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Normal
“In that nanosecond of enlightenment I knew that the human spirit survives the death of the physical body and I understood that my wandering soul needed to get back into its earthly habitat.” - Janet Bettag, Normal
Normal is the true story of the author’s survival and recovery from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. It poignantly and humorously addresses dealing with altered self-image, finding ways around barriers, and appreciating the play of serendipity and synchronicity in our lives. The book is a moving and sometimes hilarious account of her determination to reconnect with reality and construct an active, rewarding life in the aftermath of a traumatic event. Sharing skirmishes and victories, Janet Bettag conveys a message of hope, inspriation, and support to her readers. In doing so, she reminds each of us that we have a choice to make when faced with adversity - remain a victim or become a warrior.
Normal is the true story of the author’s survival and recovery from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. It poignantly and humorously addresses dealing with altered self-image, finding ways around barriers, and appreciating the play of serendipity and synchronicity in our lives. The book is a moving and sometimes hilarious account of her determination to reconnect with reality and construct an active, rewarding life in the aftermath of a traumatic event. Sharing skirmishes and victories, Janet Bettag conveys a message of hope, inspriation, and support to her readers. In doing so, she reminds each of us that we have a choice to make when faced with adversity - remain a victim or become a warrior.
96 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 30, 2012
10 people want to read
About the author
Janet Bettag
1 book15 followersJanet Bettag is a career administrative professional, freelance editor, and an award-winning writer. She served for more than seventeen years as Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police at a municipal law enforcement agency.
Janet’s previously published works include magazine articles and book reviews. She also participated in scripting the 2011 production of The Voices of Valhalla. Her short story, "Collette's Conundrum," won an award in the 2010 Missouri Writers' Guild JoAnna Dale Sponsors' Contest for best paranormal or mystery short fiction.
Her professional affiliations include membership in the St. Louis Writers' Guild, the Wee Writers of St. Charles, and the Missouri Writers' Guild.
Janet’s previously published works include magazine articles and book reviews. She also participated in scripting the 2011 production of The Voices of Valhalla. Her short story, "Collette's Conundrum," won an award in the 2010 Missouri Writers' Guild JoAnna Dale Sponsors' Contest for best paranormal or mystery short fiction.
Her professional affiliations include membership in the St. Louis Writers' Guild, the Wee Writers of St. Charles, and the Missouri Writers' Guild.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 10, 2012
Normal details the author's personal experiences as a brain aneurysm survivor. It's a memoir, but so much more. Janet Bettag offers information, advice, and hope. As she honestly and bravely describes her own challenges and heartaches following her brain attack, she speaks directly to others who have experienced brain trauma as well as to those who are caregivers. She acknowledges the pain and stress experienced by those who are struggling to care for a brain aneurysm survivor.
For survivors, she offers practical advice and hope. By no means does the author offer medical advice. This book is not intended to serve as a medical journal. She describes many of her own experiences, but explains that others might often have entirely different experiences. The author clearly instructs survivors to speak to their caregivers and doctors openly. She encourages survivors to seek out support groups and most importantly, to accept a new 'normal.'
This book is so well written, it's a very quick read and hard to put down. You don't have to have a loved one with a ruptured brain aneurysm to enjoy this book, though I would recommend it for anyone who is a caregiver, friend, family member, or survivor. There's a clear message of hope that will appeal to any reader. The author's story is remarkable and her persistence and optimism is an inspiration. Consider this: post aneurysm, she couldn't string together a coherent sentence, and now she's written a book. While some would have given up, the author fought. She isn't a victim. She isn't just a survivor, either. She is an author of a really, really amazing book that I would strongly recommend.
For survivors, she offers practical advice and hope. By no means does the author offer medical advice. This book is not intended to serve as a medical journal. She describes many of her own experiences, but explains that others might often have entirely different experiences. The author clearly instructs survivors to speak to their caregivers and doctors openly. She encourages survivors to seek out support groups and most importantly, to accept a new 'normal.'
This book is so well written, it's a very quick read and hard to put down. You don't have to have a loved one with a ruptured brain aneurysm to enjoy this book, though I would recommend it for anyone who is a caregiver, friend, family member, or survivor. There's a clear message of hope that will appeal to any reader. The author's story is remarkable and her persistence and optimism is an inspiration. Consider this: post aneurysm, she couldn't string together a coherent sentence, and now she's written a book. While some would have given up, the author fought. She isn't a victim. She isn't just a survivor, either. She is an author of a really, really amazing book that I would strongly recommend.
September 19, 2012
For me, it isn't often that a book really touches my heart and gives me such profound appreciation for things I normally take for granted. When it's a work of nonfiction, that makes it even more powerful.
I found myself swept away by the honesty of this Missouri author's debut book. I've known Janet Bettag for a couple of years through the St. Louis Writers Guild, but I had no idea of her writing talent. Nor did I realize the extent of impairment she overcame since suffering a brain aneurysm fifteen years ago. She's an amazing woman.
I highly recommend NORMAL to aneurysm survivors (or those with any sort of debilitating brain disorder) and their families/friends. This book deserves to be on Oprah's reading list.
I found myself swept away by the honesty of this Missouri author's debut book. I've known Janet Bettag for a couple of years through the St. Louis Writers Guild, but I had no idea of her writing talent. Nor did I realize the extent of impairment she overcame since suffering a brain aneurysm fifteen years ago. She's an amazing woman.
I highly recommend NORMAL to aneurysm survivors (or those with any sort of debilitating brain disorder) and their families/friends. This book deserves to be on Oprah's reading list.
December 17, 2012
I loved the book and it shows the strength that she had to have to fight the battle she fought. As I was reading I could hear her telling the story. There were parts that made me cry and parts that made me laugh.
As I'm fighting my own battle with a different disease, I refer back often to the book for strength.
As I'm fighting my own battle with a different disease, I refer back often to the book for strength.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews