Excuse Me, My Brains Have Stepped Out

Updated on 31 May 2011

Introduction
Anya Michaels is having the time of her life. She has the man of her dreams by her side. She has graduated at the top of her class. She has the job that so many others were lining up for. Between late night drinks at her favourite bar, fancy dinners at some of the most expensive restaurants, she has a string of friends who adore her.

And then everything changes when she hears the dreaded words, "You are sick." Diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder, her world starts to fall apart, one piece at a time. At the very same time, she gets dumped. Her four year relationship is now nothing but a memory filled with pictures, thoughts and a very broken heart. Her job becomes an even further challenge as she tries to hide her condition from them. Her friends suddenly have more important things to do, what is a party without a party girl? Perfect could not crumble any faster.

Soon, caught between situations, people and pieces of life that she is never dreamed of planning for herself, Anya begins to wonder if her brain condition is all that bad. As she absorbs the changes in her life and realisation sets in, she begins to wonder if she is the only one saying - Excuse Me, My Brains Have Stepped Out or are there others with the similar issues?

Excerpts of Anya's thoughts, memories and lessons include
Diary Reader
Frienemies
Gossip Queen
Mommy's Boy

Support the cause $1 from every paperback purchased on Amazon will go towards the National Organisation of Rare Disorders.

Where to buy the book? Amazon, Kindle, Barnes & Noble, Nook, iBooks, Sony, Diesel, Kobo, Smashwords, Scrollmotion

What others are saying

When faced with a life-altering event, we all change our view of the world as we turn in our rose-colored glasses for the stark, harsh perspective seen through the clear lenses of reality. In "Excuse Me, My Brains Have Stepped Out" Anya experiences this transformation when she learns she is suffering from a rare disease called Pseudotumor Cerebri.

In a style reminiscent of Sandra Cisnero's "The House on Mango Street" Pandora Poikolos shows us all that Anya is thinking and the women she has become through chapters serving as letters to her absent father. Each time we read, in Anya's voice, "Isn't that right, Dad?" or, more simply, "I can't wait to see you again, Dad," our hearts break. We urgently turn each page, captivated by each chapter, pressed further on not only to learn about our world through Anya's eyes, but also hoping that she somehow knows that while we may not be "Dad," we are here, we are reading and she is not alone.

While it seems a "no-brainer" to say that anyone with a rare disease, or caring for a patient of one, should read this book, I feel it is important to point out that this work should not be overlooked if you are not in that situation. This book is about LIFE - the ups, the downs, the people we encounter, the dreams we have and the world around us. Start reading "Excuse Me, My Brains Have Stepped Out" today to see why Anya thinks (and you'll agree!), even though she's the one diagnosed with a neurological issue, she's not the only one who's brains have stepped out! - Nicole Rivera (June 2011)

I didn't know what to expect when I started this book and I ended up loving it. Reading it felt like talking to a friend while enjoying a cup of coffee on a cosy afternoon. Pandora Poikilos' words simply hit the post and anyone who has experienced a bump in the road will be able to relate to Anya's emotional and painful journey. For the (lucky) others, it will be an educational journey. This book is the story of a woman who had to rebuild her life from scratch and who, during the process, gained a maturity beyond her age. A great book. - Muriel J (June 2011)

Once I started reading Excuse Me, My Brains Have Stepped Out I couldn't put it down. Anya, our heroine, is diagnosed with a rare neurological condition. Her best friends and boyfriend abandon her, her job becomes a challenge. No wonder she has a broken heart. But our feisty Anya takes a close look at her life and wonders if things are all that bad. I highly recommend this great read. - Mari Sterling (June 2011)

I realize my brains had actually stepped out till the time I read Pandora Poikilos' "Excuse Me, My Brains Have Stepped Out." The irony in her book shatters the way you think and makes you wonder if you are the one with a brain condition! It is unimaginable how someone with brain surgery can put so many things in perspective while we with the perfect God gifted brain have been malfunctioning for so long!

Her epistolary style gives the reader the feeling that he/she is reading something private and should have no business with dealing. By chancing upon such a piece the reader understands the practicalities and realities of life that taken is so much for granted! The humor, wit, realism, irony all get together to fix a hard blow on the normal functioning brain.

Pandora Poikilos has seen it all from child abuse to abusive relationships ranging from professional to personal aspects - she has seen the pits of life and has emerged victorious by counting a lot of its blessings still. Nearing the end, the writing hits the reader hard - the realization that she is actually writing to a Dad who never really existed! The epilogue leaves one wondering whether Anya actually meets the man who she always wished was in her life - Her Father.

Roger Hargreaves has unlimited fodder here for atypical Mr. `Assumptious', Miss Gossip Queen, Mr. Generational Elder, Mr Procastinator and more - everyday people and the effects they have on our lives, brain condition or not.

Pandora Poikilos brings home the facts staring you in the face all this while and puts it in perspective for you - all that and more with a brain surgery that made many people think she was crazy. Was she really? This is a must read for all who think they have a great functioning intellect. You might be surprised and learn something...You might be surprised and learn something. - Kriti M (June 2011)
Without the cloy of drama, and with a clear, steady voice, Pandora Poikilos has been writing about her journey through life in the face of daunting challenges. It’s been a pleasure to showcase and learn about this writer, and if you’d enjoy a graceful author who’s worked her way out of the chaos and frailty of the human condition, I think you won’t need to look any farther. - Obscure Writer (May 2011)

I found this a well written touching your heart book. You will find that you will have a complete different look at life and the many situations you have gone through. You will find yourself laughing and crying with Anya as you see her going through a change in her life. - Diane C (May 2011)

A very good book, with some fantastic life lessons. I felt that this book reached out to me and spoke about many things that I have been through with a different condition. - Back of the Book Reviews (May 2011)

When I was given this book by a friend, I was not sure what to expect. Then as I opened the pages and turned one page after the other, unable to stop, I found myself riveted by the characters that are involved in the life of the heroine.

As she suffers through painful procedures, she sees life differently and perceives people even more so. She is enlightened by the harshness of people and life. Yet the kindness of others keep her faith rolling towards healing emotionally and spiritually.

A wonderful tour into the heart of pain and the agony of physical pain. An excellent read. Insightful and a journey of discovery. - Sonia Rumzi, Author of Simple Conversation (April 2011)