Me Again (32 page)

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the memory of Dan and Carolyn Cronin, who taught me how to communicate; to Dennis, who continues to teach me how to be strong; to Jennifer, for asking me to be her father; and to Linda, for her steadfast love and support. When it comes to family, I’m well aware that I lucked out.

Acknowledgements

This novel was never meant to be an inspirational how-to for stroke recovery, something I am in no way qualified to write. But as I was completing the manuscript, I lost my mother to heart disease, and found I had little stomach for using an affliction that touches so many people – some 795,000 Americans each year, and that’s just the victims, not their loved ones – as the basis for a story meant merely to entertain.

So I made myself a promise. If this book sold, I’d use it to help others as well. That’s why
25% of any money I make from ME AGAIN is being donated to the American Stroke Association,
a division of the American Heart Association that focuses on reducing risk, disability and death from stroke through research, education, fund raising and advocacy.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death, killing more than 137,000 people each year, and it is the leading cause of adult disability. My hope is that my little what-if story can do something to help change that, while still managing to entertain people on airplanes.

As a writer, I owe a tremendous debt to numerous other writers for their support, suggestions and encouragement. Special thanks to Kim Byrne for introducing me to the Five Star imprint, and to Karen Dionne and Chris Graham for building the amazing Backspace online community that has connected me with so many wonderful writers. Sara Gruen, Jon Clinch, Susan Henderson, Marlys Pearson, Mark Bastable, A.S. King, Tish Cohen, Danielle Younge-Ullman, Patricia Wood, Jael McHenry, Jackie Kessler, Lauren Baratz-Logsted, Maggie Dana, Lynn Sinclair, Maureen Ogle, Terri Molina, David Fausel, and Kelly Mustian (who provided the word “pelican” for this novel) are among the many writers whose friendship and support have meant so much to me. My heartfelt gratitude also goes to Catherine Magee Johansen, Dawn Kintigh Trombo, and Steve Argy for reading and critiquing my work over the years, and last but not least to my editor Gordon Aalborg for his literary insight and contagious enthusiasm.

About the Author

Keith Cronin
is a corporate speechwriter and professional rock drummer who has performed and recorded with artists including Bruce Springsteen, Clarence Clemons, and Pat Travers.

He is also becoming informally known as “the title guy,” having provided the title for Sara Gruen’s blockbuster
Water for Elephants
, as well as Susan Henderson’s HarperCollins debut
Up from the Blue
.

Keith is a regular contributor at the literary blog
Writer Unboxed
, named one of Writer’s Digest 101 Best Websites for the past five years. His fiction has appeared in
Carve Magazine
,
Amarillo Bay
,
The Scruffy Dog Review
,
Zinos
, and a University of Phoenix management course. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from Indiana University, and earned his MBA at Florida Atlantic University. A native of South Florida, Keith spends his free time serenading local ducks and squirrels with his ukulele.

Visit Keith online at
keithcronin.com
or at
facebook.com/keithcronin
.

Book Club Discussion Guide

1. Jonathan chooses to hide the fact that he does not remember his family members. Do you agree with that choice? What would you have done?

2. There are a few important things – and people – Jonathan ultimately remembers from his past. Why do you think he remembers them, but not his own parents?

3. Jonathan’s parents make some choices about which information to share with him. Did they do the right thing in choosing what to reveal and what to conceal? Can you sympathize with their reasoning?

4. In many ways, Teddy steps in and assumes Jonathan’s old role in life while Jonathan is in a coma. Why did Teddy do this? Can you blame him?

5. Jonathan discovers a few unwanted reminders of his past. Do you agree with how he handles the money? How about the car? Should Jonathan be held responsible for acts he does not remember committing?

6. Mrs. Margolis helps Jonathan uncover various truths about himself. What do you think of her assessment of his family, and of how and why he has changed so much?

7. Both of the book’s main characters suffer brain damage from their strokes. Did this book make you think differently about people who have had a brain injury? If so, how?

8. Much of the story focuses on making choices. Did Rebecca make the right decision regarding her husband? What would you have done?

9. Through no fault of his own, Big Bob finds himself married to a stranger. How did you feel about his attempts to help Rebecca recover? At the end, did you dislike him, or pity him – or both?

10. Jonathan’s and Rebecca’s medical problems have a profound effect on their families and friends. Did this book make you think differently about how medical tragedies can impact the lives of others? If so, how?

11. The book ends with a new dynamic developing between Jonathan and Rebecca. What do you think is in store for them?

12. Jonathan and Rebecca are forced to start over in life. Have you ever wanted a “do over” in your own life? Is it possible to initiate such a “do over” on your own, or are external forces beyond your own control always required? Why?

Copyright

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination, or, if real, used fictitiously.

Copyright © 2011 by Keith Cronin

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by an electronic or mechanical means, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the express written permission of the author, except where permitted by law.

Cover design, ebook design and formatting, and all graphics and photography:
Luna Jade

Originally published in print in 2011 by Five Star, an imprint of Gale, part of Cengage Learning, in conjunction with Tekno Books.

First ebook edition: September, 2012 by Muscovy House.
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