Steve the Storyteller

My Stroke Speaks: Living, Laughing & Surviving

Steve's Books

Different Strokes

An Intimate Memoir for Stroke Survivors, Families and Caregivers

A powerful story of resilience, humor, and recovery: a heartfelt, and eye-opening journey through the bizarre realities of what it truly means to rebuild a life.

Steve's newest book, Different Strokes, blends humor, vulnerability, and hard-earned wisdom.

Steve was an author in his “Last Life,” so he knew that he could write a memoir. At the time, he could only type three words with a mistake or two, but fortunately, antidisestablishmentarianism was not one of them! It was some poetic justice, because he typed as slowly as his brain could think. Steve was still mulling over titles.

Attending his stroke support group, Steve met survivors using canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and even those emerging from comas. He quickly realized that, despite his own challenges, his stroke was only "a drop in the bucket" compared with what many others endure.

Steve asked if anyone would like to be interviewed for his book. To his surprise and gratitude, 20 survivors, spouses and caregivers volunteered. And Steve needed to give them a voice, the greatest gift he could give. They shared the most heartbreaking stories of despair; broken relationships, money spent…

That realization became the inspiration for his book, hence the title, Different Strokes. It took 2 years to write, and it was published by a New York agent.

TESTIMONIALS

Hear What Others Are Saying About Steve's Book

"Steve’s book will not only help people avoid stroke, but it is a must-read for those who have a brain attack, and for friends and family."
~ John Newcombe, Wimbledon Champion and Stroke Survivor

"Steve recently presented at a community Stroke Support Group meeting that I co-run. His presentation was really enjoyable and well-received by the group of stroke survivors. Members found the presentation incredibly validating through Steve's positive, uplifting, funny, and relatable take on the experience. I highly recommend Steve if you're looking for someone empathetic, inspirational, and funny!"
~ Kristina Y.

"Steven suffered a stroke at the age of 53 and his book relives his life just before, during and after the stroke. Steven's book will raise an eyebrow, draw a smile, elicit hearty chuckles and provide much needed insight into his journey ahead and makes for an ideal reference during the dark times ahead.

Different Strokes differs, in a good way, from many of the other books on the market today because Steven makes you feel part of its narrative and delivers a compelling story. Often, stroke is written about in a very dry factual way that is abstract and non-personal to many of us. Different Strokes is both very engaging and enlightening. The book offers a refreshing perspective that is life affirming and where all stroke survivors can relate to many aspects of Steven's journey, laid bare, page after page, before the reader. The style of writing makes for easy reading yet the author manages to still include, in great detail, important facts without detracting from the story.

For many of us, there is hope during the 'fog' of stroke recovery as we find the necessary patience, determination and stamina to move to the next level. In Steven's case it takes a while, yet his optimism, and those of the many retold stories included in the book, gives the reader their own sense of hope and offers a source of strength to carry on. Whilst we may differ in our methods of coping with the consequences of stroke - for all of us, survivors and carers alike, we all want to enjoy a better quality of life and Different Strokes uses this universal thread as the narrative throughout the story. Different Strokes is like looking into a mirror - the face may be different but the journey is very familiar.

The author himself sums up the book very well 'I believe that the stories in Different Strokes will bring peace, and a better quality of life to survivors and families. Stroke is hell, as all survivors know - but there are often laughs! Together, we tell the whole story, from the heart - with humor and hope - as we face our ups and downs physically, emotionally and cognitively.'"
~ John Kelly, Stroke Survivor

"Highly Recommend This Book"

“Different Strokes” is an in-depth look at what surviving, or not surviving, a stroke can mean. And Steven Boorstein should know-at age fifty-two, he suffered a stroke after a hit on the ski slopes of Vail. Part-memoir, part-how-to, Steven Boorstein’s book will help you to recover from a stroke, whether you were the victim of one or had to watch a loved one suffer. Dividing the book into three distinct sections, Boorstein first focuses on his personal experience with a stroke, how he recovered, and his controversial use of medical marijuana to help resurrect his damaged mind and wracked body. The second part of this book explores how others have dealt with a stroke. Hear first-hand from stroke survivors and their loved ones about what effect a stroke had on their marriage, sex life, careers, relationships (with children, relatives, strangers), and more.

The finale of the book covers tools and helpful resources-therapies, therapeutic tools, and exercises; organizations for survivors; and key words-for people who have had a stroke, been diagnosed as being at risk, or for those whose loved ones are at risk or are recovering. This is an essential book for anyone who’s ever had, or been hurt by, a stroke.

Boorstein first focuses on his personal experience with a stroke, how he recovered, and his controversial use of medical marijuana to help resurrect his damaged mind and wracked body. The second part of this book explores how others have dealt with a stroke. Hear first-hand from stroke survivors and their loved ones about what effect a stroke had on their marriage, sex life, careers, relationships (with children, relatives, strangers), and more. The finale of the book covers tools and helpful resources-therapies, therapeutic tools, and exercises; organizations for survivors; and key words-for people who have had a stroke, been diagnosed as being at risk, or for those whose loved ones are at risk or are recovering. This is an essential book for anyone who’s ever had, or been hurt by, a stroke.

~ Ja Mau - Neurosurgeon

INVITE STEVE TO SPEAK

Contact Steve today to arrange a time for him to speak to your group.

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Steve Boorstein

My Journeys

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