CRACKED

A retired engineer recounts a traumatic brain injury.

In this memoir, Barry recalls enjoying a healthy, active life. As president of a research and development engineering firm, the 51-year-old executive was professionally fulfilled but also looking forward to retirement: shuttling between his New England home and his lakeside cottage; enjoying boating; spending time with his adult son and stepchildren; and taking more bike trips with his beloved wife, a schoolteacher. Then one day in 2012, everything changed. While on a bicycle trip in Vermont, the author experienced a bad fall that resulted in a traumatic brain injury. After numerous medical procedures, including a tracheostomy and the installation of a feeding tube as well as a monthslong stint in rehab, Barry sought to rebuild a life altered in every way possible. Because their vacation house was virtually inaccessible to the author, who used a wheelchair, he and his wife determined that they must give it up. Barry could no longer drive due to weakened vision, and though he returned to work in a limited capacity, he soon retired earlier than planned. But thanks to love, faith, and good fortune, he was able to continue bicycling and racing—using various recumbent tricycles—and do many things independently, such as making his way around his home while his wife was at work and communicating via email. He also rediscovered a passion for writing and decided to share his journey with readers. This short but informative memoir, which features family photographs, showcases the author’s straightforward voice and copious self-awareness. Despite the significant obstacles that came with a TBI, Barry recognized how lucky he had been throughout the ordeal—beginning with the passersby who came upon him immediately after he was injured and called for help. The book’s first half is a play-by-play of the author’s various procedures and therapies as he adjusted to a new way of existing, and the second half is devoted to larger topics, like Barry’s strong Roman Catholic faith, his “day in the life” routines and mobility aids, and his hobbies, such as baking bread and entertaining at home.

An illuminating look at the impact of a life-changing diagnosis.