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Left Neglected summary
Brief summary
Left Neglected by Lisa Genova is a captivating novel that tells the story of Sarah, a career-driven woman who suffers a traumatic brain injury. This thought-provoking book explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of the human brain.
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Left Neglected
Summary of key ideas
Revisiting Priorities in Left Neglected
Left Neglected by Lisa Genova is a compelling novel that follows the life of Sarah Nickerson, a successful working mother with a hectic schedule. The story begins with Sarah juggling her high-powered job, two kids, and a long commute. Constantly overwhelmed and sleep-deprived, she strives to keep up with her demanding lifestyle, often multitasking to the point of distraction.
However, Sarah's life takes a dramatic turn when a car accident leaves her with a rare neurological condition called 'left neglect.' This disorder causes her brain to ignore everything on her left side, leaving her visually and physically impaired. Suddenly, the woman who thrived on multitasking and productivity is forced to slow down and reevaluate her life.
Adapting to Life with Left Neglect
As Sarah recovers from her accident, she faces a challenging rehabilitation process. She must relearn basic tasks such as walking, reading, and even recognizing her own children. Additionally, she must adapt to her new way of seeing the world, constantly reminding herself to look left and expanding her field of vision.
Despite the overwhelming odds, Sarah refuses to be defined by her condition. With the support of her family and a dedicated team of therapists, she begins to embrace her new reality. She learns to appreciate the present moment, finding joy in simple activities like playing with her children and enjoying nature.
Discovering What Truly Matters
Throughout her journey, Sarah undergoes a profound internal transformation. She recognizes that her previous life was driven by the need to achieve and succeed, often at the expense of her own well-being and family time. Now, with her physical limitations, she is forced to prioritize what truly matters.
She starts to see the value of slowing down, savoring the small moments, and nurturing her relationships. She also reconsiders her career and decides to take a step back, choosing a less demanding job that allows her to spend more time with her family. Sarah's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-care and the need to strike a balance between work and personal life.
Embracing a New Perspective
As Sarah continues to adapt to her condition, she develops a unique perspective on life. She appreciates the beauty in imperfection and finds strength in her vulnerability. She also becomes an advocate for people with disabilities, raising awareness about the challenges they face and the importance of empathy and inclusivity.
In the end, Left Neglected is not just a story of loss and adversity, but one of resilience and transformation. It encourages us to reevaluate our own lives, reconsider our priorities, and appreciate the present moment. Through Sarah's journey, we learn that even in the face of life-altering circumstances, it is possible to find happiness and fulfillment.
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What is Left Neglected about?
Left Neglected is a thought-provoking novel by Lisa Genova that delves into the life of Sarah Nickerson, a successful career woman who suffers a traumatic brain injury. This injury leaves her with a condition called 'left neglect' where she is unable to perceive anything on the left side. The book explores Sarah's journey of self-discovery and adaptation as she learns to cope with her new reality and re-evaluate what truly matters in life.
Left Neglected Review
Left Neglected by Lisa Genova (2011) tells the story of a successful woman who suffers a traumatic brain injury that causes her to neglect one side of her body. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- The exploration of traumatic brain injury and its effects on daily life offers a unique and eye-opening perspective.
- Through empathetic storytelling and character development, the book creates a deep connection with the protagonist's struggle and growth.
- It challenges readers to rethink their perceptions of disability and resilience, making it a thought-provoking and engaging read.
Who should read Left Neglected?
Individuals who are interested in neurological conditions and their impact on daily life
People who enjoy reading stories about personal growth and overcoming challenges
Caregivers, friends, or family members of someone with a brain injury or neurological disorder
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Left Neglected FAQs
What is the main message of Left Neglected?
The main message of Left Neglected revolves around finding strength and resilience in the face of life-altering challenges.
How long does it take to read Left Neglected?
Reading Left Neglected typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is Left Neglected a good book? Is it worth reading?
Left Neglected is worth reading for its poignant storytelling and profound exploration of human resilience.
Who is the author of Left Neglected?
The author of Left Neglected is Lisa Genova.
What to read after Left Neglected?
If you're wondering what to read next after Left Neglected, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung
- Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman
- Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price
- Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss
- Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink
- The Twenty-four Hour Mind by Rosalind D. Cartwright