All the Memories That Remain: War, Alzheimer’s, and the Search for a Way Home

by E.M. Liddick

Winner, 2024 Eric Hoffer Award for Best Memoir * Winner, 2024 Eric Hoffer First Horizon Award * 2023 1st Place Military & Front Lines Award Winner, Chanticleer International Book Awards * Shortlisted for 2024 Eric Hoffer Award Grand Prize * 2023 Book Excellence Award Finalist for Military

"If therapy is getting a master's degree in yourself, then All the Memories That Remain should be on the syllabus ... I can't wait to hear about the lives this book saves." --Jason Kander, author of the New York Times bestseller, Invisible Storm: A Soldier's Memoir of Politics and PTSD

"[A] beautiful tribute to the permanence of what's been lost, and what we can gain from accepting the same." -Matt Gallagher, author of Empire City and Youngblood

"A searing story about the moral costs of war and the healing power of remembrance." -Kirkus Reviews

When E.M. Liddick, a legal advisor to a special operations task force, returns from another tour in Afghanistan, he finds his formerly idyllic life in shambles. He's haunted by the decisions he made overseas, he's just told his wife of eleven years he's no longer in love with her, and his father--the person whom he would have turned to for advice-is ten-years deep into a battle with younger-onset Alzheimer's. Broken and lost, Liddick wonders, How can I possibly find my way without you, Dad?

Then he remembers his father's letters to him during Marine Corps bootcamp. In those letters, scrawled in indelible script, he discovers old memories and new ways to heal, along with the enduring image of his father--and, perhaps, Liddick's old self as well.

An unflinchingly vulnerable memoir, All the Memories That Remain stands witness to one man's fall from grace and his journey to find meaning in what remains.

Genres: Memoir, War, Mental Health, Nonfiction, Biography, Health

216 pages, Paperback

First published April 11, 2023

About the author

E.M. Liddick grew up in a rural, blue-collar community in central Pennsylvania. He graduated from Penn State and holds a juris doctor from Tulane. A veteran of the Marine Corps Reserves and the Army’s elite 75th Ranger Regiment, his service includes multiple deployments.

An award-winning author, his work has appeared in MilitaryTimes, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, War on the Rocks, The War Horse, Fatal Flaw Magazine, The Moving Force Journal, Thought Catalog, and UltraRunning Magazine Online. Liddick’s memoir, All the Memories That Remain, was published in April 2023.

Reviews

[Angelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully constructed and written, Liddick has the ability to show up authentically, vulnerably, and with such storytelling skill on the page. This is a book for anyone really, anyone who has experienced trauma, heartbreak, has seen war, both inwardly and outwardly, for anyone who has watched a loved one transform from a person they knew to a person they are not sure they recognize. The writing is delicate and deeply thoughtful, the storytelling draws you in and keeps you coming back, and they story itself connects back to what matters- love, healing, growth.

[CDevlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A searing look at the unique position of legal advisor to an Army Special Forces command during the Afghanistan war. At the same time, a tender and poignant eulogy to a loved one stolen by Alzheimer's disease. Liddick weaves multiple threads into a cohesive whole: his battles with moral injury and the horror of war, the loss of a father, salvaging personal relationships in the aftermath of post-traumatic stress. He writes with unflinching candor. Often poetic, his descriptions leave a lasting impression. Highly recommended, both to insiders and the general public.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book is an exploration of grief and healing specific to the author's experience, it is also so universal that it can provide inspiration and lessons for all of us. It is a vivid, honest, heartbreaking recounting of the unavoidable realities of dementia and war; is it also a demonstration of what is possible when you allow yourself to be loved and work toward finding a new sense of self, even when everything has changed so much that you don't recognize yourself. It is definitely worth a read.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some incredibly personal, heart wrenching moments in this memoir, and so much is relatable. The end in particular was so emotional. Occasionally the author has a tendency to create long, somewhat repetitive lists that I felt took away a bit from another otherwise heartfelt memoir.

[Ismail Bettiche · Rating 5 out of 5]

humor and introspection that resonates deeply with readers, particularly those familiar with the academic landscape. His ability to weave comedic elements into serious subjects—like the struggles of postdoctoral job hunting or the complexities of friendship on a disastrous trip—creates a unique narrative style that is both entertaining and reflective.

The anthology's opening story, “A Good Day,” sharply captures the daunting reality faced by newly minted Ph.D.s. The humorous yet poignant exploration of academic frustrations and the absurd loopholes candidates must navigate sets the tone for the collection. Guiaşu's knack for relatable storytelling shines through, making readers feel as if they are part of the journey, experiencing both the trials and triumphs alongside the characters.

Subsequent stories, such as “Submission Guidelines,” underscore the blend of laughter and a sobering look at the academic world’s challenges. The recurring themes of friendship and adversity, particularly illustrated through the humorous encounters with nature, highlight the absurdity of life’s unexpected turns, making the narratives engaging and meaningful.

Furthermore, Guiaşu’s self-deprecating humor and ability to draw life lessons from seemingly mundane experiences elevate the work beyond standard comic relief. His reflections on blame, procrastination, and the value of life experiences resonate on a universal level, prompting readers to think more deeply about their own lives.

In summary, Guiaşu’s collection is a testament to the power of laughter as a vehicle for serious discourse. His work is an enjoyable read that encourages readers to reflect on their own experiences while appreciating the humor that life has to offer. Through his unique voice and perspective, Guiaşu effectively captures the complexities of academia and human relationships, making his stories both entertaining and thought-provoking.

[Brian Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

[3.75] Liddick’s candid and generally well-written memoir explores several important issues, including the tragic impacts of Alzheimer’s and the challenges of coping with PTSD.

The author was a legal advisor to a special operations task force who suffered inner torment from some decisions he made in Afghanistan. The book skillfully chronicles “the invisible wounds of combat,” giving readers an enlightening and disturbing behind-the-scenes peek at U.S military operations.

The author’s struggles with PTSD occurred as he grappled with his father’s decade-long battle with younger-onset Alzheimer’s.

Liddick provides a raw and seemingly authentic look at the flawed but cherished relationship he had with his father. Wisdom-filled letters he received from his dad over the years are threads that weave together the book’s themes.

Liddick’s reflections cast a stark spotlight on a disease that destroys so many lives each year.
“How terrifying must it be to remain conscious of your brain rotting and being utterly powerless to halt the decay?” he asks.

My one major issue is foreshadowed in the Author’s Note when Liddick states that “this story is neither chronological nor linear, but mimics the indeterminate disorder of memories, grief, trauma, and healing.” Constantly shifting timelines that span several decades occasionally create a bumpy and confusing ride. “Disorder” is an apt description.

I also think a few of the childhood anecdotes could have been shortened or even eliminated to improve overall flow.

But I quibble. “All the Memories That Remain” is a brave autobiography that provides valuable insights to anyone who is struggling with trauma, self-doubt and adversity. This compelling story might help steer some people to a pathway to healing.

[Prerna Bhandari · Rating 4 out of 5]

**"All the Memories That Remain: War, Alzheimer's, and the Search for a Way Home" by E.M. Liddick** is a poignant and insightful memoir that intertwines the author's experiences as a veteran with the impact of his father's Alzheimer's disease. The narrative explores themes of memory, trauma, and the search for meaning amidst personal and familial upheaval.

The book has received praise for its raw and unflinching portrayal of the emotional and psychological costs of war, as well as the struggle of dealing with a loved one’s degenerative illness. According to Kirkus Reviews, it is a "searing story about the moral costs of war and the healing power of remembrance" [[❞]](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...). Readers' Favorite highlights the book's careful consideration and insight into Liddick's journey of reconciling his war experiences with his father's condition, noting it as a "wonderfully insightful, carefully considered memoir" [[❞]](https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...).

Overall, Liddick's memoir stands out for its vulnerability and depth, providing a powerful reflection on resilience and the human spirit's capacity for healing and remembrance. If you are interested in exploring themes of war, family, and memory, this book is a highly recommended read.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writer shares his own hero's journey to find inner peace through the written word, hoping to be the voice for those who are still in purgatory. The book has lots of lessons. For attorneys, Eric's experience is a reminder that every decision has consequences and sometimes is paid with inner peace.

For everyone involved in mental health therapy, is excellent to understand the mind of someone who is struggling after a war experience, how hard the inner healing process and the importance of writing.

Also, as daughters and sons, the author highlights the importance to be grateful for our parents and our relationship with them. ¿How do we show them gratitude?

The book is a light at the end of the tunnel for those who still dealing with demons from a past war experience.

Beautifully written, words are the way out to the author's redemption, and profoundly moved me.

Loved the book and the author's courage to share his lessons with the world.

[Laura A. Frawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading this book. It is gut wrenching and hopeful all at the same time. It hit me right between the eyes. Mr. Liddick is so vulnerable and transparent. He clearly illustrates the transcendence of love when we come to understand it. He grapples with all the foibles and inadequacies of our humanity with a grace that makes it OK. This book is so well written and articulate. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to find their way through the trauma and tragedy of life and come to an understanding of themselves.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review is a tough one for me as I wanted to enjoy this book more than I actually did. The subject matter is so raw, PTSD and a father with Alzheimer’s. A story of regret, remorse, hopelessness. I wanted to relate but something was missing for me, it felt more like a rough draft. Hard to be critical as I think it was written to share his experiences so others don’t suffer alone and know they will be ok, despite how tough or challenging life seems. Favorite quote- “What I’m really trying to say is that you just remembering me is all that I ask.”

[Terri Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there was ever a message that needed to be heard, it is in this book. As a caregiver of one with Alzheimer's, the messages surrounding home and the intimacy that exists between a parent and a child, are clear in this book if you read with the intent of letting your heart do the listening. There are parts I read daily and reread - the message is clear and it needs to be heard. This book rates as high as Tuesdays with Morrie!!!!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful and beautifully written first book. Liddick writes about the moral dilemmas he faced as a deployed attorney for the Army in Afghanistan. He raises fascinating questions about the laws of just war as impacted by modern technology and the role of an attorney in advising on the application of those laws. Moreover, he is a powerful writer with an impressive command of the English language. I highly recommend this author and hope there will be more books to follow this one.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

E.M Liddick not only captures the challenges many service members face when returning from deployment, but the changes in the family dynamic as well. Liddick’s impeccable writing style tells a story about a young man facing the challenges of the military and caring for his father that was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in impressive detail.

[olivia sarden · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books. The way grief is explained is so well done and allows you to understand Liddicks experience and to reflect on your own. He didn't shy away from the hard feelings and his ability to explain them is exceptional. Had the privilege to meet him and he is so true to his own words.

[Abbey · Rating 4 out of 5]

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