My Stroke of Luck

November 19, 2001
One of Hollywood's brightest stars since the late 1940s (Champion, Lust for Life, Spartacus), Douglas embarked on a literary career in the 1980s, with his bestselling memoir The Ragman's Son. He suffered a debilitating stroke several years ago, and now, at 84, he offers the inspirational but not at all Pollyannaish story of his recovery. A peculiarly painful sensation in his right cheek was the first warning, followed by a bewildering inability to talk. Lying in a hospital bed set up in his home, Douglas felt his situation was hopeless. How could he be an actor and not be able to talk? He contemplated ending his life, but when he put a gun in his mouth and painfully bumped his teeth, he withdrew the weapon and began to laugh at his own dramatic gesture. Douglas recounts how he battled his depression not only with medical care but also by recalling happy memories (he shares reminiscences about Sinatra, Reagan and others), and he explains tips and exercises he learned from his speech therapist. Inspired by the courage of others who endured physical or emotional illness, Douglas began to overcome his fears. With the help of his supportive family (who refused to coddle him), he even returned to the screen in Diamonds, playing a boxer who had a stroke. Entertaining and uplifting, Douglas's story is a lesson in survival, one that will entice readers whether or not they have had similar illnesses. B&w photos. (Jan. 14)Forecast:This book is a natural for the 65-plus crowd, especially those who enjoyed
Tuesdays with Morrie.

Kirk Douglas offers up a well-written and optimistic look at life following a serious stroke. Douglas, still young at heart, reflects on his amazing life, many accomplishments, famous friends, and his relationship with God, his family, and the world at large. Celebrity aside, Douglas has a plethora of great insights and advice for anyone struggling with hardship, regardless of age. Kirk Douglas's speech impediment following his stroke forces the listener to pay close attention in order to understand his words, but listening becomes much easier when Michael Douglas reads his father's words. The younger Douglas does a stellar job capturing his father's wit and sense of timing. H.L.S. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine

September 15, 2001
Douglas reflects on his 1995 stroke, the flubbed suicide attempt that followed, and celebrity friends who have had battles of their own.

Copyright 2001 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.