This book has garnered a lot of undeserved one-star reviews by people who seem to think that it should be different from what they got. Before I actually review the book itself I'd like to set the record straight vis-a-vis what so many of the reviewers think this book should be, and why it is not what they think it should be. But it is excellent for what it sets out to be.
This book is not intended for people who do not have dementia. If you are expecting a book with any level of plot complexity, deep characters, or the deep questions that have concerned humanity for generations, you are going to be disappointed. Probably because you do not have dementia. (BTW, take a moment and thank what ever higher deity you believe in, or if you don't have a higher deity, thank your lucky stars.) This is a very short (26 pages of story) tale of a woman who is led on a sweet walk by a feather floating on the wind. It has no conflict, no stressors, no suspense. In short, nothing that is going to agitate a person with dementia.
It might seem simpler than a child's book and that's because for an adult without dementia, it is. See, a person in the middle stages of dementia isn't going to be reading Clive Cussler, Debbie Macomber, or James Patterson. Those novels are simply too complex, there are too many characters to keep track of, too much story and plot to keep track of, and a stressful level of action.
The back of the book has about 4 blank pages, not 13.
And then there are those who complain about the price. I paid $11.99 and I consider that a decent price. The paper, printing, and binding on these books is about 4 bucks a pop. Amazon's slice is about $4.00, leaving the writer with about $4.00 in royalties. Which may sound like a princely sum to the average reviewer, but it's not. From this $4.00 she has to take the cost of hiring a book designer, formatter, and editor. Not to mention the time and effort that went into writing this book and the others in this series. For Emma Rose Sparrow, this is an obvious labor of love. Contrary to what most people think, most people who write do not make so much bank that they can quit their day jobs and retire to the Bahamas. In the overall scheme of things, this is a very niche market, and the majority of potential buyers are not likely to think it's worth it to spend 11.99 on a book for mom when she's losing it anyway.
Ms. Sparrow, if I had to hazard a guess, probably had a loved one with dementia. A loved one who had loved to read and slowly lost the ability to read conventional, contemporary literature. So I think these books were written for that loved one. It is generous of her to share them with our loved ones. Most people have very little idea how difficult it is to write, let alone write at this level. To write a book that is engrossing for an audience that is slowly losing the ability to function in the real world, yet wants to keep trying. These books are not an insult to people with dementia, they are a gift. Writing them is an act of love, and one for which I am deeply grateful.
My mother, in the middle stages of dementia, and an avid reader, treasures these books. And every time she picks one up, it's brand new to her. I paid 11.99 for a book my mom will find as new tomorrow as she does today. Now, THAT'S value for money. Buy these books and your loved one will get more out of them than the 8.99 airport paperback you read once and then donate to your library.
Judge this book by whether it is a quality exemplar of it's genre, not what you think it ought to be. After all you wouldn't buy a contemporary romance expecting Colson Whitehead's level of writing. Emma Rose Sparrow isn't going to buy a Rolls Royce on her royalties, she's not out to insult you or your loved one, she's not padding the book. She's simply trying to make the descent into dementia easier for all involved, the best way she knows how.
For the record, my mom loves these books. In the end, that's all that matters to me.
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Reviews with images
She couldn’t put it down!
My mother struggles with speech and memory issues and this book allowed us to share in one of our favorite past times once again, reading together! We look forward to more books in the series.
Top reviews from other countries
Katrina A Boddy
Over priced
Reviewed in Australia on May 31, 2023
Katrina A Boddy
Reviewed in Australia on May 31, 2023
Has the look and feel of a pamphlet more than a book.
As you can see in the photos it’s about the size of a minco clutch.
Exactly 5.5” x 8.5” x (less than) 0.25”
Not taken it to Mum yet as I’m sure she will just believe it’s a pamphlet and toss it in the bin.
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Amazon Customer
Simple for my loved one to follow
Reviewed in Canada on August 14, 2021Happy reviewer
Easy to read and follow
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 9, 2018