Customer Reviews

As Nora Jo Fades Away: Confessions of a Caregiver

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was lucky enough to finally meet this author. Her exuberant personality is woven into every page of this book. I read her first novel...and thought that was amazing, but I must say, As Nora Jo Fades Away is in a league all its own. I read it the day after purchase and have already recommended it to everyone from my neighbor to my kid's soccer coach. This memoir has all the makings of great fiction, a TV show, a movie...real life. The humor and heartbreak are virtually inseparable. Cerasoli's writing style leaves you knowing and feeling everything as if you are that fly on the wall. And even in times of turmoil (of which this book has many) you still want to be that fly. Her writing is that engaging. Have loaned the book to a friend and plan on round two directly upon its return. This is a must read for anyone who...well, anyone who reads.

I can't say enough about this book. My father-in-law passed away from Alzheimer's, which is why I picked it up. Why I'm passing it on is for totally different reasons. I could not put this book down. My laughter trickled into tears and back again almost seamlessly. This book is pure honesty, pure heart. Pure inspiration. It's just so good, I can't even put it into words. It's like a reviewer said, "Everyone should own a copy."

After reading "On The Brink of Bliss and Insanity" by the same author, I immediately ordered "Nora Jo". I wanted more from this author. I was not disappointed! In this memoir, Cerasoli slaps you in the face with the human side of this awful demon, Alzheimers. Once again, throughout it all, her humor charms you and her vulnerablity shakes you to the core. I felt as if I was being let in on a very personal secret. I felt as if she was talking only to me. The emotional pain so entertwined with the exhaustive anger that Cerasoli describes is pungent. When you are finished with this memoir you will be changed. This issue is so prevelant in our society, yet how many of us have considered the true grit of day-to-day caregiving of someone we love with this disease unless we're in the middle of it? What about the victim herself? Cerasoli's portrayal of Nora Jo gives such depth and dimension to her affliction that you understand she truly is trapped. I recommend this memoir to anyone with a soul. Your humanness will deepen.

I'll admit that I wasn't overly excited about reading this book but a friend convinced me that it was worth a shot. Two pages in I was hooked and I wish I could double the number of allowed stars I could offer on the five point scale. Truly exceptional and entertaining, especially given the subject matter.

I heard the author on late-night radio and had to have her book! I am caregiver for my aging parents, and although we have not been hit with Alzheimer's, I have other family members who have.
Lisa writes of the craziness in caring for a loved grandmother, while melding her into her family life.
I can't remember the last time I actually laughed while reading a book, but with this one, I did, several times.
It is not a sad tale, rather a tale of extreme love and appreciation and understanding of her grandmother's life.

I'll be happy to pass it on to several of my relatives!

Recently I was interviewed and was asked this question, "who is my favorite author?" I told them that, for me, it's impossible to just name one because I like variety and different genres. My answer was simply this: I know that I have found a 'new' favorite author when they have been able to grab my attention within the first few pages; that I get a wee bit upset that I have to put the book down because 'life' is trying to get my attention and pull me back to reality; or that when I know I only have a few more pages left, I slow down my reading because I do not want our time to come to an end. After reading this heart-warming/breaking, funny, honest, real, touching detailed account of watching someone you love disappear right before your eyes, I can definitely add Lisa Cerasoli to my list of favorite authors. This is truly a gem and a treasure to read. The most comforting lesson from understanding the ugliness of this disease is that Alzheimer's will destroy and tear away the essence of the people we love but, it can never erase or damage the love we carry so deeply in our hearts, souls and our memories of those who mattered to us. Bravo Lisa!!

Lisa Cerasoli has written an amazing account of becoming the caregiver for her beloved grandmother with Alzheimer's. Don't be turned off by the subject matter. This book is for EVERYONE. It's filled with both great good humor as well as tears. If I could give it 10 stars I would. No wonder it's won numerous awards. Put this one on your shopping list.

I love this book. It's so thought provoking and painful, and yet so funny that it leaves you feeling empowered and hopeful. Lisa Cerasoli is an incredibly strong woman with so much left to teach us through laughter and her experiences. I hope she writes a sequel! I want more Nora Jo!

Lisa Cerasoli has done it again! As Nora Jo Fades Away: Confessions of a Caregiver has all the makings of a soap opera... or a sitcom! Who knew that caring for an Alzheimer's patient could be so funny? A former soap opera star herself, Cerasoli has the gift of taking dark situations, infusing them with her wry sense of humor, and making them not only relatable, but also entertaining. I read this book while I was in the hospital awaiting surgery and was so frequently laughing that I felt compelled to share by reading sections of it aloud. This slice-of-life story is uplifting, educational, and filled with obvious love. My only complaint? It ended too soon. Here's hoping for a second edition that continues the story.

I know one thing for sure-that if life takes my memory from me I want Lisa Cerasoli by my side.