Time to kick off 2021 with a book review! Here are three of my favorite picks, featuring guides, stories, and journeys that are fascinating, captivating, and life-changing. Enjoy!
Hit Hard, Our Family’s Journey of Letting Go of What Was and Learning to Live Well with What Is, written by Pat & Tammy McLeod is a heart-wrenching story of a family facing the effects of a life-changing and devastating injury sustained by their son Zack. This is a story of trauma, courage, and faith. What I found fascinating and informative was the concept of ambiguous grief so clearly explained and shared here. I’ve personally dealt with this type of ambiguous grief many caregivers experience. It’s the grief we hold for someone who is still physically present but affected by such things as Alzheimer’s, Dementia, addiction, mental illness, or in the case of the authors’ beautiful teenage son, Zach, a debilitating brain injury. Written in journal-like dialogue, each parent relays their experience and reaction as their story unfolds. This is a thought-provoking and inspirational read, written honestly with the emotional integrity of a family wanting to share the truth of their pain and hope for possibility.
Breath Taking, written by Michael J. Stephen, MD, is a fascinating and informative exploration of our lungs and their miraculous effect on bodies and our lives. By mingling medical history, case studies, intriguing patient stories (including one about my friend Bill Vick, founder of PF Warrior, an organization devoted to supporting PF patients the world over) this is a deep and detailed study of the breath of life. Lovingly written and painstakingly researched by this brilliant pulmonologist, we are treated to an unbelievable story about the science of our lungs and the future of health, healing, and innovation.
When Your Aging Parent Needs Help, written by Leslie Kernisan, MD, MPH, and Paula Spencer Scott is an essential and must-have guide for every caregiver who has been lost time after time in the twists, turns, and dead-ends of the maze of caregiving. Dr. K has long been a go-to expert for me on social media for her calm, reasonable, practical advice and as she teams up here with Paula Spencer-Scott, it’s a delight to find their wisdom and expertise so wonderfully compiled in this indispensable, nuts and bolts book. There are step-by-step guides, tools, insights, and solutions to dealing with the care of our parents with respect, and compassion. This guide sets everyone up for success, offering clarity and options for every stage of the caregiving journey. Bravo.
All three of these great reads can be found on Amazon at the following links:
Hit Hard, Our Family’s Journey of Letting Go of What Was and Learning to Live Well with What Is
When Your Aging Parent Needs Help
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Thank you!! This is so helpful!
My pleasure. I love finding great reads and helpful guides! I’m hoping to finish my book finally this year. I give so much credit to those who write them and share their stories and wisdom with us. Thanks for the feedback!