2 comments about A Different Reality, An Alzheimer's Love Story.

1. In sharing her sad, painful, but endearing experience of losing her husband to Alzheimer's Disease, Dr. Heinemann gives sound advice, encouragement and a spiritual experience to the reader. Here is a mature reaction to grief. In sharing her struggle and triumph, the author teaches us how to live throguh the pain and discover a rich life on the other side.



2. Heinemann offers a highly personal description of how she dealt with and eventually surmounted the sequence of losses that accompany Alzheimer's disease. The fact that she is also a therapist lends insight not usually found in such volumes. Her moving description of her decade long struggle gives proof to Erikson's statement that "Grief, successfully handled, can serve as the focus for new social and psychological growth." The author is no pollyanna; she did not set out to write a love story nor does she gloss over the difficulties of caring for a loved one with progressive dementia. She shares lesons she learned while searching for assistance in the community and lists those she found helpful.

   As one who has been personally involved in caring for patients and family members with Alzheimer's disease, I recommend this book to those who now care for or who will care for parents, spouses and other loved ones. This book is an important and inspiring addition to the literature of caregiving.

2 comments about Sex, Violence, and Schizophrenia.

1. This book amazed me! I have known the author for several years and knew him during this time he writes of. He writes about the confusion, the voices, the strange ideas and paranoia with startling clarity and honesty. As he says in his own words, this book is not so much about how he lived and coped with his schizophrenia, it's a glimpse into the mind of the schizophrenic personality. I think this book would be great for psych students or just for help in understanding someone you may know who has been diagnosed with this disease. It won't tell you how to deal with them, but it will give you an open window into where they are..just know that it will be stranger than anything you can imagine!



2. This book shows, very well, what it's like to have schizophrenia. He was very brave. I know the guy and he's a good person and very funny. I'm just glad he did not shoot himself, because I may have in the same situation! I would have never know what he went through by knowing him, but after reading this I have a new respect for him. This book is easy to read and follow. The book is terrifying at times and funny at other times. He shows what it was like to walk in his shoes through that period of time. It's very detailed. You will really enjoy reading this book. Buy it now.

2 comments about I Remain in Darkness.

1. Annie Ernaux is an author whose appeal is difficult to define - she writes autobiographical prose that is sparse, clear, honest and a bit hard. In her very particular experience, she writes prose that is emotionally universally true.

   The mother we meet in "I Remain in Darkness" is a very different woman than we met in "A Woman's Place". The strong woman previously depicted descends into dependence. Written in the form of a dated journal, Ms. Ernaux traces her mother's descent into Alzheimer's - first recognizing that her mother can no longer live alone, she moves her mother in with her; this is followed by the recognition that she can no longer care for her mother; finally, her mother dies in a nursing home.

   A simple and common experience. But Annie Ernaux in a slim volume captures the changing emotions that follow the changes in her mother's situation in a way few authors can.




2. Alzheimer's is a cruel disease for those who have it and even more cruel for those who know the sufferers. Everyone who knows someone who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's should read this book to prepare themselves for the experiences ahead. You'll need all of your strength and preparation!

   The title is the last sentence the author's mother wrote before she died. One of the frightening aspects of the disease is watching the person discover the loss of faculties, as they occur. Soon, you are not recognized, and the person can lose all of their possessions. They may have to be tied down to keep them from wandering off and getting hurt. Physical deterioration is often not far behind.

   The book is a series of notes the author made on occasions when she was with her mother from January 1984 through April 1986, and includes a few days after her mother's death.

   You will find a lot of pain here. The author finds that she is revolted by the affliction, at how her mother changes, by the memories she has of things she should not have done, and in her own reactions to her mother's changes. As a result, there's a lot of guilt and remorse to deal with. By reading how Ms. Ernaux went through this, you may have an easier time forgiving yourself if you are subject to the same feelings in the future.

   The book is filled with pretty direct stories and references to things that can be upsetting: People exposing themselves, getting sores in private places, human excretion, unpleasant smells and sights, and rough language. You will hear, see, feel, smell, and taste what the author experienced. In this area, I found the translation a little strange at times. Several crude words would be used, then a reference would be made that seemed to be employing a euphemism for a more direct word. Is the translation more or less crude than the author intended? I don't know.

   The reason I did not give the book five stars is that it could really use a little more perspective than just the notes. Apparently, the experience was so painful that the author decided to let the notes speak for themselves. Perhaps in the future, Ms. Ernaux will choose to revisit this work, and put it into more context.

   Is this work contrived by a fine writer, or is it simple human drama? I'm inclined to think it is the latter. Few would portray themselves and their mother this way simply to entertain readers. I could feel the searing pain as I read the entries. I think you will, too.

No comments about Rolling On: The Story of the Amazing Gary McPherson.

No comments about Angels on My Shoulder & Muses at My Side.

1 comments about The Best of Both Worlds: (A Not-So-Silent Life).

1. I feel the same exact understandings and feelings of Deaf culture being a CODA. This book is excellent.

No comments about Friendships in the Dark: A Blind Woman's Story of the People and Pets Who Light Up Her World.

No comments about One Sad Ungathered Rose: Schizophrenia - A Mother's Story.

5 comments about When Mountains Move.

1. Sandra is a creative writer, in her account of her life she has you laughing one minute and crying in sympathy and empathy the next.



2. The author does a great job with this book. You don't want to put it down. What a wonderful testamony to God, faith, hope, and love. Once you read this, you will want to share it with others.



3. This book is a real motivator for everyone and especially for people that may have disabilities or think life is "just too hard". This true story shows you what difficulties you can overcome with God's help and with a real desire to live. It also shows how physical endurance and the love of your family and God can help you make the most of a very difficult situation. This book holds your attention from the first chapter to the last. Sandra is a real trooper and disciple for Christ.



4. When Mountains Move is a book you can't lay down. It tells how God can use you if you will allow him to no matter what faces you. It shows He is so faithful to His children.
   This book is hard to lay down once you get started and I'm not a reader.
   It was very uplifting to your spirit. I was very blessed to have bought this book.



5. This true story shows how the human spirit can overcome terrible adversity, and it is a story which should not be missed by anyone. Sandra has overcome tragedy and has transcended into an angel of inspiration for all of us.

4 comments about Rejoice in the Light : A Woman's Journey Out of the Mystery of Epilepsy.

1. Ms. Crane shares so vividly all aspects of her journey out of epilepsy; physical, emotional and spiritual. This book delves into the very soul of an epileptic in an effort to help the rest of us understand the disease. It's intimate nature will make you feel the author's fear, pain, and joy. Also, this book could be an invaluable resource for those living with epilepsy with it's extensive list of treatment centers and many significant insights from the author. Truly a story that champions the strength of the human spirit and the grace of God!



2. Rejoice In The Light: A Woman's Journey Out Of The Mystery Of Epilepsy is Amy E. Crane's candid and compelling autobiography of her experiences living with a condition of epilepsy from children, through her young adult years, and eventual brain surgery. Highly recommended for personal and community library collections, Rejoice In The Light also offers the reader a wealth of "reader friendly" and detailed information on important medical, emotional, and social aspects of epilepsy, including the side effects of seizure medications, and the numerous ways to help a friend, loved one, colleague with an epileptic condition.



3. Amy Crane's moving account of her lifelong battle with epilepsy and its successful cure by 1994 brain surgery is a tremendously moving account. One of the most fascinating aspects of it is the staggering amount of autobiographical detail she was able to recall from her childhood and young adulthood ... detail which greatly augments and enriches the book. An inspirational book for anyone who has to deal with a medical crisis, or knows anyone who does.



4. I went through the same type of brain surgery as did Amy went though so I was definitely interested in hearing her story about life with epilepsy and the brain surgery.

   It was an excellent book!!!