Stir

A well written memoir feels like a conversation between the author and yourself. You come away having learned the story of someone else's life, but also with a better understanding of your own. That's how I felt about Stir.

Jessica's book (and life) opens in front of you as she lies on the floor of a gym, an aneurysm bleeding into her brain. If that doesn't get your attention, I'm not sure what will.  From there you Jessica through trauma and healing, as her friends and food help her to move on.

    "What would you do if you could do anything?: wasn't it at all. Instead, I should have been asking myself something else all along: "What would you do if you could do nothing?" That, for me, for a lot of us, I imagine, was the real question.

The book, like her blog, is well written, and personal.  The only thing I didn't love about the book was that as a reviewer, my version came digitally without all of the special bells and whistles that make ebooks easy to navigate. For most books this wouldn't be a problem, but if I want to get to one of the recipes in the middle of the book, it's going to take some time to search for it.

This won't matter for long. I like the book enough that I plan to purchase a print copy when the book comes out - easier on my eyes and for working in my messy kitchen.  I'll definitely be trying a few of the recipes.

Fechtor was only 28 when she experienced a terrible headache that turned out to be a brain aneurism. She required brain surgery to relieve the pressure, and while the surgery proved to be an overall success, the author lost both her sense of smell and her sight in one eye. Daunting challenges to be sure, and many people might have buckled under the challenges she faced. But Fechtor turned to friends and family and the other constant in her life that had always provided solace – food. As soon as she was able to stand, she began cooking. She gained both physical and emotional strength from the process of creating meals for herself and her loved ones. Fechtor has woven both recipes and family stories throughout her brave and fascinating memoir.

I loved this book. For Fechtor to experience the loss of smell -- which would probably break most chefs and foodies -- and use the power of food to nourish herself, mind, body and soul, is so inspiring. This is a must read.

I found Stir: My Broken Brain and the Meals That Brought Me Home by Jessica Fechtor 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 twenties 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!

An amazing, poignant , heartwarming memoir of a strong woman who found her calling as a chef after a health crisis.  A wonderful read, with the bonus of some excellent recipes.

Jessica Fechtor survived what would have been a tragedy. Regardless, what she did still go through was a huge misfortune. Lucky for Fechtor and her readers, though, in Stir: My Broken Brain And The Meals That Brought Me Home, she does not dwell on the unfortunate events involving her "broken brain" but uses them as a vehicle for her passion in cooking. Stir is a creative and honest account of Fechtor's trials and tribulations, but more so than that, is a, well, stirring memoir about her acceptance, courage, and hope. 

We learn a lot about Fechtor, her family, and her life in this novel which makes it a lot easier to relate to her and root for her. At the end of each chapter, Fechtor provides a recipe to a special meal or food item that brought her happiness in the moment of its creation and continues to do so to this day. In strategically placing these recipes at the end of each chapter, it's easy for readers to follow along with the book while also taking a quick break to follow one of her many delicious recipes (which I did!). 

This book is not tragedy-centric. Fechtor is clearly not driven by her pain but is driven in spite of it. That quality is one of extreme importance and Stir is a lovely representation of the woman Jessica Fechtor was, is, and will be.

At 28, Jessica Fechtor was enjoying life. Enrolled in graduate school and newly married with plans to start a family, she was living life happily until, while running on the tread mill, she collapsed from a brain aneurysm. Suffering a number of complications and numerous brain surgeries, Jessica survived but the trauma and months of hospitalisation left her both physically and mentally weak.  Recuperating at home, surrounded by her wonderfully supportive family and friends, she reflected on memories of joyous and loving moments spent cooking and baking. Her love of food had always been there, so when a friend suggested starting a food blog, Jessica readily accepted and so started her path back to reclaiming her life.  Jessica Fechtor writes in such a way that creates an instant connection with the reader; as if the two of us had just sat down for a coffee and chat. I immediately understood this food-soul connection and I think at some point in our lives we’ve all experienced it; smells and tastes that take us back to special moments. For me a simple bowl of pasta with freshly grated cheese or a piece of chocolate on freshly baked bread will bring back many of my most cherished childhood memories of summers spent with cousins sitting around the dinner table or camp fire, lying on the beach or in my grandmother’s kitchen and in all of them there is always food, a lot of giggling, happiness and an ever present feeling of contentment.  What makes Stir even more appealing is that Jessica Fechtor doesn’t sensationalise her story, make it fantastical or overly tragic. Her approach is simple, straightforward and honest. She’s not afraid to show her fear and vulnerability, and wears her humanity and emotions on her sleeve. As a wonderfully personal touch, interspersed between the chapters are Jessica’s own delicious recipes. So much like Stir, the recipes are straightforward and very ‘doable’, using simple, wholesome ingredients found readily in any pantry. Even if you have just a passing enjoyment of cooking or baking, these recipes will make you want to get into the kitchen and try them.
Stir is an intelligent, insightful, intimate and honest memoir. I fell in love with this book after just reading the prologue and first chapter and really can’t say enough good things about it except go out and get yourself a copy!
Thank you to NetGalley and The Penguin Group (Avery) for providing me an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

This review has also been posted to my blog https://throwmeabook.wordpress.com/2015/06/23/stir-my-broken-brain-and-the-meals-that-brought-me-home-by-jessica-fechtor/

For most of the weekend I have been reading Stir: My Broken Brain and the Meals That Brought Me Home by Jessica Fechtor.  I would highly recommend this fascinating memoir which tells the story of a 28 year-old woman who almost dies from a brain aneurism.  

As her story begins, Jessica is a healthy graduate student planning to finish and defend a PhD dissertation.  She is recently married and looking forward to starting a family. Instead, her husband and family are called to her bedside as doctors contemplate brain surgery. That is an ordeal which she undergoes more than once due to complications. 

Jessica spends a significant time in recovery, but the tone of her book is generally positive and hopeful.  She introduces us to "her people:" husband Eli, parents, siblings, step-mother, in-laws, grandmother and friends through stories about them and their recipes. Stir includes 27 recipes with notes and suggestions by Jessica for recreating these many comfort foods. They often include a "twist" like sweet potato curry latkes or whole wheat chocolate chip cookies. 

Jessica's story is amazingly inspirational and courageous so halfway through I decided to see what else I could learn about her.  I found the video that appears below (posted recently by her husband) and encourage you to watch it, but only after having read a good portion of Stir.  Her writing underscores how much we should all be grateful for food, family, friends, and faith. 

You can also visit Jesica Fechtor's blog at Sweet Amandine.com  For other Non-fiction writing with recipes try titles like Delancey by Molly Wizenberg.  

Live links in blog post include:
embedded video found also at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EduWhQBfRLY http://www.sweetamandine.com/
http://treviansbookit.blogspot.com/2014/05/delancey-by-molly-wizenberg.html

A true story, wonderful recipes made real by Jessica's special words chosen to bring the food alive, a health crisis that takes a long time to resolve and provides challenges along the way that strengthen her. My favorite quote "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." was from her grandparents and is something I would love to apply to my home. A good story and good lives shared with us!

I had a strong idea of how this book was going to go before I started reading it.  I thought this would be more from post-aneurysm and her talking about the foods that people brought her, that she craved, or that she made as soon as she was able. But when I started reading that wasn't what I found.  Not that what I found was bad it just wasn't quite what I expected.
We start with Jess lying on the floor after falling off a treadmill.  And follow through the tests and the diagnosis and the strategies, through rehab and being back home and then more tests and more theories.   As someone who has never really had any health problems I could identify with her complete disbelief of just how little she would be able to do while recovering.  If someone told me I'd be lucky if I could get through a shower as my sole even to the day I don't think I'd believe them either.
I loved her interaction with her family and how strong her bond with both her mother and her stepmother is.  This is a good person surrounded by good people who shows incredible strength and fortitude in a situation that would probably make me want to pull the blankets over my head and cry.  The book itself is told mostly in present day but with flashbacks of how she met important people in her life or back to important memories.  For the first few chapters this felt a little jerky but it does smooth out.

Now you may have noticed I haven't mentioned food yet.  Despite a strong mention in the blurb and the subtitle food doesn't really stand out for me.  She talks about food quite a bit and there are a scattering of recipes throughout the book but when I think about this book the food doesn't jump out.  The people do.  When she talks about Tollhouse Chocolate Chip Cookies it isn't so much the cookies but WHO brought them and WHO she remembers making them with.  I can't taste the food she describes but I can hear the sound of the laughter of a dinner party or feel the wooden spoon in my hand.  I don't want to try Marcella's Butter Almond Cake but I'd love to meet Amy!
Towards the end of the book the food gets a little more prominent and does play a bigger role in Jess's recovery but when I think about this book I will think about the people and the strength.  While this isn't the book I expected it is a book I enjoyed

The honesty of this author makes her story instantly relate able. I was drawn in to the tale of her recovery by her recipes which served as a nice tie in to the major events in the authors life. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for an honest voice and inspiration for living.

Not only was this book well-written, it was moving, enticing, and inspirational. HIghly recommended!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Group Avery for providing me with an ARC of Stir:My Broken Brain and the Meals That Brought Me Home.

I LOVED this book for many reasons! The first and foremost is simply because I fell in love with Eli & Jessica! What a nerdy, sweet, adorable couple! I am smitten, if you guys are ever in my neighborhood, I'd love to host you for a meal! Jessica is a super talented writer, her sense of humor and honesty is so attractive. While her story is terrifying, I never worried for her because I knew she had love and support all around her. Jessica did not write a poor me, pity party memoir instead we got a "badass" brainy-ac who kicked her brain aneurysm and baked up a storm in the process.
I'm not really a foodie but I am a cookbook whore and the recipes Jessica shared are awesome! I spent a few hours today baking and cooking and the results were fantastic!!! I made the oatmeal cookies, saucy baked ziti, pan roasted salmon and tomato soup....heavenly!
My only complaints; I felt the ending was sort of rushed, I wanted one family portrait and I would have preferred the recipes arranged in one section at the back of the book, each on it's own page(photo's would have been nice as well)
That being said, I still LOVED Stir and whole heartily recommend this memoir/food journal/ cookbook.

I fell in love with Jessica during the first chapter of her book, Stir.  In my heart, Jessica has been a life-long friend; one that I have known for decades.  She would be the type of friend that I would tell silly stories to, throwing our heads back in laughter…..sitting outside on the patio during an early summer evening, squashed among pillows and having a cocktail.  Perhaps a Cherry-Lime cocktail with a couple of sweet-sour cherries thrown-in for good luck or perhaps a gin & tonic with an extra squeeze of fresh lime from a plump, fat, super-tart lime.

Jessica’s story is one of love and perseverance and never letting go of her love for life.   I read her book over two days, sitting in the LaGuardia airport, with my legs thrown over my carry-on bag, waiting on my flight’s never-ending delays and eventual cancellation (and then another round of delays, delays, delays).  Her voice tells her story as if she is telling it to close friends.  The story moves around a bit, backward and forward, but the flow takes the reader in the circle of her life.  That is why I know she and I would be fast friends.  Jessica’s story resonated with me.  I cheered with her successes, cried at the elephant gift from Poland, and was profoundly happy that, at the end of her story, all was well.

The recipes at the chapter ends include several that I would love to sink into at this very moment; they seem to be heart-felt recipes.    These are familial recipes; recipes that Jessica has relied upon many times in moments of hunger or for a little deliciousness.  No frills.  No fancy.  Just recipes made with love.  I didn’t know of Jessica’s blog, Sweet Amandine, prior to reading this book.  Now, I am going to the beginning, January 2009.  I plan to work my way through her blog, learning even more of my new friend as I go along.

A surprise of a book chronicling the author's passage through illness and recovery which has a unique point of view. The author, a well-known blogger, outlines how her love of food and feeding others helped her through her rehabilitation. I found it very inspiring, and the recipes sound delicious and doable.

An amazing true story wonderful recipes made real by Jessica's special words chosen to bring the food alive, a health crisis that takes a long time to resolve and provides challenges along the way that strengthen her.I loved this book! Very entertaining!!

This is a amazing true life story of a brave women's recovery from brain surgery. Jessica was a young married women and a chef when she suffered a traumatic brain event while out running. Once she had the surgery she began a long arduous process of recovery with great courage.  She touched this reader with her soulful writing from the heart. Having lost her sense of smell, once she was able to began to cook again and found her recovery through her love of cooking.  I found this book very inspirational in its entirety.  Jessica includes in   Stir  27 recipes of comfort  foods that are a delight.. She writes of a difficult time with soul, courage and  a love of food that sustained her throughout recovery. Jessica Fechtor is a women to be admired and will inspire you with her story. I highly recommend Stir. Thank you for the advance reading copy to the publisher and Net Galley. I was touched by this book with every page. Once you read this book, you will look at your life differently with greater reverence and gratitude. Thank you Jessica for this lovely biography of your struggle and recovery.

Very emotional and enjoyable. Would recommend for anyone who would like read a story they would remember for a long time and wanted to read til the end. The recipes made me want to make them!

In Stir, Jessica Fechtor recounts the details of her life, after she suffers from an aneurysm while running on the treadmill. Her story unfolds, and the reader follows the author as a bedside companion, whilst she undergoes the harrowing experience of follow-up surgeries, recovery and also subsequently plastic surgery to repair her head. Jessica Fechtor discovered an untapped joy, cooking and preparing meals. She finds a sense of familiarity and comfort in doing what she loves, whilst dealing with the uncertainty of recovery. Stirring, baking and cooking become a constant in a frightening, and uncertain world. It is a wonderful read. I highly recommend it.

Stir, which at first appears to be a cook's memoir, instead, is Jessica Fechtor's story of her recovery from a brain aneurysm, and the wide variety of foods that accompanied her journey back to her "normal." Recipes accompany various chapters, and while many readers will recognize her from her blog, Sweet Amandine, Stir is the full and complete story that EVERYONE will enjoy. This one was true and honest in a way that readers will appreciate their health and family once they finish the last page.