Reinvention - by Elizabeth Cottone (Paperback)

About the Book

One morning, Beth Cottone, research scientist, marathoner, and mother of 3, had a massive stroke. Witness her return to a functioning life - and even happiness - after devastating loss.

Book Synopsis

Out of the blue, one January morning in 2017, Beth Cottone, research scientist, marathoner, and mother of three, had a massive stroke. In its aftermath, she has had to relearn how to balance, walk, speak, swallow, and even breathe independently. 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 functioning life - and even the possibility of happiness - after such devastating loss.

Cottone's book 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. With quotations from other stroke survivors, a parent of special needs children, a former athlete, and a person with aphasia, the author illuminates the slow, painful work faced by those who lives require reinvention after traumatic change.

The author 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. ... Happiness may only be found with acceptance, when we give our past self a friendly nod and move on."

If you love down-to-earth inspiration from an author with a compelling and relatable story, you'll love Elizabeth Cottone's hard-won wisdom. Buy REINVENTION: New Life After Traumatic Change and begin taking steps toward happiness today.



Review Quotes

Beth Cottone has given generously in this book about how experiencing stroke has changed her life. She has opened up her own life story so that other survivors of brain injuries and those who care for them can see what is possible in the aftermath. She has included entries from her personal journal that show her progress, while also providing insight into the scientific basis for her injury and recovery. Beth Cottone's book is both a very personal reflection and a clear interpretation of the neurology of stroke. Richard G. Tedeschi, PhD, Executive Director, Boulder Crest Institute for Posttraumatic Growth

Beth Cottone is determined to use her cruel experience to learn about life and teach others how to overcome difficulties, how to persevere, how to keep fighting, and not give up. Her writing is full of her love of life. Her fight for a meaningful life after a tragic event is an inspiration for us all. From the Foreword by Barbara K. Lipska, PhD, author of The Neuroscientist Who Lost Her Mind and past Director, Human Brain Collection Core,

National Institute of Mental Health

It was an honor to read this beautiful and important book. Michael Shutt, actor, stroke survivor, playwright of A Lesson in Swimming

What a treat. It was like a conversation where all I wanted to do was listen and to savor what I was hearing. The information was so accessible and relatable. I feel uplifted. Julia Blodgett PhD, Educational Psychologist

This book is a real inspiration. Beth's journey is truly extraordinary. It's such a compelling story and an encouragement for others who have experienced trauma. I admire her spunk and optimism, even though I know it's so very hard at times. Crish Kresge, NeuroMovement(R) practitioner

The chapters are intriguing and spot on. Congratulations to the author for all she's doing not only for herself but for so many others. Nina Solenski MD, Neurologist, University of Virginia

A powerful, real, and hopeful voice. Her raw and emotional account explores a crucial mindset shift: "how to hold the negative and the positive in your hand at the same time." I myself am moved beyond words. Claire Marie Barbao, Speech-Language Pathologist, University of Virginia

Many life lessons that would be pertinent to any reader. Deb Zehner MBA, Director of Applied Research, Connected Commons