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* Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Avery for an ARC.

I found Stir: My Broken Brain and the Meals That Brought Me Home to be an enjoyable read since it combines several interests of mine - I normally gravitate toward books about medical/health issues, and I also like food-related memoirs in general.

The book focuses on the author's journey recovering from a brain aneurysm that occurred when she was in her 20s in grad school. She experienced multiple complications along the way, and eventually found that her love of food and cooking was a good way to improve both her physical as well as cognitive function. Due to the aneurysm, she was physically weak, but even worse, found it very difficult to concentrate on anything for more than a few minutes at a time. A friend of hers initially recommended that she start a food blog, and from there she began gradually getting back into the kitchen and posting recipes to the blog (not revealing the reasons behind the blog).

As an occupational therapist, I always hope to be able to help patients recover from various illnesses, injuries, etc. while integrating things they most enjoy into their treatment sessions. As cooking was something Fechtor previously enjoyed, and OTs often work on kitchen/cooking skills with patients, it would seem to be the perfect opportunity for therapy. Unfortunately, the one example the author provided of contact with an occupational therapist was not the most positive, so not sure if she decided to relate only that specific interaction, or if all of the occupational therapy she had during her stay in a rehab hospital was negative.

I would definitely recommend Stir: My Broken Brain and the Meals That Brought Me Home to all those who love food and books about food (includes many recipes as well). Would not recommend reading when hungry however!