Stuart McCallum's "Beyond my Control" is the poignant story of the author's life with epilepsy and his fight to create a normal life for himself and his family.

The author had a happy childhood until anorexia nervosa forced him to move to break the cycle that was ruining him. Over the next two years, a far worse affliction began its slow deterioration of his life. He was diagnosed with epilepsy, and the auras he experienced grew in severity.

At  first, anticonvulsant medication controlled his seizures. He established his own stained-glass business, married, and had two children. Over the next fifteen years, the seizures worsened, clouding his judgment and causing disruptive and often frightening behavior. Even though he survived an economic recession in Australia, his condition forced him to relinquish his business.

His seizures wracked his body and mind every few days. Wracked by anxiety and insecurity, he agreed to two surgeries to hopefully alleviate his symptoms. The second surgery involved having his brain resectioned. Instead of tearing his family apart, the ordeal they endured brought them closer together. Today the bond among them is stronger than ever.

This is the powerfully written and often harrowing account of Stuart McCallum's battle with epilepsy. The author does not shirk from his irrational and often dangerous behavior, and his style is straightforward and clear. "Beyond my Control" is a compelling story, and should be an inspiration to all who suffer from epilepsy yet hope to break the bonds of this debilitating condition.

By J Wahlborg