A Wonderful Stroke Of Luck

Named a Most Anticipated Book of 2019 by Vulture, The Millions, The Observer, and O, The Oprah Magazine A razor-sharp, deeply felt new novel--the twenty-first book by Ann Beattie--about the complicated relationship between a charismatic teacher and his students, and the secrets we keep from those we love At a boarding school in New Hampshire, Ben joins the honor society led by Pierre LaVerdere, an enigmatic, brilliant, yet perverse, teacher who instructs his students not only about how to reason, but how to prevaricate. As the years go by, LaVerdere's covert and overt instruction lingers in his students' lives as they seek some sense of purpose or meaning. When Ben feels the pace of his life accelerating and views his intimate relationships as less and less fulfilling, there seems to be a subtext he's not able to access. And what, really, did Bailey Academy teach him? While relationships with his stepmother and sister improve, and a move to upstate New York offers respite from his anxiety about love and work, LaVerdere's reappearance in his life disturbs his equilibrium. Everything he once thought he knew about his teacher--and himself--is called into question. Written by one of our most iconic writers, known for casting a cold eye on her generation's ambivalence and sometimes mistaken ambition, A Wonderful Stroke of Luck is a keenly observed psychological study of a man who alternates between careful driving and hazardous risk taking, as he struggles to incorporate his past into the vertiginous present.

When an occupational therapist suffers a massive stroke while attending a wedding in her native England, she can’t believe it. Janet R. Douglas emerges from a coma weeks later at a Chicago hospital where she once worked. Her left side is totally paralyzed, her eyesight impaired, her memory and identity lost. Trapped in the present, she finds herself talking in German even though she has seldom spoken the language since high school. With no understanding of the severity of her problems, she resists therapy, thinking she doesn’t need it. Despite all odds, she returns to her high-powered job only to find herself cast adrift by a corporate reorganization. With time on her hands, she carries out her own research to find out how damage to one specific part of the brain affects behavior. From the perspective of both therapist and patient, Douglas explains the impact of stroke, how it makes the simplest tasks difficult, and how the visible disabilities it causes are just the tip of the iceberg. Join Douglas on a decade-long quest to recapture her identity so she can once again enjoy family, work, and travel in A Wonderful Stroke of Luck.

My stroke taught me so much, and for all that it stole, it gave me even more. In the process of healing, my life has changed for the better. Now I want to share what I have learned. In this vivid and very personal reflection upon his extraordinary life as an actor, author, and legend in his own time, Kirk Douglas offers a candid and heartfelt memoir of where it all went right in his life -- even after suffering a debilitating stroke. Revealing not only the incredible physical and emotional toll of his stroke but how it has changed his life for the better, Douglas shares the lessons that saved him and helped him to heal. Alongside his heartfelt advice and insight, he also recalls warm memories of some of the most famous figures of our time -- including Burt Lancaster, Michael J. Fox, and Gary Cooper -- as well as others who have soared to greatness in the face of adversity. Charming, soulful, and filled with personal photographs, My Stroke of Luck is an intimate look at the real person behind the fabulous talent -- and at a life lived to its very fullest.

Struck down with a stroke and all but declared dead at age 38, Dick Burns regained consciousness and a life. This is the wise and witty story of his long and slow recovery and resurrection. It is a story of hope and practical advice for victims of any serious illness and their families. It is also about what he learned from the ordeal and how his life and values changed for the better with each step of his recovery.

"A Wonderful Stroke of Luck" delves into the profound journey of Janet R. Douglas, offering a unique dual perspective as both therapist and patient. Douglas courageously addresses the profound effects of brain damage on personal identity and relationships, unraveling the complexities of faith, resilience, and the human spirit in the face of adversity. The memoir unfolds the challenges of returning to a high-powered corporate position, providing poignant insights into navigating the physical and psychological obstacles at home, work, and within the community. With humor and deep reflection, Douglas shares her struggles and triumphs, emphasizing that while full recovery may be elusive, life can still be remarkably full and rewarding. This narrative is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, showcasing Douglas's determination to overcome obstacles and embrace a new, authentic chapter in her life.

What is good luck and how can you attract it into your life? Bestselling author Richard Webster demystifies this age-old concept and shares 365 easy ideas anyone can use to increase their good fortune in every area of life. From acting on your hunches to using lucky charms, from carrying a badger’s tooth to random acts of kindness, the techniques presented in this entertaining and informative book are sure to tip the odds in your favor. With tried-and-true advice, unexpected tips, and everything you need to know about lucky days, numbers, months, and more, this easy-to-use guide is brimming with wise counsel for increasing your good luck.

50 Ways to Manifest Good Luck and Positive Energy Finally become the lucky person you were meant to be with this powerful and practical book from bestselling author Richard Webster. The Secret to Attracting Luck shows you how to use skills and abilities you already possess—or can quickly develop—to bring more prosperity into your life. This straightforward guide provides step-by-step instructions for fifty quick and effective strategies, from having the right body language to taking calculated risks. Explore the power of visualization, affirmations, and serendipity. Discover how to use charms, gemstones, tarot, and numerology to increase your luck. Learn the best ways to optimize your imagination, attitude, passion, generosity, and karma. With these proven methods, you'll achieve greater abundance, happiness, and success.