Sunday Salon: Alzheimer’s, Milk, Abuse…All Family Connected

We are over half way through October, quickly coming up on Halloween and time once again for Sunday Salon. It’s during Sunday Salon that we discuss the amazing books we’ve read or found to read.

Visitors here know I have a habit of sharing a variety of books at the same time that fall into completely different genres. And so it is today that I’m sharing three intriguing stories from three genres. You could say their only connection – other than being good reads – is family.

I’ll share my thoughts on these books and then you tell me if you agree that family is the foundation of each story. Now, refill that cup of steaming coffee (or tea) to ward off any chill of the crisp fall day and let’s talk books.

I AM MY FATHER’S KEEPER by Dr. Patricia Hernandez Arnazzi

Each year – no each month – more and more families are finding their lives touched by the terrible disease called Alzheimer’s.

This disease not only effects the person who has it, but also those family and friends dealing with losing their loved one. Dr. Patricia Hernandez Arnazzi shares her pain and understanding of this tragedy in her book, I AM MY FATHER’S KEEPER: 10 Steps to Caring for the Elderly. The author’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 1991 and then later suffered a stroke that left him unable to do anything for himself or even speak.

Born in 1921, Arnazzi’s father had always been a happy, outgoing man. Due to his new condition, not all of Arnazzi’s siblings contributed to her father’s physical care. She explains how those who couldn’t be around their father helped in various other ways. She and her stepmother became the ultimate caregivers for her father.

The book is broken down into 10 steps to help those caring for loved ones in this condition to cope. These steps include: Be Proactive, Know Your Resources, It Is a Labor of Love, Have a Sense of Humor, Faith – You Are Never Alone, Be Grateful, The Importance of a Healthy Attitude, Join Forces, Push for a Resolution, and Don’t Put Your Life on Hold.

Throughout the book the author stresses that every family and every patient is different. She provides numerous types of resource information in the back of the book to help caregivers in various ways.

I AM MY FATHER’S KEEPER is a touching story of a woman’s struggle to do what she thought best when caring for her father. It’s a heartwarming story that will tug on your heartstrings, especially if you’re caring for a loved one.

This is a quick read that will inspire. While the author doesn’t go into specific details of daily care, she gives an overall view that will give readers a better understanding of what caregivers face. This book is a useful resource tool that will make a great addition to your library.

Whether you are caring for an Alzheimer’s patient or not, this charming story will give you guidance when dealing with others who are caregivers for loved ones.

I Am My Father’s Keeper: 10 Steps to Caring for the Elderly by Dr. Patricia Hernandez Arnazzi, CreateSpace Independent Publishing, @2012, ISBN: 978-1468119688, Paperback, 100 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the author in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

FORTUNATELY, THE MILK by Neil Gaiman

Going to the corner store to pick up milk can be a boring task unless…

Author Neil Gaiman tells the tale of a father who goes to get milk for his children’s breakfast cereal and has a grand adventure. What the father encounters on his way home is truly magical.

Beautifully illustrated by Skottie Young, readers will be captivated by the mysterious people, places and things the father meets on his way home. The black and white sketches help bring the story to life and enhance the adventure.

When the mum of the family heads off to a conference, she gives the father detailed instructions on what to do while she is away. Among the tasks, pick up milk. At breakfast the next morning, the family discovers they have no milk and the father goes to get some.

On this way home with the milk, the father encounters aliens, wumpires, and pirates. He’s transported through space and time in a balloon operated by a Stegosaurus. His travels takes him here and there but always he manages to hold on to FORTUNATELY, THE MILK.

This is a charming and wacky look at how a simple trip to the market can be an incredible adventure with a little imagination. The author and illustrator will have you laughing within a few pages and you won’t be able to stop until the last page.

Written for young readers ages 8 to 12, FORTUNATELY, THE MILK will delight readers of all ages. After reading this, a trip to the store for milk will never be the same. You’ll still be smiling when you put this book down.

Author Neil Gaiman’s website is www.NeilGaiman.com

Fortunately, The Milk by Neil Garman, Illustrated by Skottie Young, Harper Collins, @2013, ISBN: 978-0062224071, Hardcover, 128 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

HUSH LITTLE BABY by Suzanne Redfearn

A parent’s love, especially a mother’s, can be fearless and unstoppable when their children’s lives are in danger.

Author Suzanne Redfearn tackles this issue in her debut novel, HUSH LITTLE BABY. Here the author explores what a mother would do for her children in this gripping story.

By all outward appearances Jillian Kane has a wonderful life. She has two precious children, a loving husband, a beautiful home, and a thriving career. But underneath, Jillian’s life is anything but wonderful. She’s hidden the truth of an abusive marriage for nine years for her children’s sake.

Finally reaching her limit, Jillian flees taking the children with her. She has no money and no plan, just the desire for freedom and peace. As her husband Gordon searches for them, Jillian knows if they are found – she will die.

The circumstances that brings Jillian and Gordon back together will keep you on the edge of your seat. You will be breathless as the events unfold and come to a startling conclusion. 

The author has created realistic characters dealing with traumatic issues. Her vivid narration draws you in as you feel the roller coaster emotions of the characters.

HUSH LITTLE BABY moves at a smooth, steady pace. It’s filled with twists and turns that will grip your heart and keep you in suspense.

Author Suzanne Redfearn’s website is www.suzanneredfearn.com

Hush Little Baby by Suzanne Redfearn, Grand Central Publishing, @2013, ISBN: 978-1455573202, Trade Paperback, 368 Pages 

FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. I hope I’ve peaked your interest in at least one, if not all, of these wonderful books. Do you see family as the common tie-in to these three books of different genres?