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Keep Hope & Embrace Resilience
In I Didn’t See It Coming, you share with readers both the highs and lows of your journey dealing with your husband’s diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia and the hope you found on the other side. Why was this an important book for you to write?
The reason was two-fold: It was written to help others find the answers to dealing with Lewy body dementia in one place, and at the same time, it was cathartic for me to share my life as a caregiver beginning at the age of 10.
I appreciate the candid nature with which you tell your story. What was the most difficult thing for you to write about?
When I was going through the caregiving experience for my beloved husband Nicky Zann, I would keep a monthly log for the doctors so that everyone understood how this disease was progressing and what it was doing to our lives. When the journey ended, I never thought that I would ever go back to those notes. In transcribing them for the book and further adding a commentary on the emotional changes in a relationship each month, I found myself typing with tears streaming down my face as I relived the journey.
What is one misconception you feel many people may have regarding caring for loved ones with dementia?
The biggest misconception in my opinion is that your loved one is “out of it” and doesn’t understand what’s happening. I contend that, while not always able to respond, your loved one does understand and appreciates the loving touch, the kind tone or voice, and the words ‘I love you.’
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your experiences?
You are NOT ALONE on your journey; please keep hope and embrace resilience!
Author Website
I Didn’t See It Coming
In I Didn’t See It Coming, Mary Lou Falcone shares her life journey. This memoir narrates how she navigated love, loss, and Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). From caring for her speech-impaired father at 10 to becoming the main support for her husband Nicky Zann, who had LBD, Mary Lou’s story is filled with not only highs and lows but also hope and laughter. The book offers practical insights into dealing with LBD, and it includes thoughts from friends and family. It’s a stirring story of how Mary Lou faced tough times and found strength amid life’s challenges.
This page-turner unveils pivotal moments in the life of the author. What Falcone has so adeptly achieved with this book is subtlety transitioning the story from a captivating coming-of-age story to an insightful guide on how to care for a loved one with Lewy Body Dementia. This is dexterously done to blend with the exploration of her romantic life over the years. Yet, the alternation between perspectives from the author and other individuals with their own accounts never felt out of place.
No truer statement than this captured in the book describes I Didn’t See It Coming better than “The pendulum swings; it just doesn’t make any local stops.” Mary Lou Falcone’s life has been one of pendulum swings. Motion is dampened every now and then by good fortune, luck, laughter, love, and difficult times. Yet, an unmistakable take-home from all of them is Falcone’s great strength of character.
Falcone’s ability to couple storytelling with insightful observations makes this book not only a literary gem but also a mirror reflecting the complexities of debilitating diseases such as dementia. The art illustrations by Nicky Zann, Falcone’s now-late husband, add a visual layer to the entire journey. I Didn’t See It Coming by Mary Lou Falcone is a poignant exploration of what patience and love can achieve in a world of pendulums that don’t stop swinging.
Pages: 304 | ISBN : 978-1734526899
Fight the Battle with Faith
Welcome to My World offers a deeply personal exploration of the often-misunderstood condition of Dementia, drawing from your own journey to illuminate the path for others and offer practical insight and emotional support. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I have seen how families and even society treat Dementia as a disease and this prompted me to write this book, to think otherwise.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Important is family acceptance and treating the family member’s illness as normal, as by so doing the condition may be stable.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The hardest part was that my father-in-law passed on not due to dementia, but multiple heart attacks, which I feel can be prevented. We were told to accept that breathlessness is due to the ageing process, which is WRONG. If only I didn’t believe.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Welcome to My World?
You are not alone. Some may experience family members having advanced stages. We need ask ourselves if we want to give up hope or to fight the battle with faith.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Welcome to my WORLD – is DEMENTIA the END OF THE WORLD for the patient and family members?
Family members must accept and journey along with their loved ones and try to understand their “NEW WORLD”
Community should not categorize and brand people with DEMENTIA but attempt to understand their WORLD.
LOVE and COMPASSION is the “KEY” for us to understand and embrace this NEW WORLD,
ARE WE READY?
Welcome To My World
Dementia disrupts lives with a quiet ferocity, altering routines, straining relationships, and reshaping entire family dynamics. In Welcome to My World, Dr. David Soh Poh Huat offers a deeply personal exploration of this often-misunderstood condition, drawing from his own journey to illuminate the path for others. With practical insight and emotional resonance, the book serves as both a guide and a companion through the uncharted terrain of dementia care.
From the outset, Dr. Soh recounts his own experience supporting a loved one through the progression of dementia. The narrative doesn’t shy away from uncertainty; instead, it leans into it, portraying the disease as a landscape where familiarity gives way to confusion. Yet, even in this unpredictable world, the author maintains a tone of steady compassion. His words offer reassurance, urging readers to hold onto hope, to remain steadfast, and above all, to never forsake those caught in dementia’s grip.
Rather than overwhelm, the book simplifies. Its accessible language and brief format make it an ideal starting point for anyone seeking to understand the condition, whether affected personally, supporting a loved one, or preparing for the unforeseen. It demystifies the experience, reminding readers that they are not alone. Across the globe, countless others are navigating similar struggles and learning invaluable lessons that can ease the emotional burden.
Though not exhaustive in scope, Welcome to My World succeeds in what it sets out to do: introduce the emotional and practical realities of dementia with sincerity and clarity. Dr. Soh invites readers to dig deeper, to continue their exploration beyond the book’s pages, and to begin building a mental and emotional framework equipped for caregiving.
At its core, this book is a gentle yet firm reminder that empathy, preparedness, and presence are essential tools in the fight against dementia. Warnings, affirmations, and grounded advice are delivered with consistency and care, making the work not only informative but genuinely comforting.
Dr. Soh’s contribution arrives at a time when awareness around dementia is more urgent than ever. Welcome to My World is not just a book; it’s an invitation to begin understanding, a call to action to support those whose lives have been forever changed. In learning more, we become better equipped to offer the dignity, patience, and love that every person touched by dementia so deeply deserves.
Pages: 29 | ISBN : 978 981 94 2733 8
Seeking Clarity in the Labyrinth: A Daughter’s Journey Through Alzheimer’s
Losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s is a journey without a roadmap. It can be mercifully brief or agonizingly prolonged, with each family’s path uniquely different yet heartbreakingly similar. In her deeply personal and cathartic book, Jessica Stokes delves into her family’s experience with this disease, often termed “the longest goodbye,” as she witnessed her mother’s cognitive decline. The narrative highlights how Alzheimer’s impacts not only the diagnosed individual but also the entire family, necessitating extensive care and adjustments. This story will resonate with many.
Seeking Clarity in the Labyrinth: A Daughter’s Journey Through Alzheimer’s is a poignant memoir by Jessica Stokes that serves as both a personal account and a therapeutic exploration. Beyond detailing her family’s 13-year journey with her mother’s Alzheimer’s, the book delves into themes of grief, balance, acceptance, change, and, above all, love. Stokes recounts the gradual loss of her mother, sharing how she learned to embrace the evolving versions of her. While not always consistent in this endeavor, she navigated the situation with resilience, steering through unwanted yet unavoidable challenges.
The narrative, though mostly linear, mirrors the workings of memory, where a small detail can spark an entirely new recollection. The book also carries a spiritual undertone, exploring concepts of life, death, and the possibility of an afterlife. The mindful and intentional journey of the labyrinth—both as a concept and through specific examples worldwide—was a constant presence for Stokes and her family, eventually becoming a metaphor for their experience. The labyrinth in her parents’ backyard, lovingly constructed by family members, symbolizes a sanctuary, providing peace within a convoluted path. Stokes revisits this imagery throughout her book, using it to illustrate the emotions accompanying the disease’s progression.
This book will be painfully familiar to those who have lost or are in the process of losing a loved one to Alzheimer’s. It offers comfort in a shared experience. Despite its deeply personal nature, Stokes’ story resonates universally. Even readers without direct experience with Alzheimer’s may relate to the gradual loss of a parent. Stokes writes with clarity and frankness, delivering a story that is heartfelt and heartbreaking.
Pages: 136 | ISBN : 978-1955683418
The Songbird and The Sunshine
The Songbird and the Sunshine is a sweet and heartwarming tale that captures the strength of family ties against the backdrop of dementia’s bittersweet reality. Amy, a young girl with a voice as radiant as a songbird’s melody, shares an unbreakable bond with her grandma, who is the light of her life. As dementia casts a shadow over her grandma’s memories, Amy’s songs shift from simple tunes to a lifeline that keeps their love alive. However, when Amy loses her voice, she faces a new challenge: finding another way to stay connected as her grandma’s memories continue to slip away.
Mandy Woolf handles the subject of dementia with a deft and sensitive touch. She crafts a narrative that is both educational and deeply moving for young readers. The story delves into the emotional world of a girl confronting the complexities of her grandma’s illness. Amy’s journey, moving from singing to exploring other means of connection, strikes a powerful chord. It highlights the enduring power of love and the need to adapt in the face of life’s difficult changes, no matter how challenging they may be. The writing in this book is straightforward yet deeply evocative, perfectly capturing the story’s poignant essence. Woolf paints vivid images of Amy’s bright voice and her grandma’s soothing warmth, creating a lasting emotional impact. The illustrations further enhance the story, visually echoing the love between Amy and her grandma, which is something that will resonate deeply with many readers. As an added bonus, Woolf provides a fun memory game at the end of the story.
The Songbird and the Sunshine is a beautiful and impactful book, especially for those affected by dementia. It tells a story of love, loss, and the creation of new connections when the old ones fade. I strongly recommend this book to families, educators, and anyone seeking a gentle yet powerful way to discuss dementia with children. This book shines as a beacon of hope, highlighting the enduring strength of family bonds, even in life’s most challenging moments.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 1923020633
My Life Raft
It Was Her New York is more than a memoir; it is an exploration of family dynamics and self-discovery in a city that influences all who reside in it. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I and my sister were suddenly caring for a suddenly frail parent. My life changed on a dime. My plans to live abroad with my then-partner and the writing and documentary work that I was doing were all derailed. The city I had always felt “normal” in became more and more unrecognizable. At the same time, my parent, Florence was basically disappearing into dementia. Yet in that chaos, Florence kept surprising me with expressions that were so her and my city kept reminding me that I was still home. Those moments became a life-line to my well-being. The documenting of a pretty tough process kept me connected and sane and working my storytelling muscles. It also comforted me and offered me daily opportunities of giving gratitude-something that cannot be underestimated when going through challenges. Simply put, it was my life raft.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
HOME and LOVE and FAMILY are present in each and every person who is in HER NEW YORK: all the LGBTQ grandparents and parents who could never tell their families who they really loved; all our co-workers; all the people who keep our cities running; all the immigrants or refugees who come to NY and other cities seeking safety and a chance at a good life; all the caregivers – both relatives and home attendants – who go through their daily tasks in silence and invisibility. We are surrounded by their stories and, in the case of Florence’s Ex-Lover, secrets. I wonder often what the family of the Ex-Lover – the woman who loved Florence all her life – would think if they found out about their mother/grandmother/great-grandmother and her life-long heartbreak. I wonder if she truly had to hide her heart. I think if people who decry immigration would meet Mr. Godslove, they would be struck as I was by his kindness and goodness. I wonder if people ever stop and give thanks for all the bus drivers, subway workers and delivery people in their city. Yes, this book is specifically about New York City and a queer woman. But it is about a lot more; our cities and homes and relatives and neighbors and all their stories.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
I wondered if it was the piece I wrote on the evening of the morning Florence died. But it wasn’t – that was an offering of gratitude (except for that one awful EMS person). The hardest thing to write was THE AUTHOR’S NOTE: WHAT A DIFFERENCE THE YEARS MAKE. It was there I had to splay out the regret I felt that last day with Florence and finally say goodbye to my past and the imperfect journey I took her to her final days.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
There was a parade chant from the Pride March many years ago – “2, 4, 6, 8, how do you know your grandma/grandpa/any relative is straight”. You don’t. We slap words onto people that become their definition, rather than getting to know who they really are. So what I hope this book does is welcome readers’ hearts to grow bigger, their curiosity to expand and their respect to deepen for the people they think they know, for the people they judge as “immoral” or “wrong” and for the people they have never met but fear.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
In this engaging new collection of personal essays and full-color photographs, Moed tells true stories of caring for her mother Florence, a broke, Julliard-trained pianist who stumbles into dementia on the Lower East Side. This funny, poignant memoir asks questions both familiar and touching: “What happened to the neighborhood?” and “What happened to my mom?”
It Was Her New York is for anyone who has ever experienced the aging of a parent, the gentrification of a neighborhood, or the unexpected discovery of stifled love and hidden sexuality.
It Was Her New York: True Stories & Snapshots
In It Was Her New York, C.O. Moed offers readers a tapestry of life in New York City, intricately woven through the lens of her relationship with her mother, Florence. This memoir is a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics, the complexities of identity, and the ceaseless evolution of a city that never sleeps.
Moed’s writing is both poignant and evocative. She blends humor with sorrow and paints a vivid picture of her mother—a spirited musician whose resilience and struggles are deeply moving. The book shines not just in its storytelling but in its ability to capture the essence of New York City. Moed’s New York is not just a backdrop but a living, breathing character that influences and shapes the lives of those who call it home.
The book’s narrative structure is somewhat unconventional, interspersing memories and anecdotes with cultural and social commentary, along with images. This approach works wonderfully in drawing the reader into the author’s world, offering a multifaceted view of her experiences and emotions. Moed’s reflections on the impact of Florence’s life and death are deeply personal, yet they resonate universally, touching on themes that many can relate to – loss, grief, and the passage of time.
The book’s strength is weaving personal tales with broader societal observations. At times, the transitions between personal anecdotes and cultural commentary felt abrupt, leaving me wishing for a smoother narrative flow. Nonetheless, this does not significantly detract from the book’s overall impact.
The exploration of Florence’s life as a musician and her determination in the face of adversity is particularly compelling. It highlights her character and serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of New Yorkers. In this regard, Moed’s portrayal of her mother is not just a personal tribute but a nod to the resilience and complexity of all those who inhabit this ever-changing city.
It Was Her New York is a touching and insightful book that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the joys and tribulations of family relationships, the bittersweet nature of memory, and the profound impact of place on personal identity.
Pages: 289 | ASIN : B0CTNHK1N7
