Elizabeth Cottone

Out of the blue one morning, Beth Cottone, scientist, marathoner, and mother of three, had a massive stroke. Then she had to relearn how to balance, walk, speak, and swallow. With an academic background in the science of learning, she understood what was at stake in her recovery. In this, her second book, the author examines the emotional and practical struggles involved in returning to a full life - and even the possibility of happiness - after such devastating loss. Cottone delivers an empathetic understanding of the challenges faced not only by stroke survivors and others with neurodivergences but also by parents, former athletes and performers, and those who have lost a "gateway skill" like vision, hearing, speech, or language.
Cottone explains, "Identity foreclosure (when you can no longer meet your expectations of competence in an area that formed a principal part of your identity) is the great equalizer. It cuts across all socioeconomic levels.