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Anything but Frank: A Journey of Healing, Patience, and Rediscovery
Kenneth Kerns shares the story of a life-altering stroke that led him on a journey to a quieter,
more intentional way of living in this heartfelt memoir.
Before his hemorrhagic stroke in April 2020, the author was a high-achieving university administrator, juggling demanding responsibilities with a deeply rooted devotion to his wife and two daughters. His career was meaningful…but his family was everything.
Then came ten days in a coma. When he awoke, he was paralyzed on his right side and struggling with aphasia. The life he knew was gone, and rebuilding a new one would take everything he had.
Years later, the physical signs of his stroke are still evident, but the changes inside have been even more profound. Through therapy and sheer determination, he’s discovered an inner peace and a deeper appreciation for life’s small victories.
This book explores the hard lessons, unexpected joys, and the transformative power of gratitude that have shaped the author’s new reality. It’s a story of embracing a slower, more present way of living where each day is celebrated as a gift.
more intentional way of living in this heartfelt memoir.
Before his hemorrhagic stroke in April 2020, the author was a high-achieving university administrator, juggling demanding responsibilities with a deeply rooted devotion to his wife and two daughters. His career was meaningful…but his family was everything.
Then came ten days in a coma. When he awoke, he was paralyzed on his right side and struggling with aphasia. The life he knew was gone, and rebuilding a new one would take everything he had.
Years later, the physical signs of his stroke are still evident, but the changes inside have been even more profound. Through therapy and sheer determination, he’s discovered an inner peace and a deeper appreciation for life’s small victories.
This book explores the hard lessons, unexpected joys, and the transformative power of gratitude that have shaped the author’s new reality. It’s a story of embracing a slower, more present way of living where each day is celebrated as a gift.
128 pages, Hardcover
Published August 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 12, 2025
"Anything but Frank" is a deeply personal, and sometimes raw, journey through a hemorrhagic stroke, a 10-day medically induced coma, and the uncharted aftermath, all during the pandemic restrictions and isolation of COVID. It is a testament to human endurance, resilience and grace.
Few books have managed to engross me as quickly and as emotionally as this one. It’s a quick read that refuses to let the reader look away. It deserves to be read by stroke survivors, their families, healthcare professionals and everyone who knows or has ever known a stroke victim. I think that’s nearly everyone.
From the inside cover: ‘This book explores the hard lessons, unexpected joys, and the transformative power of gratitude that have shaped the author’s new reality. It’s a story of embracing a slower, more present way of living where each day is celebrated as a gift.’
Few books have managed to engross me as quickly and as emotionally as this one. It’s a quick read that refuses to let the reader look away. It deserves to be read by stroke survivors, their families, healthcare professionals and everyone who knows or has ever known a stroke victim. I think that’s nearly everyone.
From the inside cover: ‘This book explores the hard lessons, unexpected joys, and the transformative power of gratitude that have shaped the author’s new reality. It’s a story of embracing a slower, more present way of living where each day is celebrated as a gift.’
September 17, 2025
This book was such an easy and enjoyable read—optimistic, deeply personal, and full of heart. The way the author told his story made me both laugh and cry. His reflections are honest yet hopeful, and they capture not just the challenges of that time but also the small joys and moments of resilience that carried him through. It’s a reminder of the strength we can find in even the hardest seasons through love and perseverance.
November 4, 2025
Read it in 1 day. Love it!
December 13, 2025
Couldn’t Put It Down
After a stroke and 10 days in a coma, the author awoke to be called “Frank” by a nurse—sparking an identity crisis that sets the stage for this powerful memoir. Blending real recovery with vivid coma dreams, Anything but Frank is raw, moving, and surprisingly hopeful. A must-read for anyone seeking a story of resilience, healing, and rediscovery.
After a stroke and 10 days in a coma, the author awoke to be called “Frank” by a nurse—sparking an identity crisis that sets the stage for this powerful memoir. Blending real recovery with vivid coma dreams, Anything but Frank is raw, moving, and surprisingly hopeful. A must-read for anyone seeking a story of resilience, healing, and rediscovery.
October 1, 2025
I'm a little biased as I worked with Ken while he was at the University of Minnesota and was devastated to hear of his stroke in 2020. This is an amazing and inspirational account of his recovery. I found knowing the details of his experience very moving and wish him continued progress on his journey. Much love to Ken and his family!
May 24, 2026
The Healing Journey from a Stroke
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a person's healing journey. Ken explains his frustrations well. His wife and family were always there for him. His strange dreams illustrate how confusing things were, because they were so vivid. God blessed him with a wonderful, helpful family to help him move through it all.
I would recommend this book to anyone interested in a person's healing journey. Ken explains his frustrations well. His wife and family were always there for him. His strange dreams illustrate how confusing things were, because they were so vivid. God blessed him with a wonderful, helpful family to help him move through it all.
January 14, 2026
The book gives such amazing insight into the life a stroke survivor that most people otherwise may never get. Ken highlights hope and joy in the midst of darkness. Anyone, but especially professionals and students in rehab specialties, should give it a read!
March 27, 2026
What a beautiful story of resilience, love, hope, and healing.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews