Book Group Discussion Guides

Stroke Onward is pleased to provide book group discussion guides that we have developed in collaboration with academic and community partners. Our goal is to deepen and personalize the reading of Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves after Stroke.

Our initial book group discussion guide was developed and launched in July 2021 to serve as a resource for those with aphasia, other communication challenges, or anyone who might simply benefit from the use of more accessible materials. For facilitators, we have created and tested aphasia-friendly Points of Reflection (questions) as well as chapter support materials and a range of additional resources.

These materials are intended to be utilized in a well-supported group setting, potentially a book club or peer-to-peer support group run by skilled facilitators. Participant feedback has confirmed that reading the book has been valuable but that the opportunity to discuss it and engage with fellow survivors has been even more impactful. As one survivor who participated in our development process commented, the most meaningful part of the experience was, “Realizing that I am not alone.”

We are pleased to launch additional materials to support other groups in their reading and discussion of Identity Theft. In August 2021, we now have book discussion prompts for the general public and healthcare professionals.

Keep an eye on this space as more materials will be added in the near future.

  • “I truly cannot thank you enough for including us in this project. It was by far a highlight of my career. I am just as invested as the clients- I am volunteering to do it this summer, as it was such a valuable experience for all involved and want to continue this emotional journey with them.”

    Group Facilitator/Supervisor

  • “It was very interesting to hear about others’ experiences in recovering from a stroke. It gave one a sense of belonging. I enjoyed the discussion very much.”

    Group Member

  • “While working in inpatient rehab this past Saturday, a patient with aphasia asked me, "When will I be myself again?" After reading and discussing Identity Theft with book group members and student clinicians, I found myself leaning into a conversation about identity, loss, and change. My patient then spent the bulk of the session talking about her background, family, hobbies, and interests. At the end of the session she said, ‘I AM still myself.”

    Group Facilitator/Supervisor

  • "I felt like facilitating the Identity Theft book group taught me more about the ups and downs of stroke recovery than any textbook ever could. I am SO grateful for the impact this experience had on me as a clinician."

    Student Clinician

  • "These stories gave me a much more "human" perspective on the emotional recovery and the breadth of these emotional needs in stroke survivors. It gave me a lot of insight regarding the emotional aspects of recovery and what kind of support these individuals might need."

    Student Clinician

  • "This book came at the right time for me. I was considering what my life options should be going forward and the book helped me to decide."

    Group Member

  • "I found I had a lot in common with the other members of the group. We struggle with the same issues."

    Group Member

  • “I found this book club was very supportive and (it) respected and treated (me)as an adult. I am glad I found this book at this time of my recovery. I am now in my 5(th) year after stroke and (I have) aphasia. I am now working on my new identity. I think the first two years I would not have enjoyed or appreciated the book at that time, because I was working so hard at getting my old self back together and (I wasn’t) ready to step into my new (life) or Identity. To be honest I would have probably (thrown) the book at the wall. Over all it was a great experience.”

    Group Member

  • “I learned from the book that the feelings I experienced following my stroke were not strange, but rather ‘normal.’ It opened my eyes and helped me to handle a lot of those feelings, and to realize that while the effects of a stroke are very different person to person, the fears and hopes are basically the same.”

    Group Member

  • “I have had the opportunity to look back, soothe and heal some of my ghosts from the past, particularly my self-identity and all that comes with it. I love that this book has given me a framework to feel and discuss reconciling my past and present self. I also feel that I need to be part of helping others who are facing similar aphasia journeys. Maybe through advocacy I can connect people to resources and support. We will see.”

    Group Member

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Our book group discussion guides are intended to complement listening to and/or reading the book:

Note: All author proceeds from the sale of Identity Theft will help fund Stroke Onward’s future work.

Acknowledgements

These materials would not be possible without our generous collaboration partners:

BU Aphasia Resource Center- need to crop-1

Prior to public release, materials were field tested by and improved with thoughtful feedback from an extraordinary pilot group of facilitators, and their associated group members and student clinicians. We would like to thank each organization below for their important contributions:

TestSites