Richard Tayson Boeken

Thirty years ago, a beautiful young woman awoke from a seven-month coma in a lonely hospital ward, only to find that no one noticed. Paralyzed by a stroke, Julia Tavalaro struggled to communicate, trapped in a body that others deemed "the vegetable." As she lay there, the world outside continued to change—the Vietnam War ended, a man walked on the moon, and a familiar actor became president. In this poignant memoir, Julia shares her harrowing years in a prison of her own making, enduring physical and emotional suffering while feeling abandoned by her family. Battling pneumonia and cruel nurses, she fought back with a powerful rage against those who expected little from her. In 1973, a perceptive speech therapist named Arlene Kraat recognized Julia's awareness and encouraged her to respond with her eyes. Through this breakthrough, Julia began to spell out her thoughts, revealing the turmoil of her years in captivity. She eventually composed poems that recalled her vibrant life before the stroke, helping her reclaim her sanity and identity. This moving account captures her struggle for recognition and the indomitable spirit that ultimately triumphed over despair.