Aphasia, My World Alone

Helen Harlan Wulf's first person account of her bout with aphasia is a rarity. Aphasia is a condition which often results from a stroke, causing damage to some or all of the language and speech areas of the brain. It can affect speaking, reading, auditory comprehension, and/or writing. Due to its often profound effect on writing abilities, written accounts are rare. As a graduate student of speech and language pathology, this book was a valuable resource. It would be equally valuable for those in other medical/health professions working with aphasics, recovering aphasics, family members or friends of those suffering from aphasia, and anyone interested in learning more about this interesting and tragic condition. While her tale sometimes wanders and repeats itself, it is, overall, a readable and complete account. She does not hesitate to share embarrassing moments and samples of her attempts at writing. Most importantly, she remains positive. She does not sugar-coat her difficulties in movement or struggles with fatigue, but manages to chart her progress and her faith in the ability of all aphasics to regain functional lives.