PR Local

Raw and complicated

Revisado: 03-28-25

I love the complexity of this book. I had no expectations when I began listening, but the reader did an excellent job of changing up the voices of the characters, and I was soon drawn in. I can’t say that there wasn’t some confusion, but I caught on quickly. I may go back and read it again to make sure that I didn’t miss something between the characters and the time changes. This story goes to the core of what it means to be a woman, a mother, and a daughter. I fought tears many times as the story unfolds, and many of the scenes made me feel like forwarding the book to my daughters with the message “SEE, it isn’t just me!” Many passages had me thinking, and questioning my relationship with my own mother, and regretful that I didn’t ask more questions when I had the chance. There is more internal reflection in this book than descriptions of place or physical situations. It’s very raw and personal, and yes, it reminds me that nothing is as it seems on the surface. Everyone has a story, and most people will never know it.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A story, with a side of dementia

Revisado: 03-08-24

My husband has dementia, and I am on a mission to read all I can about it. But, I have read enough technical books, advice books, self help for caregivers type books. What I look for is a book that can help me "live" through it. I need for it to be normalized and fleshed out for me so that, as my husband and I progress through this process together, I have a better idea of what is to come. I need to know how to get through it. I need for it to feel more familiar and less scary and tragic, if that is possible.

This book tells a clever and twisted story, set in a place where my husband and I spent a summer prior to his diagnosis. It is a mystery, wrapped in a-day-in-the-life of a family living with dementia. It gave me some me-time with an interesting story that kept me guessing... not that I really tried to guess. I just let it take me along, happy for the gentle ending, but feeling like I am not alone.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Another great feel-good story from Kristan Higgins

Revisado: 08-14-23

For sure, you won't feel good ALL the way through, but you might find yourself laughing, and maybe a few tears could escape when you're not expecting them. I don't know how she does it, but this author has a way of describing the very essence of life's trials. The candid style, the talking-to-myself vs what I say out loud... love that! You'll go through it with the characters, but everything turns out just perfect in the end.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Finally someone has answered the right question

Revisado: 08-14-23

I just finished this book. It isn't a long one but it took me several days to get through it because there were lots of tears involved. But finally! The book for Caregivers. I have read so many in search for not answers, although in the beginning I needed those. This book provided what we're all looking for. Support! This book will ring true with anyone who is caring for a loved one with dementia. If it doesn't all fit now, it probably will eventually. It isn't about dementia. It's about how it feels to be a caregiver and what to do about it! I believe that a lot of what's in this book can even help people with other types of loss and in life in general.

The author has obviously researched her subject. That subject is the WHY we feel how we do while caring for a person who is not the same, but not gone. Why this pain, guilt, anger, denial, etc. is lingering and what to do about it. "You have to take care of yourself first" bla bla bla. What does that even mean? This book can help you find ways to understand and cope. It provides just enough of the clinical studies to support the method, plus a helping of anecdotal explanation. Very understandable, very legitimate advice. I will keep this where I can find it easily for when the next wave of sorrow comes. It will probably be some new sign helping me know FOR SURE that my husband has this terrible thing, and how profound the change in him is becoming.

Everyone who knows anyone with any sort of lingering illness would find a benefit in reading this book. Family, neighbors, friends, everyone who knows a caregiver or person with dementia should consider this required reading. And then share it with the general population!!

To the author: Thank you for getting it.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Excellent exercise for the mind

Revisado: 08-08-23

I love it when a book leaves me thinking how unimaginative and mediocre I am... What an incredible, twisty path you'll travel listening to this book. It is relevant to these times when so many true crime stories are being dredged up from the past and solved. How can this be fiction? I may have to read it again because I am SURE I've missed something in the myriad of details and crumbs set throughout the book that all lead to this brilliant end. The performers were excellent as well and the accents gave credibility to the story.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Food for thought

Revisado: 08-06-23

Somehow, experiencing sad or difficult things in advance can help serve as a guide for when you have to go through them yourself. This story provided a way to test the waters. Hopefully I can apply these fictional experiences to my life with my husband as we progress through our remaining time together. Even patients who are not difficult can get frustrated with their situation. But I digress. This book was sad and uplifting simultaneously. There were several sentences I wish I had written down. Maybe I’ll read it again. The performance was near perfect and the writing style was like sitting with a clever and brilliant friend as you catch up after some time apart.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Nicely done

Revisado: 08-04-23

This was an enjoyable sail down memory lane for me. We were out there for more than 5 years and I have to give the author props for figuring out the “why rush” thing way sooner. I was silently screaming “Don’t leave St Martin if you need boat parts and repairs!!” But the best thing about this book is the way this couple communicate and raise their kids. The whole process was laid out there for others who might be interested in sailing away for a while. And if you can imagine it, you can do it!

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Little by little I arm myself

Revisado: 07-29-23

My husband has dementia. As I go through the stages, I’m to the place where I’m diving in to build up an arsenal of preparedness in my mind. My hope is to have enough to carry me to the end, whenever that may be. I found so much of this story to be familiar. And I found some new things to keep.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Help when I needed it

Revisado: 07-26-23

I hesitated on this one. I knew that it would be sad and wasn't sure that I was in the right place for more sadness. But I love cats, and I believe that knowing the unknown makes the way a little easier to navigate when it's time. This book takes the reader gently by the hand and leads them through possible/probable scenarios in a way that makes them less scary. Still sad, and there is still the inevitability of it all looming, but manageable. The story arms the reader with a familiarity that, hopefully, will carry through to real life and prepare the mind more gently for what must certainly be dreaded events.
I looked around on the Steere House website to see the places that the events in the book took place. Oscar is there as well. I wish that all nursing homes could be like this. Thank you to the author and the many participants for so intimately sharing your story to ease the way for those of us who follow in your footsteps. I will keep this book in my library and listen to it again as I am looking at a long road going forward and will most assuredly need a reminder.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Story with a purpose

Revisado: 07-25-23

People living with dementia, caregivers, families and patients can get a lot out of this book. If you are beginning the journey, you can learn a lot about dementia from a technical standpoint as well the emotional side. It’s almost like an educational resource disguised as entertainment. It is very thought provoking for those of us who have been living with dementia for a while. It helps me understand more of what my loved one is going through, and it makes me wish that families would read this book. It also makes me feel proud of the love and commitment I have for my LO, which the husband in the story did not have. I think love and attitude are determining factors in the quality of life for all involved. Every bit helps in understanding dementia. Add this to your reading list. Now to decide if I want to see the movie or not…

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña