Customer Reviews

The Sunshine on My Face: A Read-Aloud Book for Memory-Challenged Adults

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3 star:		(2)
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Let me second the enthusiasm for Burdick's delightful book, which indeed will bring back some haunting images from even the most caved-in mind. It is not, however, solely geared for family members and I would encourage all to buy a copy of this book, you do not need to have a mother or father with Alzheimer's, it is perfect for reading along with any friends of yours, even younger people, who are troubled by memory challenges in the Alzheimer's range. For example, I took this book with me on my visit to the local elderhostel near my home, offering to share it with anyone who would like to read a good book, and once we were snuggled up on a park bench overlooking a pool swimming with koi, the "two lap" approach found me reading aloud to a white male stranger who might have been in his early 80s, a dignified man whose clothes were impeccable, if somewhat out of style, and obviously he had memory problems as he could not tell me his name. We sat down and began to pore through the book, with its lovely illustrations--not childlike, just very clear and nostalgic. After a few pages he told me that he had been in the Normandy Invasion! There are other suggestions in the book, tips on how to say things in ways which don't threaten the memory-challenged adult, and to my astonishment the man was telling me about a friend of his who had drowned in the surf on Omaha Beach, and he (my new friend) had climbed to safety on the back of his dead buddy. When we got to the part about his favorite song, he began to sing, "My Buddy," a song which I did not know but he sang it so loudly that others in the park turned their heads and a few chimed in.

Some residents said that this man had not spoken aloud in years, and one said this was the first time anyone even knew that my new friend was an American. He spoke so little that, based on his name, many had thought he was a Frenchman marooned in this country by dementia. That day we truly felt "the sunshine on our faces." Even though it was not (strictly speaking) a good memory, it was still a precious one.

Lydia Burdick has given caregivers and family members a true gift by showing them a way to interact with their loved ones who may be slipping into dementia. This book is simple and lovely and evokes happy memories that can bring about conversations with those we love. The illustrations are bright and colorful and the text is simple and direct. And it's big enough so it fits on two laps at once! This is a true work of the heart.

This book is an excellent book to share with one or more memory challenged adults. Every page can spark memories from the past. The idea page at the end of the book is quite helpful if the reader is at a loss for ideas. Each time the book is read can be a whole new experience. I highly recommend this book to caregivers, family, friends, or professionals working with the dementia population
Susan Berg AD BS(COTA/L) author of, Adorable Photographs of Our Baby: Meaningful, Mind Stimulating Activities and More for the Memory Challenged, Their Loved Ones, and Involved Professionals"

My father is in a nursing home with an Alzheimers related illness. It has been a long time since he talked about his life, rather than present time, moment-to-moment experiences. When he and I held the two-lap book and I read with him he began to brighten up and remember things, especially the drive in the country page. He remembered loving bringing his family on country drives and even mentioned places we used to go. We had one of the sweetest visits that we have had in years. Thank you for this book!

I am talking to the nursing home about having several copies to read to the other patients.

Corinna

My Mom turned the page and read each page aloud. It was the most engaged she has been in a long time. We plan to read it again and again so she can tell me about the pictures!

After my grandmother's Alzheimer's had advanced to where she needed round the clock care, it was hard to take time to find something we could do together when I visited. But with The Sunshine on My Face it is possible to pick just about any page-or go through every page on a really good day-and start a conversation that takes you back to happier times. You can pick the pages that are right for you and your family. My grandmother loved to watch certain soap operas, so the page about watching TV snuggled up is a really good one. Sometimes she could finish songs I start. The "I love to sing happy birthday to you" page can give you ways to talk about favorite songs. And the Two-Lap book concept really works. Sit side by side and open the book across your laps. Just being close helps, whether you're only looking at the pictures or you're reading and talking about old times. This book is a wonderful help.

With adults living longer, we are seeing that more of them are becoming less mentally capable and worse yet, forgetful of their own lives. For the children, this is a difficult time. The concept of connecting at a level that allows you to share the remaining precious moments, is important. The author has taken a simple idea and turned it into a delightful book. I strongly recommend this book to those who are in that difficult position.

What a lovely Book. I loved the words and charming illustrations. It was a very useful tool to engage my mother in conversation. After reading the page about loving warm apple pie and vanilla ice cream , we took a break to have a yummy dessert.
It is an easy to carry and fun book to share with mom.

My mother is very fragile, has moderate dementia and is blind from Diabetes.Loved the two-lap book style as eventhough my mother couldn't see the beautiful pictures, she was able to turn the pages which kept her engaged in what we were doing together.What I loved so much about this book was the clever idea of open ended questions in the back of the book.For instance,on page 12 it says"I love to sing Happy Birthday".So one of the six questions in the back of the book on that topic was "Would you like to sing Happy Birthday with me now? My mother and I sang Happy Birthday to each other.Then on page 6, it says"I love to hear music on the radio".I ask my mother what her favorite song was and then she starts to sing Nat King Cole's "Unforgetable".I sang along with her and my heart melted.This is such a wonderful way to connect with your loved one.I recommend this book highly!
Annie Siegel

I like the book - but couldn't keep my mother attentive - I think the type is too small - maybe a little busy to look at - The writing is good!! I appreciate anyone that publishes books or anything to help - - Thank you!