A Necessary End [Paperback]

Nick Taylor (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 21, 2001

A touching and beautifully written story of Nick Taylors journey with his parents to the end of their lives. Millions of children are taking similar journeys, which is why the Washington Post called A Necessary End one of the key stories of our time.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In a disarmingly candid, beautifully written memoir, Taylor ( Sons of the Father ) depicts the financial and emotional problems he encountered as one of the many middle-aged, self-absorbed offspring who suddenly find themselves faced with responsibility for aging parents. Taylor's fond appreciation for his mother and father's interests and rich past is mixed with exasperation and guilt as he recounts his struggle in 1989 to move his mentally and physically deteriorating parents from an independent life in a Mexican village to the security and care of a nursing home in Florida. The son recalls that shortly before dying after a fourth stroke, his mother gazed at him with "a mother's full quotient of trust and love, which can never be equaled." His father died of cancer a few months later, leaving Taylor to say of their relationship that "We had cared for each other as best we could, while caring for ourselves. There is really nothing more to know that matters." Illustrations not seen by PW .
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

The theme of Taylor's latest book is timely, with baby boomers everywhere considering the painful realities of providing adequate care for aging parents. The very close and loving relationship between the author--an only child--and his mother and father has resulted in a beautifully written testament to two engaging personalities. It also directly and eloquently confronts Taylor's personal process of dealing with the sobering experience of providing assistance as the health of John and Clare Taylor declined, their needs increased, and their fruitful lives came to an end. This is an admirable portrayal of a son's navigation of difficult terrain--the respectful assumption of the role of caregiver to parents no longer capable of caring for themselves. Alice Joyce --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: IUniverse; First Edition edition (February 21, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595167063
• ISBN-13: 978-0595167067
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,483,742 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Timely Read, August 9, 2000

By 

DJE (Hammil Valley, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Necessary End, A (Hardcover)

I picked this book up at a garage sale, didn't really know what to expect. The author's story has helped me in my undertaking to be my Dad's caretaker. It shows how we all deal differently with this challenge in our lives. I didn't agree with some of the ways the author handled things, but it validates that we all have to find our own way. This book is a quick read, it's worth the time.

4.0 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking, July 4, 2004

By 

Virginia Allain "retired librarian" (Poinciana, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Necessary End (Paperback)

In recounting his parents final years and decline, Nick Taylor parallels the decisions and painful adjustments of many baby boomers. Each one of us must cope as best we can with family illness and eventual loss, but it is interesting seeing his ways of dealing with it.
A slim 194 pages, so it's a quick read. Recognizing our parents personal needs, but constrained by financial and physical burdens, it will be hard to handle their slide from vital active people, into dependents.
Reading individual accounts like this gives us some mental and emotional preparation.

5.0 out of 5 stars Just Beautiful, May 16, 2000

By 

Marian Fuller (Manhattan, Kansas United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Necessary End, A (Hardcover)

I was so engaged and moved by this account of Nick Taylor and his parents in their end years. I have been and am the caretaker for my mother, and I found that reading this book strengthened me to do better, and has helped me to be sensitive and accepting of my mother, and of myself. I can't recommend this book enough. It should not be allowed to be out-of-print!