Tuesday, May 27, 2014

I will Never Forget Review & Giveaway

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I Will Never Forget is the incredible true story of the author’s talented mother’s poignant and humorous journey through Dementia. From superb stories of Elaine's childhood, her controversial name, tales of smoking’ dragons, the feisty teenage years and a near paralyzing accident, her mother Betty Ward’s wonderful character is revealed.


Over time, as their relationship evolves and a new paradigm is formed, Betty begins to exhibit goofy actions, uncharacteristic verbal assaults and bizarre thinking. Although clearly mystified by her mother’s irrational behaviors, Elaine does not initially appreciate the extent of Betty’s mental decline. Her mother’s amazing ability to mask the truth clouds Elaine’s vision and prolongs her denial until one cataclysmic explosion of reality over an innocuous drapery rod launches a waterfall of destructive events.

As her mother’s brilliant mind is steadily destroyed by Dementia’s insatiable appetite for brain cells, Elaine accompanies her mother on her one-way journey through Alzheimer’s mystifying haze. Elaine cherishes her mother’s fascinating visions of her own mother, masterful Houdini-like disappearances and finally a stunning rally to take control of her own destiny.

I Will Never Forget is a heartwarming, humorous, honest and deeply moving story pertinent to everyone touched by the insidious effects of Dementia. Learn from Elaine's unwitting mistakes as she weaves her way through her mother’s unpredictable disease to capture insightful and effective intervention strategies.

The author donates a portion of every book sold to Alzheimer's research "in part so that my daughter's don't have to write a book about me one day."

#1 Best Seller in medical Biographies and Memoirs (Kindle) Amazon March 2014
 #1 Best Seller in Medical Professional Biographies (Books) Amazon March 2014

Review:

Ok, I will admit that I'm a little torn with this one.  I really like the story and the honesty in this book but the first two thirds of the book are all over the place time wise.  I understand that she is recalling memories from growing up, and then memories from the more recent past.  However, the story still jumps all over the place, back and forth in each set of memories.  I found it very confusing and had to go back to see if I missed something.  I hadn't; she hadn't told that part of the story yet.

On the positive side, you definitely get a honest look at dementia and what it is like to care for a parent with dementia.  I can not imagine how difficult it is to deal with a parent with dementia.  It is one thing that I worry about with my mom.  She doesn't have any signs of dementia but I know that at some point I will end up being her caregiver.  I'm the one that lives closest to her.  My sister lives a couple of hours away, and my brother lives several states away.  So, I'm sure I will be the primary caregiver.  I can only hope that she never ends up with dementia or Alzheimer's.  If she does, I'm sure I will come back to this book for encouragement and advice.

As I said, I've struggled with my review for this book and how to rate it.  I would give this one 5 stars if it weren't for getting confused and lost with the time frames in this book.  Considering this, I would give this 3 1/2 or 4 stars.  I just wish that it was in better chronological order.  I think that many people can learn a lot from this book.

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About the Author

Elaine C. Pereira is a retired school occupational therapist who worked with special needs children. She earned her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Wayne State University and later completed her master’s degree. She also has completed courses as a Certified Dementia Practitioner and Caregiver, CDP. CDC.

Elaine and her husband Joseph live in southeastern Michigan with their cat, Snoopy, and two big dogs, Bailey and Maddee. Together they have five adult children; Joe’s three sons and Elaine’s twin daughters, five young grandchildren and a teenage granddaughter. Life is good again.

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"She was a kind, brilliant and talented person all of her life until Alzheimer's took hold leaving an agitated, bewildered and compromised woman in its wake. I was NOT the easy kid to raise, that would have been my brother. But after a decade of great personal sacrifice and unspeakable losses, Mom started her descent into dementia. I stepped up as she slid down, grateful to give back to the woman who once gave so much!" - author Elaine C Pereira

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I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, all the opinions above are 100% my own.

NOW FOR THE AUTHOR'S GIVEAWAY

 

5 Lucky Winners will each win a Signed Book of I Will Never Forget

Open to US or ebook for Worldwide winners
Ending on Sunday 15th June at 11.59pm EST



Enter Below and Good Luck !!



 

2 comments:

  1. Yes I agree I think it would be comforting for anyone going through similar circumstances xx

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  2. Kelli, Thanks for the honest and thoughtful review. I understand your possibly impending role as your mother's primary caregiver. Hopefully it will be a wonderful experience without excessive drama and no Alzheimer's either. But as you said, should dementia be in your mother's future, I hope my book helps a second time around.

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