Sometimes I wish I had more time to read. Wait, that is incorrect. ALL the time I wish I had more time to read. Recently I received a copy of a book that I had put aside for far too long. I have a couple of publicists who reach out to me on occasion to review books and I had gotten this one from Sherri Rosen and had just not gotten around to reading it. I think I put it on the “not yet” list because I was a little afraid of the emotional toll it might take on me. I was wrong.
The Proactive Caregiver: Stop Reacting to Life, Start Living Proactively by Jessica Lizel Cannon is a well written and very informative book that could be very useful in many situations. Many of us find ourselves in caregiving situations and this book could prove to be incredibly helpful to readers who need a bit of insight into the job at hand.
Author Jessica Lizel Cannon chronicles her efforts with caring for her mother who was diagnosed with Bipolar Manic Depressive Disorder as well as mixed Dementia. Drawing on her faith and her belief in God, Jessica sought to learn as much as she could about dementia and how to be a good caregiver to her mom. What she learned over the years and with much research she graciously shares in this intimate look at her life as a caregiver.
There are so many things that I appreciate about this book. At the beginning of each chapter is a scripture that guides the reader spiritually. I appreciated the scriptures and the intent and felt that the author had a great balance without going over board with the religious aspect. While it was obvious that her faith was and is a strong force in her life and in her caregiving, it was not presented in a preachy manner at all so I think even non believers would find this book invaluable.
It was also obvious that she knows what she is writing about. Her research into so many aspects of health, diet, exercise and even aromatherapy was top rate and truly interesting. I found myself nodding my head often in agreement and loved that she was able to incorporate so much into this book.
I would truly recommend this book to anyone who has questions about dementia or caregiving. Her writing style is conversational, easy to read and enlightening. Top marks to author Jessica Lizel Cannon for sharing such an intimate experience with readers in an effort to help us all be more informed about dementia and what we can each do to help those we love who suffer from this on a daily basis. Thank you for a truly insightful and inspiring book.
Another thing that made me love this author even more? She sent a little care package with the book with some of the things that she recommends for self care. What a sweet surprise that was. I am so grateful to both Sherri Rosen and Jessica Lizel Cannon for allowing me the opportunity to review and share this book with my readers. I am sure it will be of great help to many others.
Please feel free to follow the author by going to her website here. What do you think? Would you be interested in this book? Leave me a comment and remember that each comment this month for our Comments for a Cause – St. Jude’s Children’s Research means a 50 cent donation.
9 Comments
Leave a commentYes- so many good books to read! This sounds like a practical, loving and supportive book. I like the cover (and the thoughtful treats). Good book review!
Sounds like the book would help just about any caregiver even those who aren’t specific to dementia.
I agree. It had a lot of practical information in it along with dementia specific. Definitely a helpful resource.
Wow…love that! It sounds like such a valuable book. I’m still taking care of my mother to a degree (she is fiercely independent, thank God!), but this would have been mighty helpful when my father was so sick. He didn’t have dementia, but let’s just say we were on a first-name basis with hospital staff at about two different facilities because we were there so often. Thanks for sharing this!
This sounds like a book I must read because being a caregiver, for whatever reason, can be draining, exhausting, depleting…yet we do it for love. Thank you for this book recommendation. I love that you got those extras. That shows such care.
Any little thing helps when you are the caregiver of anyone, I think. And from what you wrote this is definitely a book that can be helpful. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing this book, Beth Ann. I have a dear friend who is a caregiver and has been for many years. She has a gentleman in her home that had a major stroke some years ago. He is completely paralyzed on one side and has not been able to speak at all. I would love to get her this book. I really think it could help her.
Thanks for sharing Beth Ann. I have a dear friend who has been a caregiver for years. I am going to get this book for her.
We’ve been blessed with very little dementia in my family, so I hope neither I (now the oldest direct descendant) nor my heirs ever need this book! I’d read, review, and sell it, though, if the author has more copies to give out.