- Hardcover: 256 pages
- Publisher: William Morrow; 1 edition (4 Mar 2002)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0060009292
- ISBN-13: 978-0060009298
- Product Dimensions: 21.3 x 13.7 x 1.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 1,386,453 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
In the six decades since he took to the stage and screen, Kirk Douglas has starred in eighty-three films and nine plays, written seven books, and made a remarkable commitment to humanitarian causes throughout the world. Known internationally and across generations for playing the indomitable Spartacus, topping international bestseller lists, and building parks and schools in troubled communities, Kirk Douglas is a legend in his own time and serves as an inspiration to us all.
Now, in "My Stroke of Luck, his vivid and very personal reflection upon his extraordinary life, Kirk Douglas finally completes his story by offering a candid and heartfelt memoir of where it all went right. Written in his own words, Douglas offers tender vignettes in tribute to the childhood that shaped him, the wife and devoted family who supported him, and the life-changing event that helped him to appreciate the gifts given to him over his eightythree years.
Revealing for the first time not only the incredible physical and emotional toll of his debilitating stroke, but how it has changed his life for the better, Douglas offers the lessons that saved him and helped him to heal. Alongside his heartfelt advice and insight, he also shares warm memories involving some of the most famous figures of our time -- including Burt Lancaster, Michael J. Fox, and Gary Cooper -- as well as others who have soared to greatness in the face of adversity.
Touching and funny, inspiring and uplifting, Kirk Douglas traces how his greatest setback became a source of strength and renewal -- leading him to find the eighth decade of his life the most fulfilling yet. Charming, soulful, and filled with personal insights andnever-before-seen personal photographs, "My Stroke of Luck is an intimate look at the real person behind the fabulous talent -- and at a life lived to its very fullest.
About the Author
Born in New York in 1916, Kirk Douglas is the star of CHAMPION, ACE IN THE HOLE, LUST FOR LIFE (as Van Gogh) and SPARTACUS (title role). He is also a highly successful and critically acclaimed writer.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I cannot say enough good things about this little book. I experienced a wave of emotions while reading it and was compelled to only stop reading once the last page was complete. Kirk Douglas's perception on life since his stroke made me laugh out loud, cry from the heart and roll my eyes exasperation. But most importantly his slant of things made me value the small everyday moments in my life. It was also good to know that even the best of Hollywood has to clean up after the dogs!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Caution: This book contains occasional coarse language, employed for emphasis, that seems justified in how it is applied.
Mr. Kirk Douglas is eloquent, moving, and convincing in this book as he describes how he came to terms with suffering a stroke. The essence of the message is that stroke victims should focus on "helping others" to help themselves. The book abounds in detailed examples of how to do this for stroke victims. The book's message is so fine, delicate, and well-balanced that I suggest that you learn about it from Mr. Douglas rather than from a review.
His account is very candid and powerful. He cites his own vivid and depressing thoughts before he began to recover, and shares many inspiring lessons from others. You will learn about his fears about losing his vocation ("What good is an actor who can't talk?"), experiences with depression (thinking about suicide as described on the dust cover), and the concerns he had about embarrassment (a billion people were expected to watch him talk).
I was most impressed by the examples of what others wrote, said, and did that helped him gain new purpose.
The book is also filled with nostalgic references to his friends and family, almost all of whom are represented in interesting photographs reproduced in the book.
I was especially touched to read what his "Ma" told him as she lay dying, "Don't be afraid, it happens to everyone." He drew much strength from remembering that thought.
As Mr. Douglas says in this book, "Strive to be a Little Hero."
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Bought for a stroke sufferer(to show him I cared)the Kirk Douglas Stroke story proved extremely fruitful for my friend. The recipient of this book is a 75 year old man who related to Kirk Douglas, having grown up watching his films, and was able to laugh and gain inspiration from the stories and anecdotes told.
If you are looking for a gift for an older person who has suffered a stroke and may be depressed - well try giving them this book. If they read it they will find it inspirational.
If you are looking for a gift for an older person who has suffered a stroke and may be depressed - well try giving them this book. If they read it they will find it inspirational.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
My Stroke of Luck
`My Stroke of Luck' is Kirk Douglas' memoir describing his experiences of life after his strokes. It looks at his rehabilitation and the lessons he has learnt as he has overcome... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Spider Monkey
kirk dougls
my dad had a stroke this book helped me more than him because he died a week later
its not a heavy read but if you like kirk {and I do } you'll like this
"i'm... Read more
its not a heavy read but if you like kirk {and I do } you'll like this
"i'm... Read more
Published 19 months ago by steve b
Forever young
I knew him first as Spartacus, then as a Viking, after that as a reporter (Ace in the Hole). I learned about him after reading this book. Read more
Published on 14 April 2009 by Ogun Eratalay
This really helped me make sense of my own Stroke........
In the 7 months since my stroke at the age of only 34 years I have read allot on te subject. But this book really hit home and made me make sense of how I was feeling inside. Read more
Published on 16 Aug 2007 by Mr. Dp Lewis
Wonderful Gift for Stroke Victims and Those Who Love Them!
Mr. Kirk Douglas is eloquent, moving, and convincing in this book as he describes how he came to terms with suffering a stroke. Read more
Published on 14 Jun 2004 by Donald Mitchell
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