Identity Theft Book

Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves After Stroke, co-authored by Debra Meyerson and her eldest son, Danny Zuckerman, took five years and a lot of determination to write.  Released in 2019, the book conveys Debra’s triumphs and struggles following the stroke that stole her identity and almost her life.  

Much  more than a memoir, Debra draws on her skills as a social scientist and interviews with dozens of fellow survivors, family, friends, caregivers, physicians, therapists and other professionals to explore the often overlooked emotional journey of stroke recovery.   An inspiring read, the book assures survivors and those that care for and about them that they are not alone. It helps them cope with the forced changes to identity caused by stroke and other illnesses or trauma that rob people of important capabilities.  

The book and the lessons learned while writing it laid the foundation for Stroke Onward.  All author proceeds from the sale of Identity Theft will help fund Stroke Onward’s future work.  For more about the book visit: identitytheftbook.org.

What People Are Saying

  • "What sets this book apart ... is its focus on stroke survivors' emotional journeys ... An encouraging story of personal growth after a life-altering medical event."

    KIRKUS REVIEWS - Full Review

  • "Identity Theft is the most powerful book I’ve read on the psychological experience of having and recovering from a stroke. Meyerson is not only a gifted social scientist; she’s also a survivor. This is a moving memoir—and a testament to the strength of the human spirit."

    ADAM GRANT, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF OPTION B, ORIGINALS, AND GIVE AND TAKE

  • "… (A) powerful, intelligent, and emotionally-rich exploration of the experience of acquiring and then living with aphasia… Meyerson’s background in sociology and in identity research give her a distinctive voice..."

    BARBARA B. SHADDEN, PhD, CCC-SLP, BOARD CERTIFIED ANCDS, PROFESSOR EMERITUS, PROGRAM IN COMMUNICATION DISORDERS, UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS

  • "Identity Theft is a must read for stroke survivors, their families, and stroke professionals. Using her story and those of others, Debra writes with humor and pragmatism about embracing and thriving in new identities after stroke."

    DR. CHITRA VENKATASUBRAMANIAN, MBBS, MD, MSC, FNCS, PROFESSOR, STROKE AND NEUROCRITICAL CARE, STANFORD UNIVERSITY

  • "Identity Theft will provoke thoughts, ideas, and paths to growth for anyone wrestling with identity in the face of life changes. Even while struggling with the aftermath of her stroke, Debra found a way to create this gift to others."

    LAWRENCE BACOW, PRESIDENT, HARVARD UNIVERSITY

  • "Identity Theft offers a deeply moving, candid, eye-opening, and compassionate picture of life after stroke. It displays the power of resilience, determination, acceptance, and love—and is sure to inspire helpful reflection, no matter one’s age or health."

    KATHERINE J. KLEIN, EDWARD H. BOWMAN PROFESSOR OF MANAGEMENT AND VICE DEAN, WHARTON SOCIAL IMPACT INITIATIVE, THE WHARTON SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

  • "With Identity Theft, Debra Meyerson has written what will certainly become a go-to resource for stroke survivors and their families, navigating that critical question—‘Who do I want to be now?’"

    JULIA FOX GARRISON, STROKE SURVIVOR AND MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER, BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF DON’T LEAVE ME THIS WAY

  • "It is a rare book that can begin with medical trauma and loss of self-identity and turn into a deeply moving, surprisingly uplifting, and profoundly wise meditation on what it means to be human."

    ROB REICH, PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, STANFORD UNIVERSITY; AUTHOR OF JUST GIVING

  • "After watching Debra Meyerson’s extraordinary academic career cut short by her debilitating stroke, it is so inspiring to see her create such a powerful book for anyone trying to build a life of meaning in the face of adversity."

    CLAUDE STEELE, PROFESSOR EMERITUS OF PSYCHOLOGY, STANFORD UNIVERSITY, AND FORMER DEAN, STANFORD SCHOOL OF EDUCATION; AUTHOR OF WHISTLING VIVALDI

  • "Identity Theft is a scholarly yet easy-to-read exposition that addresses so many issues faced by stroke survivors, especially those with aphasia. It is a story of determination and hope that should be of interest to everyone."

    LEORA R. CHERNEY, PHD, SCIENTIFIC CHAIR, THINK + SPEAK LAB, SHIRLEY RYAN ABILITYLAB; PROFESSOR, PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY