The change from printed book to ebook or audiobook does imply some shift in appeal factors; an ebook is no longer subject to possible restrictions on length because of the heaviness of the book (or portability, whether or not it will fit into a purse), and an audiobook may be limited in its appeal to readers because of the style of the narrator. This change affects our knowledge of the genre because we can no longer make snap judgments based on the publishing company’s dustjackets, blurbs, or the physical attributes of the book (font, paper type, cover material, etc.) and does not allow for browsing a shelf as easily as has been done in the past. We must learn to browse electronically and make connections through online networks (GoodReads, YouTube, various bloggers, NoveList—just for a few examples!). The fact that readers are able to change font, line spacing, color, etc. of an ebook could have an effect on the reader’s appeal but I think individual rea...
Ok, I gotta ask: what's with the title?? Or is that something that I just have to read to find out myself??
ReplyDeleteIn all seriousness, this book sounds incredibly fascinating to me personally. My grandmother was diagnosed with dementia several years ago, and every time I go to visit her, I am happy that I did, but still so sad that I have to reintroduce myself each time. Would you consider this book to be emotionally therapeutic for someone who has a loved one dealing with dementia, or is it more informative, giving the reader more information on the issue?
The title is actually explained in the preface material to the actual content; it is a question on a cognitive exam. You can find questionnaires like it in magazines like Reader's Digest, sometimes. It begins with things like the year and the name of the president, then goes on to ask about more complicated things; one of the ones I remember reading was "why would it be difficult to find a pineapple in the desert?" The idea is to show the progression of logical thought, to be able to tell when and why things don't make sense in a context that is not immediate.
DeletePlease accept my condolences for your share in the loss of your grandmother's memories. I may perhaps not be the best person to ask about something being therapeutic--I currently work in a nursing home and most of my residents have dementia. My take on the disease and its effects are not the same as someone who has shared memories, or expectations of what someone was like before their diagnosis. I live in a sort of perpetual-present-moment with them; my perspective on this book is colored by that experience.
I'm not sure if this book would be therapeutic; I think that would depend on how emotionally ready you are to face death and the effects of dementia. I was deeply affected by the increasing exhaustion and inability to deal with the effects of dementia on a caregiver who is the age of many of my residents; 24/7 caregiving is no small thing.
This book is not informational, unless you are completely ignorant of dementia and its effects; what I cherish about this book is that Phyllida Law writes with humor, and with honesty about grief. I am glad someone is not afraid to show that living with dementia can be hilariously funny and that people with dementia do not lose their personhood just because they lose their memories or cognitive ability. I find her writing on grief to be... accurate.
It's definitely worth a read. And it is short. The book has illustrations but Phyllida Law herself reads the audiobook, so you've got choices.
Feel free to talk to me about anything related to dementia and loving people who have it; that goes for anybody reading this! No question is too simple or too weird. I even developed an annotated bibliography for caregivers for another class, I have no qualms about sending it out if you need it.
DeleteGreat annotation! This is a book that I've never heard of, but your summary definitely piqued my interest. And I have to echo Zach, what's with the title? Full points!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It is an amazing book and I definitely recommend it. She has two more books I'm looking forward to picking up soon:)
DeleteCopied from above:
"The title is actually explained in the preface material to the actual content; it is a question on a cognitive exam. You can find questionnaires like it in magazines like Reader's Digest, sometimes. It begins with things like the year and the name of the president, then goes on to ask about more complicated things; one of the ones I remember reading was "why would it be difficult to find a pineapple in the desert?" The idea is to show the progression of logical thought, to be able to tell when and why things don't make sense in a context that is not immediate. "