Rebooting My Brain is the true story of what happens when you get yanked out of your life by a crisis―and have to get back on the ride all over again. With refreshing candor, Maria Ross shares how the relentless pace of her life came to a screeching halt when an undetected brain aneurysm ruptured and nearly killed her. Along her stubborn road back to health, her resulting cognitive and emotional challenges forced her―sometimes kicking and screaming―to reframe her life, her work and her identity.
With humor and heart, Ross shares what it was like being blind for six weeks, how a TV crime drama and a brain-games website played key roles in her recovery, and why a handmade necklace helped her regain her sense of self.
Ross reveals the keys to her extraordinary comeback and how her perspective is forever changed, mostly for the better. Funny, touching and real, this book not only shares an inspirational story of transformation but reveals the surprising effects of brain injury…and explores the question, “How do our brains define who we are?”
What Others are Saying:
- “A captivating, deeply authentic memoir of a devastating illness and a heroic recovery. Maria Ross’ memoir Rebooting My Brain is a testament to one woman’s personal courage and a reminder that health is a tenuous treasure.” –Carol Cassella, best-selling author of Oxygen and Healer
- “Maria Ross weaves a tale of inspiration, love and hope about an active woman reclaiming her life after an unexpected crisis. Her humorous and honest voice leaps off the page and makes you feel as if you’re talking to her over coffee. This is a must-read for anyone who’s ever had the rug pulled out from under them, not just brain injury survivors and their families.” –Ingrid Ricks, author of Hippie Boy: A Girl’s Story
- “Rebooting My Brain is an inspirational memoir about the human capacity to recover—and thrive—after a devastating crisis. Maria Ross tells a moving tale that reminds us not to take anything in our lives for granted, especially those we love.” –Emma Carr, author of London Falling
- “Maria Ross is one tough cookie. This first-hand account of her experience with a “freak aneurysm” is nigh on impossible to put down. Maria walks you through the days leading up to the hospitalization, to the trials and tests of recuperation with such candor and frankness. Her story is incredibly inspirational, an addictive read, and flat out awe inspiring.” -PeonyGal212
- “This incredibly well written book will make you laugh and cry. The way Maria redefines herself and comes to terms with the “new Maria” is inspiring. I couldn’t stop reading her story and was glad to see it ended with a successful ‘reboot’ of her life. –Alyssa O.
- “Even if you don’t have any experience with brain trauma, this is a wonderful book to read. Anyone that has dealt with debilitating illness of any kind can get inspiration and hope from this story. Maria is funny and has a wonderfully positive outlook on life. Her story is told frankly, and without sugarcoating. You will be inspired.” – BlueDiamond, Midwest
- “I bought this book on recommendation and was not disappointed. This is an amazing story of overcoming some serious odds. What struck me was the candor with which this story was told – Maria seemed to hold nothing back…This book is a phenomenal, inspirational recovery tool without all the boredom of some self-help books. I highly recommend it.” – Blanche Devereaux
- “Rebooting My Brain is a memoir full of humor, grace, and hope, making it clear such a devastating injury can be overcome and can even serve as a means of discovering what is truly important in this life.” –Nick O’Connell, author of On Sacred Ground: The Spirit of Place in Pacific Northwest Literature and founder of TheWritersWorkshop.net.
Storytelling is an art but Maria Ross has it down to a science.
Maria Ross is a consultant, author, speaker and actress who believes that cash flow and creativity are not mutually exclusive. As a child doing TV commercials from the tender age of six, she was destined for marketing, sales – or TV show hosting.
Maria runs Red Slice, a branding consultancy and business (and beyond) blog. She writes frequently about branding, marketing, entrepreneurship and–even great wine–for such outlets as San Francisco Downtown, IntoWine.com, Sharp Skirts, DiningOutSF, Entrepreneur.com, American Express Open Forum and Seattle Business.
Maria is also a dynamic keynote speaker and has been featured in Entrepreneur Magazine and on MSNBC, The Mike Siegel Show, Butler on Business and KUOW Seattle (NPR). She is a lover of animals, red wine, travel, independent film, crime dramas, dry humor, football and Jeopardy. Maria lives in Seattle with her husband Paul and their black Lab mix, Eddie.
Follow Maria on Twitter (@redslice) on Facebook (facebook.com/redslice) or visit her website, www.red-slice.com