Reviews

Reinventing Oneself After Loss, a new book by Hilary Zayed, is a beautiful celebration of the power of finding a new passion and embracing it fully. The book follows Hilary's recovery experience and the art that has helped her regain her sense of self after having lost some of the things she held most precious after her brain injury. Hilary was a teacher prior to her injury, and has continued in that calling as a member of Brain Injury Voices and as the leader of our Friday art class. Her newest venture furthers her mission, as she uses the artwork created during her recovery as a way to share her story in hopes of helping others in their journey. The process is ongoing, as she describes in the chapter titled "Still Reinventing": "Continue to do what you enjoy doing and be amazed that the expedition continues on. Know that just as you think you have it all figured out you will be confounded by the next happenings, both good and difficult. So, pay attention to the constants in your life, the desires you have and the abilities with which you have been gifted. Look for ways to navigate this world and your journey. Take notice that plans change, so go with the flow. Remember to feel blessed to have inspiration all around and hope to translate that as a gift for someone else." More of Hilary's artwork can be found at her website www.mozaicmama.com Reviewed by Kellie Selberg, Marketing Coordinator, New England Rehab Hospital, Portland, Maine

Hilary Zayed has published a book entitled "Reinventing Oneself After Loss," but this book is far more than an average read - it's a work of art, a meditation, a reflection, and an inspiration for anyone who has suffered a life-altering loss. This oversized book contains large photos of Zayed's art - art she has created as she sought out ways to express her journey of recovering, repurposing, and reinventing herself after a brain injury.

It's no mistake that her artwork uses many raw materials as well as the raw material of her own mind. Each piece she creates holds its own unique meaning for her that she writes about in short but profound passages. I found myself staring deep into these works of art: mosaics and paintings, many of which include mirrors or shards of glass, fitting materials for reflective work, and wondering about my own feelings as I read about her experiences of grief, acceptance, and "sacred messengers."

"An artful insight" is the tagline for this beautiful book. It's one for your bookshelf. This is a book you will want to visit and revisit again.

Reviewed by Rosemary Rawlins