GREAT READS

The Diving Bell and The Butterfly

Jean-Dominique Bauby ; translated from the French by Jeremy Leggatt.

This phenomenal biography tells the story of a man who suffers a massive stroke. Twenty days later, he awakes from a coma, unable to move except for blinking one eye. His mind is fully functional, but his body is paralyzed. A former editor, successful business man, world traveler and family man, he is suddenly reduced to complete inactivity. Astonishingly, he dictates an entire book by blinking his one working eye - an assistant reads him the alphabet and he signals at the letter he wants, spelling out each word. Through this painfully slow method of communication, we discover a brilliant and trapped mind. His writing is exquisite and fantastic, illustrating the imaginative adventures he creates to escape from his imprisonment. The smallest details of each day bring him joy, and yet his condition also results in unbearable loneliness. The book is poignant, yet never bitter, and makes you relish the simple pleasures of life. Sadly, the author died a few days after the book's publication. The book was also made into an award-winning film in 2007. Cecil County Public Library owns both the book and DVD.

Recommended by Erica Jesonis