Search - The Diving Bell and the Butterfly : A Memoir of Life in Death

A startling look inside the mind of a man who, by outward appearances, is what we would glibly call a vegetable. His mind, however, is still active and vital, and this series of essays was written in an astonishing, painstaking manner. His mood changes from frequently, from anger and bitterness to wistful and musing. It's a testament to the old adage of mind over matter.

If this was not a true story, I would absolutely not believe a word of it. The story is so incredible, but while you're reading it you actually get sucked in to the author's world where it's like, "yeah, this can be done." Every once in a while a reality check would hit me and WHAM - I'd be completely blown away by this incredible story again. I don't have many books on my keeper shelf, but luckily I ended up with 2 copies of this so I can share one with PBSers.

BTW - I have not seen the movie. I'm pretty sure I don't want to because the written word really brings out what is in the author's head. I don't think it will translate well to visual.

I read this book and cried at every page. The author had remarkable courage to write this book, through blinking his eyes- all done through a translater.

Amazing story of Jean-Dominique Bauby and his life after suffering a devastating stroke and how blinking with his eyes is the only way he can communicate to others and his ability to tell his story this way with the help of his friend. A book not to be missed.

I loved this book and could not put it down. It is beautifully written, and very short, so a weekend is ample enough time to savor it. A good read if you're feeling sorry for yourself... profound, yet simple, the touching images put forth by the author are ever more astounding when you read how he managed to write this book.

A truly inspiring book about what a person can accomplish and overcome. Very well written.