Books & More on Brain Health and Caregiver Support
Curated reads, guides, and resources for stroke survivors, caregivers, and anyone committed to brain health.
Start Your Own Library — Draw Upon Brain Health and Recovery
Books & MORE. The books selected are great to learn about your brain. We encourage you to start your own library to draw upon brain health and recovery. There are many great stories and resources — the titles below are a starting point for survivors, caregivers, and anyone ready to understand the most powerful organ in the human body.
Brain Health & Stroke Recovery
Essential reading on how the brain heals, what recovery looks like, and how to advocate for the best outcomes.
My Stroke of Insight
Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.D.
A brain scientist's firsthand account of experiencing a massive stroke and her remarkable eight-year recovery. Dr. Taylor was a Harvard-trained neuroanatomist — her insider perspective on how the brain heals is both scientifically grounding and deeply inspiring for survivors and caregivers alike.
Whole Brain Living
Jill Bolte Taylor, Ph.D.
Dr. Taylor's follow-up to My Stroke of Insight — a guide to harnessing all four characters of the brain to live a more peaceful, purposeful life. Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand how the brain's two hemispheres shape who we are and how we recover.
Brain Rules
John Medina
A molecular biologist breaks down 12 principles for surviving and thriving at work, home, and school — grounded in how the brain actually works. Practical, accessible, and eye-opening for anyone on a recovery journey or supporting one.
The Brain: The Story of You
David Eagleman
Neuroscientist David Eagleman takes readers on an exploration of the human brain — perception, memory, identity, and consciousness. A vivid and accessible companion for stroke survivors and caregivers seeking to understand the organ at the center of recovery.
Stronger After Stroke
Peter G. Levine
A practical, evidence-based guide to stroke recovery that empowers survivors and caregivers with strategies used by top rehabilitation specialists.
The Brain's Way of Healing
Norman Doidge, M.D.
Explores the brain's remarkable capacity for neuroplasticity — how it can rewire itself after injury, illness, and stroke — with inspiring case studies.
Paralyzed but Not Powerless
Kate Adamson
Kate Adamsone's courageous memoir of life after paralysis — a story of faith, resilience, and refusing to be defined by physical limitation. Her journey speaks directly to stroke survivors and anyone navigating a life transformed by sudden disability. A powerful reminder that the human spirit cannot be paralyzed.
The Story I Wanted to Hear
The true tale of a wife and mother who suffers a stroke at the age of 36 — a raw, honest account of survival, recovery, and rebuilding life after the unthinkable. A powerful memoir that speaks to stroke survivors and their families navigating the long road back to themselves.
Caregiver Support & Self-Care
Books written for and about caregivers — honoring the work, addressing the burnout, and restoring the person behind the role.
The Story I Wanted to Hear
Ann Koenig, RN
Written by a registered nurse who became a caregiver herself, this book offers an honest, compassionate account of what it means to care for someone you love — and how to hold onto your own story in the process.
The Caregiver's Companion
Jacqueline Marcell
A compassionate and practical guide for family caregivers — covering everything from managing daily care to protecting your own mental and physical health.
Passages in Caregiving
Gail Sheehy
A deeply personal and universally resonant account of caregiving, offering a roadmap through the emotional and practical stages every caregiver faces.
The 36-Hour Day
Nancy L. Mace & Peter V. Rabins
The definitive guide for families caring for people with Alzheimer's, dementia, and memory loss — widely recommended for caregivers supporting stroke survivors with cognitive changes.
Prayers in My Gumbo
Nadine Roberts Cornish
Nadine Roberts Cornish blends faith, culture, and caregiving wisdom in this soulful guide for those who care for others. Drawing on her deep roots and spiritual practice, she offers prayers, reflections, and practical encouragement for caregivers who need to be nourished as much as those they serve.
Transforming Your Life Through Self-Care
Carolyn A. Brent
Carolyn A. Brent — a nationally recognized caregiver advocate — delivers a practical, compassionate roadmap for caregivers who have forgotten to care for themselves. With actionable strategies and heartfelt wisdom, this book helps caregivers reclaim their health, identity, and joy without guilt.
Pediatric Stroke & Family Resources
Titles for families navigating stroke in children — from diagnosis through long-term recovery and advocacy.
Pediatric Stroke: A Guide for Families
Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke Association
A family-centered resource covering causes, treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term support for children who have experienced stroke.
Mental Health & Emotional Recovery
Resources addressing depression, anxiety, grief, and the emotional journey that accompanies stroke and chronic illness.
The Body Keeps the Score
Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
A groundbreaking exploration of how trauma — including the trauma of sudden illness — lives in the body and how healing is possible through mind-body approaches.
Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy
Sheryl Sandberg & Adam Grant
A powerful guide to resilience in the face of life-altering adversity — widely embraced by stroke survivors and caregivers navigating grief and rebuilding.
Performance, Mindset & Winning
Books on mental toughness, relentless drive, and the champion's mindset — because recovery demands the same discipline as elite performance.
The Winner Within: A Life Plan for Team Players
Pat Riley
NBA championship coach Pat Riley shares the principles of sustained excellence — teamwork, commitment, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. A powerful read for survivors and caregivers who understand that recovery is the ultimate team sport.
Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable
Tim S. Grover
The trainer behind Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade reveals what separates the good from the great — and the great from the unstoppable. A raw, uncompromising guide to mental toughness that speaks directly to the spirit of recovery.
Unforgiving: A Life Lived at the Edge
Tim S. Grover with Shari Wenk
Grover's follow-up to Relentless — a deeper exploration of what it takes to operate at the highest level when the stakes are highest. For survivors and caregivers who refuse to settle for anything less than their full potential.
Conquering Life's Curves
Ed Hearn
Former World Series champion Ed Hearn shares how he overcame a career-ending injury, multiple organ failures, and near-death experiences to find purpose and joy. A testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and redefining what winning looks like when life throws its hardest pitches.
Online Resources
Trusted organizations offering free education, support tools, and community connections.
American Stroke Association
Comprehensive stroke education, survivor stories, caregiver resources, and research updates.
National Stroke Association
Recovery tools, caregiver guides, and a searchable directory of stroke support groups nationwide.
Caregiver Action Network
The nation's leading family caregiver organization — education, peer support, and advocacy for 90 million American caregivers.
Children's Hemiplegia and Stroke Association (CHASA)
Support and resources specifically for families of children who have experienced stroke or hemiplegia.
Have a Book to Recommend?
If a book or resource made a difference in your recovery or caregiving journey, we want to hear about it. Help us grow this collection for the community.