Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Alzheimer's Through My Mother's Eyes by Suzette Brown


Alzheimer's Through My Mother's Eyes


By Suzette Brown


Her Dedication, which truly in itself is very touching:

When I seen the cover of this book, I read about it thoroughly. I liked the fact that it wasn't simply a lecture, and educational sources, and simple "this is what you need to know" book about Alzheimer's. No, it was insight. So I went to the Author and point blank asked her could I review her book, and interview her. I explained that I wanted it on my blog, because I felt it was something readers, well-- honestly everyone should know first hand. Not just hearing about Alzheimer's, but what it's truly like being the one who has it, and the one who is taking care of the person whom has it. 


Then I spoke with Suzette, and she and I had a nice long talk, and opened up to one another. She agrees that people need insight, which is exactly why she wrote the book. 

Enough blabbering, I suppose you want me to get to the point; right? Yes of course! On with the review already! 

The kindle price of the book was perfect, under four dollars. With the insight and education you end up learning, it is well worth every cent. What made me laugh was right in the very beginning: Suzette comes across a woman escorting her own mother along. They end up briefly talking, and Suzette ends up sharing with her that she was writing a book on this kind of thing. You know, taking care of people with Alzheimer's and what it's like, and what they go through. The woman told her to finish it. It was because of this woman that Suzette did in fact finish it. If that woman also agreed that people needed insight, then there would be others! 


As I read through this book, everything is true to life. Suzette kept a journal of the goings on with her Mother. A lot of it is repetitive, but that in itself is common in Alzheimer's. 

I found this book very deep and soulful. I could see and feel everything, including the pain. Car accidents, annoyances in the constant phone calls, and disturbances of daily rituals. Wanting to be there for her Mother, yet wanting to take care of her own family and life at the same time. 


I wish to share a quote from Suzette's book: "Alzheimer's is a cruel disease, it is a disease of the brain, it is irreversible. It is heartless and non-relenting." 

Then I wish to also share what else she learned, that might be insightful to others, as it was to me: These are common signs of elderly abuse: not washing your hair or body, not eating correctly, not having clean clothes, or keeping clean. And sometimes not sleeping at all, or even on a sporadic sleeping schedule. 

As I came close to the end of this book, I ended up bawling. I too, know you need to give those that are in fact dying, "permission to die" I've been there. But to read it happening to someone else. It just tore my heart out. 

I was pleased to find afterwards, to find all sorts of resources for Alzheimer's at the end of this excellent and resourceful read. This book is worth every penny, and more! It's very educational, and truly gives you a first hand look at what caregivers truly go through, as well as the Alzheimer's patient as well. It's not a good place for either person. 

I give this book five stars, and wish I could give it more, just for the pain that Suzette had to go through, just to write this! Thank you Suzette for taking the time to do this! God bless you! 

Here are my questions for Suzette:


1. I always ask what made you write this book, as my first question. But with you, I don't need to. So I will ask you this. How long did it take you to write this book?

*Being an administrative assistant and able to type approx. 95 wpm, certainly helped.  Also I was a proof reader which enriched the paragraphs as I read them.
I started in the early summer of 2013, made it my goal, got my space and aura set up – ready to type/write.  It only took me maybe a month to compose
my book.  In writing, my typing was the “writing” part.  Guess those years of secretarial work helped !
2. How hard was it to put everything into book format, and relive all of your notes again?

*Since I had virtually no idea what I was doing, it was extremely difficult.  I started at the beginning of my journals, notes, medical information, doctors recommendations, 
assisted living documentation, and much more that I kept of my journey, opened it up
and quite literally started typing from the journals.  I had a super BETA reader – who took out about half of what I started with due to repetitiveness of my words
and descriptions.  Then, she suggested and I agreed to put into a “journal” dated - format which also is much easier to keep track of.  

Brought back many painful memories as I typed certain days that I remember with such clarity.  The most difficult part was toward the end as Mom continued to decline.....it was exhausting mentally many days.  It took well over three weeks to complete the last chapter.
My editor took care of the book format, editing, changing, suggesting changes, etc.  I was open to all of her advice and followed thru with everything she suggested I add or change.

Many a day I wondered if writing this book was worth it.  But I knew it was – caregivers and family need to know what is in store for the future of their loved one and the resounding multitude of feelings affecting all involved.

3. I noticed you keep apologizing all through out your book. Why is that?

*I can honestly say, I don’t know.  However, if I were writing my book now, the only one I would apologize to is my Mother – for the “powers that be” choosing her for this dreadful disease. I would not apologize to anyone else.

4. The book is very emotional, especially in several parts. How did you manage to keep your life together, and be so strong?

*My husband and son have to be credited for the love and support they gave me throughout the years of taking care of Mom.  My husband is my best friend in all definitions of the word and we have now been married 31 years.  He was able to look at the situation from a non-emotional point of view.  There were many times he was my rock.

His concern grew as my stress level continued to mount.  He lived the daily frustrations as he watched me flounder on more than one occasion. I have to credit my parent’s with my strength. I was Mom’s caregiver.  Many days I had to literally dig deeply to find the energy, but Mom needed me and it had to be done.  

5. If you have ever watched the TV show "Greys Anatomy" they claim Alzheimer's is hereditary. Do you know or believe that it is? If so, are you prepared?

*I have seen that as well, and we were also informed of the same many years ago at the time Mom was tested (for Alzheimer’s/Dementia) by the Neuro-psychologist at a local medical center.
I believe that currently there is a DNA sequence that can be used to determine if family members do indeed have the gene.  I do believe that it is possible I myself may harbor this disease that could be apparent in the next 10 years or so.  From what I understand, I have a 50/50 chance of inheriting the disease. I do NOT want to  be tested, nor do  I want to know my future as to the possibility of becoming an Alzheimer’s patient in a convalescent center.

I have a Therapy Dog International – and we visit many convalescent centers.  We are able to bring the residents a few minutes of happiness remembering long lost days
of their past as they stroke Flower, my TDI girl.  Many remember pets they had long ago and it brings a smile to my face being able to  watch Flower in action.

No one can be prepared for the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.  

**My husband and I did plan for the future with an Elder Attorney – we also had our Durable Power of Attorney’s designated, Medical Directives, our Will and other pertinent paperwork filled out as I watched and learned from Mom’s decline.  I encourage  ALL family members to do the same.
BE prepared for your own future.

6. How often do you torture yourself with regret in thinking you have not did enough for your Mother? 

*Never.  I will go to my grave knowing that I did everything in my power to take care of, love, protect and dedicate myself to Mom’s care.  I took care of Mom emotionally, physically, mentally and financially.  All done with integrity, honesty and love for Mom.

7. Are you planning a book tour or in a book tour with this book?

*I have had a couple of book signings and they were exciting indeed !  I am open to a book tour – but have virtually no idea what to do ! I am open to suggestions and directions to tour !
I am also available for book signings as well as speaking about my journey.  It is amazing how many elderly and family members do not even know about an Elder Attorney.   They also are not aware that their personal belongings cannot be merely given away just because they now reside in an assisted living facility or a convalescent center.  It is important to me, that the loved ones and family members are guided to make it a smooth transition for all involved.  There is so much information I can share.

8. Have you gotten ahold of everyone in this book who helped in enlightening you along the way?

*I had one family member that wanted to be interviewed.  They also wanted wanted to read the draft of my book before it was published.  I decided that this was to be my book, if they chose to leave an imprint on Mom’s life, then they needed to write their own book.
Yes !  I have received raving reviews from Mom’s physician, elder attorney, friends, and other family members !  It feels good.

I have several close friends and co-workers who opinions I valued highly.  They were encouraging and helped me greatly along the way.  The only thing they asked of me, was to “pay it forward”....which I have done.

I tried to get hold of Ms. W of Adult Protective Services.  When I contacted the office, they informed me that she has retired.  I will never forget her kindness.

9. Do you have any regrets- other then you weren't the one who didn't call APS?

*I do wish I had taken the time to attend caregiver support groups.  They would have helped tremendously. Other than that, no regrets. 

10. Do you plan on writing anymore books?

*YES!  I am currently working on book # 2.  Let’s just say it is the opposite end of the spectrum !
 
11. What are your hobbies? 

*Going for long walks with hubby and dogs, photography, reading, gardening.

12. Who are your favorite Author(s)?

*Ann Rule
*Stephen King
*Truman Capote
*Vincent Bugliosi

13. Please provide any links to follow and friend you:


C:\Users\Marla\Desktop\Alz Assoc Green-Feld Lib.htm  (Alzheimers Assocation, listed in their Green-Field Library !


14. Please provide any and all links to your book and blogs:


You can also find my book on Smashwords, Alzheimer’s Association; Green-Field Library, Alzheimer’s Organization internet site, Beezeebooks, Kindle, Self-Publishing Showcase, Indie Book Reviewers, Kindle Books,  The Daily Press newspaper--featured local author, 




~~~~~~~~ Alzheimer's Through My Mother's EyesAlzheimer's Through My Mother's Eyes by Suzette Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When I seen the cover of this book, I read about it thoroughly. I liked the fact that it wasn't simply a lecture, and educational sources, and simple "this is what you need to know" book about Alzheimer's. No, it was insight. So I went to the Author and point blank asked her could I review her book, and interview her. I explained that I wanted it on my blog, because I felt it was something readers, well-- honestly everyone should know first hand. Not just hearing about Alzheimer's, but what it's truly like being the one who has it, and the one who is taking care of the person whom has it.

Then I spoke with Suzette, and she and I had a nice long talk, and opened up to one another. She agrees that people need insight, which is exactly why she wrote the book.

Enough blabbering, I suppose you want me to get to the point; right? Yes of course! On with the review already!

The kindle price of the book was perfect, under four dollars. With the insight and education you end up learning, it is well worth every cent. What made me laugh was right in the very beginning: Suzette comes across a woman escorting her own mother along. They end up briefly talking, and Suzette ends up sharing with her that she was writing a book on this kind of thing. You know, taking care of people with Alzheimer's and what it's like, and what they go through. The woman told her to finish it. It was because of this woman that Suzette did in fact finish it. If that woman also agreed that people needed insight, then there would be others!


As I read through this book, everything is true to life. Suzette kept a journal of the goings on with her Mother. A lot of it is repetitive, but that in itself is common in Alzheimer's.

I found this book very deep and soulful. I could see and feel everything, including the pain. Car accidents, annoyances in the constant phone calls, and disturbances of daily rituals. Wanting to be there for her Mother, yet wanting to take care of her own family and life at the same time.

I wish to share a quote from Suzette's book: "Alzheimer's is a cruel disease, it is a disease of the brain, it is irreversible. It is heartless and non-relenting."

Then I wish to also share what else she learned, that might be insightful to others, as it was to me: These are common signs of elderly abuse: not washing your hair or body, not eating correctly, not having clean clothes, or keeping clean. And sometimes not sleeping at all, or even on a sporadic sleeping schedule.

As I came close to the end of this book, I ended up bawling. I too, know you need to give those that are in fact dying, "permission to die" I've been there. But to read it happening to someone else. It just tore my heart out.

I was pleased to find afterwards, to find all sorts of resources for Alzheimer's at the end of this excellent and resourceful read. This book is worth every penny, and more! It's very educational, and truly gives you a first hand look at what caregivers truly go through, as well as the Alzheimer's patient as well. It's not a good place for either person.

I give this book five stars, and wish I could give it more, just for the pain that Suzette had to go through, just to write this! Thank you Suzette for taking the time to do this! God bless you!

View all my reviews
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Monday, November 17, 2014

"The Rise of the Verbal Villain" by the Verbal Villain


The Rise of the Verbal Villain!


Written by: the Verbal Villain

It was the Verbal Villain who sought out my Twitter handle that fights for the cause of the injustice of Bullying, CyberBullying, prejudice, and belittling things as such. Once I seen him on that account, I tagged him! Yes of on my main account, and ask that he consider checking out 'this blog site' for his book. He did so, and we spoke from there. 

I read his book, which started off with a descent tone, and within a few pages, feelings of hatred started stirring in my mind. For starters, everyone knows I hate bullying of any sort, but they will only assume why and be wrong. (I was in kindergarten and punched in the stomach by a high schooler! Yeah, and try this on for size: seventeen times. And of course nothing can be done. She didn't go to my School!) We all have these kinds of stories I'm certain, each with a little different variety. 

These bullying scenarios have made us what we are today, for this I am certain. But do you actually think, it should be our own Parents and our teachers that  are doing the bullying? I think not. Because those are to whom they tell us to turn to when bad things are happening. So what do you do, when it's them doing the bad things? Not such a great thought, is it?

Do you blame yourself? Do you cry? Do you ignore? Do you fight back? What choices are there? Actually; with each of us, with every age-there are so many options...Each one unique in our own way, just like this book.

At first, the verbal villain cried. While doing so, he gets caught. Now it's even worse. By none other then the people who will help to make you feel even smaller. They call him a fag. The verbal villain, in his head, agrees. Telling himself he shouldn't have cried. 

He let another person read his words. Words he had written, and chose so carefully, only to be told they were no good, his parents did want him, he was a looser, and so many other rude and nasty insults that felt like punches right into his gut. But he listened. And he ran away crying. 


When he goes home, no "How was your day honey, did you have a good day at School?" In stead, "Get that @&$*^% room clean, I'm not you're slave!" No one to help with homework, no offer to help, no concern. No niceties, always distasteful rudeness. On a rare occasion, he could sense that his Mother loved him, or at least hoped she did. But his Father, was a who,em different story. 

With his Father, he couldn't understand why the man hated him so much. Maybe he didn't want me? What did I ever do to him? He always wondered and worked so hard at trying to please him, but nothing ever worked. In fact, it was always the opposite. 

This is one of the reasons he kept writing, it was like his release valve. Many people today; are taught in psychiatric classes to write in journals and diaries to release feelings, rather then hold them in. It has been proven as an excellent form of release, and therapy. 


When you get toward the end of the book, after much heart ache and pain, you will realize, that this story has a light at the end of the tunnel. They always say: "You learn from your mistakes." It is true, and sadly; there is pain in doing so for some. I have always said: "If I knew then, what I know now..." But as the verbal villain explains, I wouldn't be a stronger person because of the path I was led down. Just as he would not be. The mistakes, the pain, the road we have all taken is a lesson learned. From that we're to take from it and: "Rise!" Rise above it and become better and stronger, and guide others, so they won't make the same mistakes we have. We have the power!

This book has very strong feelings in it, it is heart felt and painful. I hope that it helped the Verbal Villain move on, he is an extraordinary person, with extraordinary strengths, both mind and soul. The lives he touches, will be glad to know him! I give this book five stars, you need to read it, you will learn a great deal from it. 


Here are my questions for the Verbal Villain:

1) What made you decide to write this book? I thought I had a true tale that people could both resonate with and take inspiration from. To show that when you reach the end of your metaphorical cliff, it then truly is your flight (fall!!) or fight moment. Bullying is a disease carried by infected people who wish to spread it but the cure is your confidence to stand up for yourself.

2) How long did it take you to write this book? It took about three months to write the manuscript but the real issue came when it needed to be edited! Because of my writing style and reliving the raps I used in my transformation from deflated ego to alter ego, that when penning the raps to the reader, I had to put commas out of context which indicates a break point in the sentence or a point where to breathe however editors struggled with that concept! So having to explain that the word must be spelt in its slang version or with the comma here and not there, really caused some issues as we moved away from perfect grammar and into the way we speak today that I wanted to convey.

3) As you were rewriting this, and reliving everything, did it bother you; did you wish you had done certain things differently? It bothered me that I was put in this situation to begin with. Bullying is confidence draining and ego deflating but your resurrection from it is inspiring and liberating. I knew (and still know) that I may not have the latest sneakers, the most dollar in my pocket but I know now that these bullies can't write like I can, can't manipulate the English language to be both profane and poetic like I can.

4) What all Education have you had? My education is lacking a little now, the follow up to 'The Rise' will tell you the aftermath of my decision to do what I did. I wish to pursue English literature to it highest accolades I can achieve but as for state education, that's kinda over.

5) Do you have any regrets? I think regrets and guilt are a wasted emotion. Doing what I did and how I did it was a decision I took prior and then prepared for so if I felt true guilt afterwards it would be pointless putting myself in that situation in the first place. The aftermath was huge both in a good and bad way but either way, my decision to do what I did cannot be reversed or apologized for.

6) You chose your pen name, do you ever intend to review whom you really are? My real name is mentioned in the book but my pseudonym will now prevail as I continue to write my stories as I enter key chapters in my life personally whilst trying to achieve what I want professionally writing both poetically, passionately and lyrically.

7)  Are you pleased with your life now? Not really. I am on a journey to find happiness but my mind has hurdles to overcome and walls to break down. I suffer from anger and anxiety and I need maturity to assist me as the rage leaves me, but all I can do is try to better myself every day and think before the verbal switch goes off in my head.

8) What are your future goals and plans? I want to become an anti-hero for the masses really, in a sense of showing that life is brutal, harsh and will beat you if you let it but you can live amongst it and achieve your goals with dedication and desire. I wanted 'The Rise' to be seen almost as an EP, as in my introduction into the literary world ready to then really write and inspire to teenagers and adults alike with a personna that hasn't been portrayed on paper before. Plus to take wordplay and lyricism into books to give a fresh new life into hip hop and to show how it helped me and continues to help me both as a crutch and as a career choice.

9) Do you plan on writing another book? I plan on dropping a book a year reliving my previous year being as real and truthful as possible. I hope, providing that people actually like my style of writing and my journey, to be able to sit and reflect on the previous year and then before I pick up the pen, to decide on the underlying message or subject matter that will run throughout the book that will hopeful inspire, interest or provoke self-reflection and thought to the reader.

10) How do you expect that your words will help and teach and change others about bullying?  I hope that 'The Rise' will show that you can beat bullies with words alone. Words were my weapons and as sad as it sounds, bullies don't just get bored and move on, something has to give and usually its your fear giving way to your feeling of injustice and then you react to claim your respect back and I reacted with barbs and stinging verbal attacks. I hope that the actual book itself will be perceived as well written, unique, brutal and inspirational at times as I beat my bullies using rhymes.

11) What changes have you made in your own life? I am still on that journey and probably at the minute can't see any real changes although my personality has got darker and my mind has gotten more verbally creative.


12) What advice/advise can you offer those being bullied? That you need to find your limits and then have a way to act upon them. Bullies will only bully the ones they feel they have a edge over so if you have a talent, even an hidden talent, find it, exploit it and then ram it down their throats. The feeling of beating your perpetrators is a surreal feeling, the bullying has stopped, the metaphorical pause on your life at the hands on these halfwits has been lifted and you can move on and away but it doesn't remove the feelings you had when enduring their bullying verbal or physical antics. None the less, respect doesn't seem to be awarded freely anymore by anyone so you need to find a way to earn it, then from there, harness it and ultimately protect it.

13) What advise/advice can you offer those being bullied by their Parents? That's a difficult one, as where do you start? Your parents control and govern you through your formative years so if it is them bullying you, your options are limited. I would say that if possible, talk to other members within your family but be careful for the denial you may face from others. Also keep a notepad, write down the things said and when, then reflect on it, was it said in context or was it bullying and way over the line from the people who should love, mentor and protect you.

14) Can you offer any suggestions on Cyberbullying? Cyber bullying is become a huge problem, people can now masquerade behind aliases now and never be found and because we have created so many social media sites it has only magnified the problem to huge proportions. Again, how to fight back? difficult, but limit your presence and don't be afraid to block, report or sack off the social site that's giving you the grief.

15) Please share with us ways to contact you: I have three social media accounts, a website and an email.

facebook.com/theverbalvillain
twitter.com/theverbvillain
instagram.com/the_verbal_villain
www.theverbalvillain.com




16) Please share with ways to purchase your book:  'The Rise Of The Verbal Villain' is available on amazon, kindle, iBookstore, iTunes, Barnes and Noble and Lulu.com plus from direct links on my Facebook and website.

17) Every few days I drop freestyles rhymes onto my Facebook about current topics either in jest or to provoke thought and reflection into the reader and one of my goals throughout 'The Rise' and for every other book in the series, is to late the reader become the rapper in their own heads, to literally become the literary first hip hopper of paper.
So if you want a new, fresh modern day author beginning his quest on adulthood and mature-ville that WILL make mistakes, will at times take the wrong options but will ALWAYS be man enough to admit to them and will try to inspire yet take inspiration from others whilst always trying to write honestly, beautifully, lyrically and brutally, then please feel free to buy me and come ride with me. It will be quite a journey, my own 8 mile journey in a journal.



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Wednesday, November 12, 2014

"Jade" by Rose Montague


Jade by Rose Montague



As I first started reading this book, I thought it was going to be something a bit along the mystical and dream like sense. But then I accidentally remembered "fae's" in "True Blood!" So I was like wondering what roads this book would and could take. Especially being "against three hundred...."

Needless to say, mind open and curious, I kept reading with what was in store for me. That is the best part with books and writers, every single one does write differently, which is very pleasing! 

I loved the fact that Rose, mixed it up a little! Faerie, witch, vampire and shifter! Wow! Not only that, romance and spicy to boot! I was so drawn in I just couldn't put it down! 

I couldn't help but keep turning the pages, seeking out more, wanting and yearning. Jade was an exceptional woman, I mean- in so many ways. You will just keep wanting more. You'll experience powers, romance and love, and insight. You'll feel like you're right there as Rose writes. I find it hard to believe that this was actually a first book for Rose, usually I can spot a first book by a writer, but I couldn't with this one. Which, honestly blew my mind to find out it was hers. She literally writes like a pro!

As you get to toward the end of this fabulous novel, you just will not believe what you will find. But trust me; it's everything you will want and more! Fantasy almost looks like reality when Rose writes it! She is definitely a five star writer! You truly need to check out her writing, and from my understanding; there is another book to follow this one titled: "Jane" that we can look forward to next!

Here are my questions for Rose:


1. What made you decide to write this?

I love to read and have always wanted to write. I developed some back problems that got me up at 4AM almost every day and I decided to put that quiet time to good use.  I decided to write in the genre I most love to read, urban fantasy.


2. Are any of the characters derived from real people, such as yourself?

I think a lot of my personal philosophy comes out in this book.  I wish I could be Jade but no such luck.  My main goal was to have fun writing a fun book to read and I really had a good time with the writing of it.


3. How long did it take you to write this?

I had the first draft done in about 4 months.



4. Did you have to do any type of research for this book?

I was fortunate to have some friends that helped me with some of the location and setting research and other friends that acted as beta readers and advisers during my writing process. 



5. How long have you been writing? 

Jade is my first novel.  The second book in that series (Jane) is in editing and cover art at my publisher and should release early in 2015.  I am about half way through writing my third book, an YA urban fantasy called Norma Jean's School of Withchery. 



6. What all education have you had? 

I have a degree in Journalism but my love of reading has been my best teacher.  I am presently working at a local public library and have also worked at several bookstores.  I love books and I love talking to people that love to read.



7. What advise/advice do you have to offer people who are wanting or trying to write a book and wanting or trying to become Authors?

Find a quiet time every day to work on your book.  It is so easy to get distracted or get discouraged.  You just have to keep at it until it is done.  Try to make it fun and let your imagination lead you.



8. Who are your favorite Authors?

Faith Hunter, Darynda Jones, Ilona Andrews, and Jim Butcher are some of them.  There are so many.


9. How much time do you usually spend writing?

Usually just two or three hours a day.  That is normally enough time to get at least one thousand words written and some days it can be several thousand.


10. What are your hobbies?

I enjoy advocating for the falsely accused and wrongfully convicted and have several cases I follow pretty closely.


11. Any comments you would like to add?

Jade is just a fun book with a lot of mystery and surprise.  I love getting comments from readers and enjoy connecting with fans on social media.


12. Please provide for us any links to follow you:

Twitter         https://twitter.com/RoseMontague


13. Please provide ways to purchase any and all of your books:








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