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Missing Collection
After Words
Listening Length: 52 minutes
In this darkly comic memoir, a young woman recounts the steps she took to rebuild her sense of self in the aftermath of two devastating strokes that robbed her of her ability to communicate.
Nina Mitchell was an accomplished Harvard graduate whose world changed forever when her facility with language—and much of her personality—disappeared. Lacking the tools to navigate her old life, Nina was forced to create another one. In After Words, she shares her remarkable journey as she slowly reclaims the power to converse, write, assert her identity, and to be herself—with words.
Nina Mitchell’s After Words is part of Missing, a collection of six true stories about finding, restoring, or accepting the losses that define our lives—from the mysterious to the inspiring. Each story can be read—or listened to—in a single sitting.
In this darkly comic memoir, a young woman recounts the steps she took to rebuild her sense of self in the aftermath of two devastating strokes that robbed her of her ability to communicate.
Nina Mitchell was an accomplished Harvard graduate whose world changed forever when her facility with language—and much of her personality—disappeared. Lacking the tools to navigate her old life, Nina was forced to create another one. In After Words, she shares her remarkable journey as she slowly reclaims the power to converse, write, assert her identity, and to be herself—with words.
Nina Mitchell’s After Words is part of Missing, a collection of six true stories about finding, restoring, or accepting the losses that define our lives—from the mysterious to the inspiring. Each story can be read—or listened to—in a single sitting.
1 pages, Audible Audio
First published July 31, 2018
486 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
September 10, 2020
After Words is part of the Kindle Unlimited Missing Collection of short stories. Nina Mitchell, a high school valedictorian and Harvard graduate, is in her mid twenties when she has a stroke. Months later she has an even more devastating stroke, that robs her of the ability to communicate or even think words. Her right arm and leg are affected also but the damage to those two limbs is so much easier to endure than the loss of her ability to speak, write, and think the words that fuel our ability to express ourselves. We can never really appreciate what we have until it's taken away from us. Nina relates her experience and what she did to take back that which she had lost.
The Missing Collection: Nina Mitchell’s After Words is part of Missing, a collection of six true stories about finding, restoring, or accepting the losses that define our lives—from the mysterious to the inspiring.
The Missing Collection: Nina Mitchell’s After Words is part of Missing, a collection of six true stories about finding, restoring, or accepting the losses that define our lives—from the mysterious to the inspiring.
November 24, 2022
Very insightful read.
My Grandmother had a stroke a few months ago, so this was a real eye opener to what a stroke can do to a person. Nina chronicles her life as a two time stroke patient and relives the days that she can remember and the struggles that she had to go through.
It was a short read with really good first hand knowledge. If my Grandmother had not had a stroke, I still would have found this an interesting read.
My Grandmother had a stroke a few months ago, so this was a real eye opener to what a stroke can do to a person. Nina chronicles her life as a two time stroke patient and relives the days that she can remember and the struggles that she had to go through.
It was a short read with really good first hand knowledge. If my Grandmother had not had a stroke, I still would have found this an interesting read.
August 19, 2018
Sadly honest read of the trials one formally gifted woman endures after losing her words and mind. A story of her debilitating strokes and the author's path to 100% recovery that is destined to take the rest of her life.
May 10, 2021
Very interesting memoir.
August 2, 2018
An inspiring story!
Nina had two strokes in her twenties. As a parent, I know how devastating and helpless you feel because my son had one at the age of 22. His was not as severe as Nina's but still terrifying.
She was very lucky to have had good doctors and physical therapists to help her recover. But she deserves all the credit! Her strong will and personality helped her to overcome the difficulties the strokes caused.
I am very impressed by her writing her own story and wish her all the best in life.
Nina had two strokes in her twenties. As a parent, I know how devastating and helpless you feel because my son had one at the age of 22. His was not as severe as Nina's but still terrifying.
She was very lucky to have had good doctors and physical therapists to help her recover. But she deserves all the credit! Her strong will and personality helped her to overcome the difficulties the strokes caused.
I am very impressed by her writing her own story and wish her all the best in life.
August 8, 2018
This is the second short I’ve read from the just released Amazon Original Stories ‘Missing’ collection. (They are free for Amazon Prime Members via the Prime Reads perk!) All are non-fiction shorts that can be read in one sitting (an hour or less). All are about finding truths, accepting losses, and restoring normal. Each ranges from being a mysterious story to inspirational triumph. This one is a medical triumph written by a 26 year old Harvard grad who survives two strokes and has to learn to walk and talk again - somewhat reminiscent of Brain on Fire. 3*
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January 5, 2025I don't rate biographies and memoirs.
Strokes make up a large part of my day to day work life, and I see a lot of people with aphasia and dysphasia so it was really interesting to read about it from a patients point of view. Nina Mitchell speaks eloquently about her experiences recovering from not one, but two, haemorrhagic strokes. Aside from the odd sentence or two regarding MRI interpretation in stroke which weren't accurate (I feel I can nitpick about this, it's my job) I also found it informative and accessible and added that often much needed human factor when reading about medicine.
Strokes make up a large part of my day to day work life, and I see a lot of people with aphasia and dysphasia so it was really interesting to read about it from a patients point of view. Nina Mitchell speaks eloquently about her experiences recovering from not one, but two, haemorrhagic strokes. Aside from the odd sentence or two regarding MRI interpretation in stroke which weren't accurate (I feel I can nitpick about this, it's my job) I also found it informative and accessible and added that often much needed human factor when reading about medicine.
April 16, 2019
This is the story of the author's recovery from two strokes she had at a young age.
September 16, 2018
Yes, you can have a stroke when you are young
This story is about a young woman who had a stroke and had to re-learn many basic things. I related to this story very well. When I had my stroke I couldn’t stand bright lights or loud sounds. The physical effects lasted only a short time, but I remember trying to read something and not being able to and it just killed my soul. Luckily, I have been an elementary teacher and have lots of low level books which I started reading and gradually increased the difficulty as I began to read better. I still have problem thinking and putting words together sometimes, especially when I’m tired. I haven’t returned to the pre-stroke me, probably never will, but I get along alright and that’s what this girl did too, she made it the best she could.
This story is about a young woman who had a stroke and had to re-learn many basic things. I related to this story very well. When I had my stroke I couldn’t stand bright lights or loud sounds. The physical effects lasted only a short time, but I remember trying to read something and not being able to and it just killed my soul. Luckily, I have been an elementary teacher and have lots of low level books which I started reading and gradually increased the difficulty as I began to read better. I still have problem thinking and putting words together sometimes, especially when I’m tired. I haven’t returned to the pre-stroke me, probably never will, but I get along alright and that’s what this girl did too, she made it the best she could.
August 12, 2018
Another short book in the Kindle “Missing”collection. You would think that it would be easy to generate sympathy if you had not one, but two strokes by the age of 26’ the second of which makes you lose your ability to speak coherently. Somehow Ms. Mitchell manages to come off entitled and kind of nasty. She overuses the f word and explains how her friends tell her after she had the strokes she is too aggressive with waiters etc. as she is learning to speak again. After listing her efforts to change this she finishes with this statement: “I became the best f...ing customer they would ever have.” To my mind negating all of her hard efforts, but hey, that’s just me.
August 11, 2018
A Stroke Survivor Tells Her Story
And what an amazing story this is. I was very impressed with Ms. Mitchell's honesty and humor as she related details of the mental and physical trials as she went through therapy for both of the strokes she experienced. I was totally immersed in this book, and intend to re-read it, probably several times. Excellent writing and details. Amazing how our frail bodies and spirits persevere. 👍👍👍👍👍
And what an amazing story this is. I was very impressed with Ms. Mitchell's honesty and humor as she related details of the mental and physical trials as she went through therapy for both of the strokes she experienced. I was totally immersed in this book, and intend to re-read it, probably several times. Excellent writing and details. Amazing how our frail bodies and spirits persevere. 👍👍👍👍👍
October 16, 2018
This is a short, 54-minute audiobook that I listened to after learning about aphasia from my friend, Helen Moses, who has asked for donations to the Triangle Aphasia Project for her 50th birthday (how cool is that?). This story about a woman in her 20s who had a stroke that resulted in aphasia (loss of speech), was done in a way that made me think "this could happen to anyone" while at the same time, wasn't tragic or pitiful and written with a sense of humor. Highly recommend!
August 2, 2018
CVA
I worked for neurologists for six years. I did medical transcription. I learned enough to know she is a walking medical miracle. I am old now and have seen a lot. I think Nina's recovery is spectacular. Her determination is remarkable. I loved her story and am amazed that she recorded her progress.
I worked for neurologists for six years. I did medical transcription. I learned enough to know she is a walking medical miracle. I am old now and have seen a lot. I think Nina's recovery is spectacular. Her determination is remarkable. I loved her story and am amazed that she recorded her progress.
August 9, 2018
found this on AMAZON PRIME, loved it ... this is just an emotional listen ... makes u think and makes you sort of understand more what someone who has gone through a stroke goes through and deals with on a daily basis. loved this series ... i think it is called the Missing Series by AMAZON ...such a great listen ... opens your mind and hearts more. ( ;
October 16, 2018
Extremely interesting look at what this stroke victim went through and how she handled the obstacles of her new life.
October 28, 2024
Even after having two strokes at the young age of 26, Nina decided to write about her experience. It's sad, frustrating, and like she even says when you can't find the right words to describe or name what you are seeing, makes you say fuck.
But to open my mouth with some idea of what I wanted to say and have nothing, nothing come out, was true frustration. Language is what makes us human, what separates us from the animals. Aphasia makes you feel like a beast, no matter how eloquent you are inside.
Her life took a twist with the first stroke but when the second one happened, her life changed entirely. She talks about the simple things we get for granted like language and losing the ability to think coherently. The feeling of been there but not at all at the same time.
Terrifying at her young age but how brave she is for trying to go back to her 100% and tell her story.
But to open my mouth with some idea of what I wanted to say and have nothing, nothing come out, was true frustration. Language is what makes us human, what separates us from the animals. Aphasia makes you feel like a beast, no matter how eloquent you are inside.
Her life took a twist with the first stroke but when the second one happened, her life changed entirely. She talks about the simple things we get for granted like language and losing the ability to think coherently. The feeling of been there but not at all at the same time.
Terrifying at her young age but how brave she is for trying to go back to her 100% and tell her story.
November 25, 2018
I recently read a book entitled THE WOMAN IN THE STRONGBOX, about a mysterious girl who went missing, created a false identity, and then lived her life as another person. I enjoyed the book so when I saw that it was part of a 'Missing' series, I grabbed the others. It turns out it is not a series about missing people. AFTER WORDS is the story of a woman recovering from a stroke; the element that is 'missing' is part of her vocabulary, which she worked to regain. Interesting in its' own way, but not something I would have read had it not been for misunderstanding what the 'series' was about.
October 1, 2025
Nina Mitchell’s After Words is part of Missing, a collection of six true stories about finding, restoring, or accepting the losses that define our lives—from the mysterious to the inspiring. Each story can be read—or listened to—in a single sitting.
I enjoyed Mitchell's short about her strokes and how she was able to relearn language after her horrible second stroke.
I enjoyed Mitchell's short about her strokes and how she was able to relearn language after her horrible second stroke.
April 4, 2022
My initial reaction- Strokes sound frightening and aphasia sounds terrifying!!
I appreciate the author’s candor and detail in describing her journey.
The best thing about this story is that there is not only light at the end of the tunnel, but it is reachable!
I appreciate the author’s candor and detail in describing her journey.
The best thing about this story is that there is not only light at the end of the tunnel, but it is reachable!
October 5, 2018
Can you say...bored to tears? For something only 30 mins...gosh it was painful.
October 20, 2018
This was a free book (if you have Amazon Prime) I really enjoyed this one. Sad but honest story.
April 9, 2020
Just a very short book I picked up from Amazon. Young person with brain injuries due to strokes.
February 9, 2021
I felt the terror more than the humor in this story (still appreciated what it must have taken for the author to offer her story with this mix of vulnerability and levity) — An incredible journey!
February 13, 2019
What we take for granted
The accomplishments are most noteworthy. We take so much for granted. Made me more aware of what a person goes through during such a life changing event, something that takes away every ounce of understanding even what has happened to them, the extent of rehab, and being able to stick with climbing the mountains of recovery. The success this writer has achieved is phenomenal. Being able to relate those achievements surely is even more noteworthy. Thank you for allowing us into your life to know your success and achievements.
The accomplishments are most noteworthy. We take so much for granted. Made me more aware of what a person goes through during such a life changing event, something that takes away every ounce of understanding even what has happened to them, the extent of rehab, and being able to stick with climbing the mountains of recovery. The success this writer has achieved is phenomenal. Being able to relate those achievements surely is even more noteworthy. Thank you for allowing us into your life to know your success and achievements.
November 12, 2024
An insightful look into one person's experiences with regaining language after two strokes.
January 31, 2021
Nina Mitchell is incredible
She got knocked back a bit in life, and then she really pushed through.
Just an incredible tale, one that I highly recommend!
It's a read in one sitting tale, and I suggest it to anyone.
She got knocked back a bit in life, and then she really pushed through.
Just an incredible tale, one that I highly recommend!
It's a read in one sitting tale, and I suggest it to anyone.
June 15, 2020
Toward the end of the examination I grabbed the doctor’s arm, quite rudely—violently even, according to Joel—and said, “I have a magical uterus. I got it by getting a classified STD in the military.”
When Nina Mitchell suffered her second stroke in her 20s, her life is turned upside down. After Words, part of the Missing Collection, chronicles her journey from rock bottom to something resembling a recovery.
I had aphasia, from the Greek for “without” and “utterance.”
I said “fuck” a lot. Start a sentence. Say the wrong word. Say “fuck.” Repeat.
Her story is uplifting and shows just what determination and hard work can achieve.
When Nina Mitchell suffered her second stroke in her 20s, her life is turned upside down. After Words, part of the Missing Collection, chronicles her journey from rock bottom to something resembling a recovery.
I had aphasia, from the Greek for “without” and “utterance.”
I said “fuck” a lot. Start a sentence. Say the wrong word. Say “fuck.” Repeat.
Her story is uplifting and shows just what determination and hard work can achieve.
December 28, 2018
Despite the somewhat serious subject matter, this is a great short story full of humor and candor. It is about a young woman’s journey after having multiple strokes, brain surgery, and stroke rehab. She completely loses her ability to communicate and has to relearn the nuances of communication, including some physical rehabilitation as well.
The narrator does a superb job as well. She paints a very clear mental and verbal picture of this young woman’s difficult, but hopeful journey. I can’t wait to explore other books narrated by her.
The narrator does a superb job as well. She paints a very clear mental and verbal picture of this young woman’s difficult, but hopeful journey. I can’t wait to explore other books narrated by her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 12, 2018
A great book about a terrible day
The author of this book is extremely sensitive. To have had a stroke at such a young age, and then to be able to express that to other people with a comicy attitude. I enjoyed her humor. She knows how to place priorities. And I just enjoyed everything about her aspect on life in After Words. I'd like to thank this author for giving me some of her insight.
The author of this book is extremely sensitive. To have had a stroke at such a young age, and then to be able to express that to other people with a comicy attitude. I enjoyed her humor. She knows how to place priorities. And I just enjoyed everything about her aspect on life in After Words. I'd like to thank this author for giving me some of her insight.
September 30, 2018
An interesting and educational true story of a 20 something stroke victim
Reading this I learned so much of how debilitating a stroke can be. Not just to bodily motor skills but also of speech. Having an acquaintance who had one I really had no idea of what she had to go thru to get where she was. I think this story would be of benefit to any friend or relative of a stroke victim. I know after reading this I will be (hopefully) much more patient and understanding.
Reading this I learned so much of how debilitating a stroke can be. Not just to bodily motor skills but also of speech. Having an acquaintance who had one I really had no idea of what she had to go thru to get where she was. I think this story would be of benefit to any friend or relative of a stroke victim. I know after reading this I will be (hopefully) much more patient and understanding.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews