Left Neglected by Lisa Genova

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Left neglect is a term describing a deficit in awareness that occurs following an injury to the right side of the brain. Due to the injury, the brain has difficulty paying attention to items falling into the left hemisphere of an individual's awareness. (Courtesy: WWW)
So when Sarah Nickerson is hit by this condition, it is as devastating as one can imagine. Sarah has a high flying corporate career and has all potential to only go further up the ladder. Her life is perfect - great, loving husband, 3 wonderful children and a life that fits like a puzzle. One morning, this super mom is rushing to work and meets with a devastating accident. A brain surgery and 4 days in sedation later, she wakes up to the realization that while she is alive and has no memory issues or anything to that effect, something is still feeling very wrong. She is then introduced to a condition that was going to be her shadow for unknown set of days. Left Neglect.
This book talks about what happens when someone is hit by this condition. But, what it also talks about is how to survive it. It is very difficult to maintain one's dignity and mental balance when all things have come to a standstill. Sarah's positivity, grit & determination is something we can all take a lesson from. Sarah's mom, who she has not had a great relationship with, comes to take care of her. This book is about building bridges. We often neglect relationships or take them for granted. It was about realizing that relationships are fragile. They need to be nurtured. In course of life, we justify our actions or words, but we do not know how they effect others. As bad as it sounds, it took this accident for Sarah and her mom to realize that they had their share of battles to fight. And now, they needed to be on one team to win against Left Neglect. The book is about forgiveness.
When Sarah is rendered paralysed enough to not get back to her demanding job, she finds solace in taking care of her ADHD son. She finds time for play dates with her daughter and story time with her toddler. She has less money, but lot more time. You lose some, you win some. Sarah beats all odds and is driving herself to do new things. This book is about survival and reprioritizing life.
Another audiobook in my kitty. I'm quite liking this phase of auditory concentration. Written by a neuroscientist, Lisa Genova knows how to weave a story amidst her scientific knowledge. Since this is my second book, and another medical condition by the same author, I whizzed through it. I would still vote an extra point for Still Alice. This one gets my hugs. A good book, overall.

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