Reviews

US Review of Books

From Stroke to Recovery My Walk with God: A Guide to Recovery
by Ms. Kim Blackwell
Bookwhip Company

book review by Barbara Bamberger Scott

“Remember that a successful recovery starts with you.”

Blackwell is a dynamic female with unusually strong entrepreneurial talents who has always managed her own life with determination and helped others along the way. After college, she worked in advertising for the Los Angeles Times, which led to her own enterprise, Unique Designs, highlighting the achievements of African American artists. She was physically active and a devout Christian. Then, in her fifties, she had a major stroke. Friends and family rushed to help her, and she continued her own lifelong pattern of helping herself. But the task was not easy: such small accomplishments as cleaning the kitchen and making a meal were major milestones. She is proud that on the day she was released from therapy, she was able to walk to the polls to vote for President Barack Obama. She experienced a protracted struggle to secure disability income assistance, resulting in another victory for this courageous woman.

Blackwell’s book is permeated with faith-based quotations and her conviction that God has helped her throughout her tough battles. In addition to these messages of spiritual hope, much practical advice is given. Using personal anecdotes, she reveals the complexities of the often daunting social services system, including how to access help from hospital caseworkers to assist with applying for state disability; she recommends hiring an attorney if initial applications fail. She reminds her readers that most communities have transportation for the disabled, which was a great boon to her in getting to her therapy sessions and other needed appointments. She offers a helpful list of scriptures, songs, and books that gave her needed motivation every day, along with a guide to stroke causes and treatments. A series of photographs pay tribute to her continued vitality. Her advice can doubtless serve as a welcome, supportive resource for stroke victims and their families.

Goodreads Reviews

this book is for anyone who has suffered a severe illness, catastrophic injury, caretakers, family members and anyone who cannot work again.

it is about a 51-year-old active, independent, healthy, Christian woman who was doing what she loved running a art business and working for a travel company. On October 8, 2008 she suffered a massive stroke that would change her life forever. The word recovery represents not just getting back her physical body but obtaining the things she would need to get her life back. She tells of her miraculous recovery and her faith and trust in God knowing he would bring her through the many challenges she would face to obtain what she had worked many years for. With her determination and perseverance she endured until she obtained everything she needed to make her whole again. Such as: a income, health insurance and transportation. This book will provide insight into the process of recovery to help others avoid the unnecessary pitfalls that she went through. Her goal is to eliminate the question for others of

The story is a soul testing story, as Kim is introduced to a chain of events that will leave most of us devastated and hopeless. This strong and life-changing experience shows us that God is everywhere and enables such events to arise to make us mature. God is always there. The novel has a powerful plot and a wonderful lesson.

-Judith Wall

I have never been so intrigued about the life of another person until I read through this book, the author’s struggles are very relatable to my own struggles in life, but with the teachings regarding the determination and the strength of will given to us by God, I can say this novel has helped me through some dark thoughts.

-Joslyn Chan

The novel has made me realize that at any given moment tragedy can strike in our daily lives and that the brightest moments in our lives can be swallowed into the void of despair, but this book has also showed me that from despair can come about new hope and determination.

-Kaylyn Leblanc

This novel has served as a shining beacon of hope for me, as I experienced losing a member of my family recently, this novel has inspired me to keep moving forward and to understand that everyone has a part to play as it was laid out in advance by a merciful creator.

-Alejandro Barnes

I recommend this novel not only to victims of stroke but also to anyone who feels like life is always against them, the truth is that life is not against us but rather we are being encouraged to conquer all the trauma and trials to grow into a person that God has destined us to be.

-Mekhi Logan

When I finished the novel, this book inspired me to never give up when things seem difficult and to fight for what fairly is mine. This book possesses a strong plot, with great personalities. At least once in your life, I suggest reading through the book to absorb its teachings into yourself.

-Gillian Kerr

This novel has given me strength against the hardships that are present in my life, it showed me that God has not forsaken anyone but rather is waiting for us to take the opportunity to turn into a better version of ourselves. Grab a copy now and change your outlook on life.

-Yadira Bell

Being alone with your thoughts when you experienced great loss or a traumatic event has always been a terrible idea, so instead of thinking that you’re alone in life why not read this novel instead, I can honestly say that the storyline and ending of this novel helped me through my inner turmoil.

-Naima Zamora

Overcoming a traumatic experience has become all the easier with this novel by Kim Blackwell, it tells her tale of determination despite being in the face of overwhelming hardships and trauma. This is a novel that can inspire others to become motivated in life despite any and all negative events.

-Alexus Hartman