitation' is recreating the self; taking the strengths of a man before his stroke and using them in new ways to create another, equally satisfying, life."
--Susan Ryerson, P.T., author, Functional Movement Reeducation, A Contemporary Model for Stroke Rehabilitation

From the Inside Flap

"I was inspired by Paul and his wife's relentless pursuit and attainment of a rich and productive life following a devastating stroke... I cannot think of anyone who would not profit enormously from reading this book and fully intend to recommend it to colleagues, students, friends and family.

"I think even those who haven't suffered disabilities or know people who have, will find this fascinating."
-Brenda Rapp, Ph.D., Cognitive Science Department, Johns Hopkins University

"Paul's courage to persevere when his past world was devastated is truly awe-inspiring, and makes us all believe in the strength and power of the human spirit."
-Barbara Newborn, M.A., CRC, Chief of Staff, National Stroke Medical Education Institute. Author, Return to Ithaca-A Woman's Triumph Over the Disabilities of a Severe Stroke

"Paul's commitment was an inspiration to people on Capitol Hill. His passion came through clearly, in spite of the extra challenges he faces."
-Charles E. Miller, Chairman and Founder, ProSpace-The Citizen's Space Lobby

"This account of Paul's triumphantly overcoming his disability, the challenges he faced along the way and the support of his family is truly inspirational... I was very moved by this book... [It's] a blueprint for not only how to survive but to thrive after a stroke."
-Hon. Leslie L. Byrne, Former U.S. Representative and Director, White House Office of Consumer Affairs

"Paul Berger travels a compelling, inspiring and remarkable hero's journey through an unexpected life. "It is an extremely powerful and motivating story...I didn't want to put the book down."
-Elaine R. Axelrod, Ph.D., Licensed Psychologist

"While there is no way someone can understand what it is like to suffer a stroke or other debilitating condition without actually experiencing it themselves, this book takes the reader about as close as you can come.

"I can't imagine anyone reading this without feeling your pain and frustration, or sharing in your triumphs... While the story itself is compelling I think what sets the book apart...are the vivid pictures you have painted."
-Harry Weinstock, Executive Director Brain Injury Association of Virginia

"This is a stirring story of how an energetic young couple in the prime of their lives manages when one of them is disabled by a catastrophic illness. Refusing to accept doctors' dismal predictions, they work together to rebuild ...[Paul's] mind and body...and their life together...

"I was frankly surprised by how readable and engaging the book is, as well as inspirational. The running narrative, with events unfolding chronologically in the style of a novel, kept me turning the pages. What will happen next? How will Paul and Stephanie cope with their latest challenge? Will they succeed? How will they do it? Stay tuned... The dialogue and the attention to detail engage the reader's imagination."
-Harry Bacas, Former Washington Star newspaper and Nations Business magazine writer

"[Paul's] story addresses the broad range of life alterations brought on by a stroke, always fully acknowledging the limitations and emotional devastation caused by this unexpected and unwanted life event.

"Stroke survivors, caregivers and health professionals will find much relevant, useful, and inspiring material in this well-written account of life as a stroke survivor."
-Martha Taylor Sarno, M.A., M.D. (hon), Professor, Clinical Rehabilitation Medicine, NYU School of Medicine, Director, Speech-Language Pathology, Howard A. Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, NYU Medical Center

Edition details

• Publisher: Positive Power Pub
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0966837819
• ISBN 13: 9780966837810
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 220