An extraordinary journey into the mind, around the world, and back to happiness.
49, divorced, with two grown-up children, Ann Amann believes her days of romance are behind her, until she collides heart-first with neuroscientist Martin - a charming, exuberant 'lover of life' and world-renowned expert in the limbic system.
Soulmates at first sight, opportunities blossom before them: Martin illuminating the inner world of the brain, and Ann sharing the bounties of her world in travel and tourism - from mountain gorillas in Uganda to hot-air balloon rides in Myanmar, from refugee camps on war-torn borders to the bustling orphanages of Kathmandu.
The world is their oyster—until their whirlwind romance is cut short: Martin, the neuroscientist, suffers a stroke. Ann is transformed—at once—from nomadic 'free spirit' to the legs and mouthpiece of her husband, who can no longer walk or speak.
But this is not a story of disability and barriers—but courage, freedom and hope. Powered by love and refusing to abandon her husband to the inadequacies of the Western 'system of care', Ann risks everything for the chance to save a life worth living, with and for her husband—and for herself.
This, and so much more, they both find amongst the lush mountains, ancient temples and vibrant streets of Chiang Mai in Thailand, 'the Land of Smiles'.
Love story, travelogue and road-map to a world less travelled, 'Brains, Hearts and Wandering Souls' is a joyous, positive and empowering book about living a self-determined life—even against all odds—sure to fire up 'free spirits' everywhere, and any one who dares to dream 'there must be a better way'.
There is - listen to the inspirational true story of Ann and Martin now.
