In 1995, Australian Jacqui Hynd suffered a near-fatal stroke in London(UK), and was paralyzed on the right side whereby she could not ...talk, read, write, walk, remember (her short term memory was gone), and was in a wheelchair for 3 years. Thirteen years later she invites you to share her comeback, and has written her first book emphasizing her love of travel, photography and especially cooking (with one hand), and publishing it on Lulu.com.
Travels with a One-Handed Cook is difficult to categorize: heart-warming stories of individuals overcoming great odds usually occupy the content of a book from cover to cover, but this book is hugely different in that not only does the author share her story, she also shares her collection of fabulous recipes.
The book describes travel before and after the stroke, and the difficult challenges of those first few years after the stroke. It is a celebration of life in that major obstacles do not herald the end: instead they foster a new beginning, but that does primarily depend on the belief you have in yourself to overcome such challenges. Also, it does make a huge difference having a support structure that consistently encourages you (her husband).
The book also charts her move to the Spanish countryside with her husband to renovate a country property, and enjoy the challenge of living in a different land.
Her travels before and after the stroke has its influences in the recipes. The cookbook features dishes created from her unique perspective from South-East Asia, and Mediterranean countries including Morocco, all shown in full-color stunning photos. All the dishes shown in the photos were prepared and cooked solely by Mrs. Hynd. Could you cook a full dinner with one hand tied behind your back?
The book is unique in that it shares her story of triumph over adversity, with the two feel-good activities that most of us enjoy: traveling and eating.
Mrs. Hynd says “writing this book has been an incredible boost of confidence for me, and I hope it will provide inspiration for others who have challenges in their lives. Thanks to Lulu I am now proud to be a published author.”
