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The Optimistics
The Optimistics is an inspiring true story of three strangers, Dennis, Mike, and Jim, all battling Young-Onset Dementia, who became brothers through their incurable illness. Forming a bond of optimism with one another, they dubbed themselves "The Optimistics" as a way to share positivity through the Alzheimer's community. Their heartwarming mantra towards dementia created an echo chamber across the country allowing others to call themselves Optimistics. Each chapter focuses on Frieman's emotional experience of a nearly two-year journey interviewing dozens of care partners and individuals with dementia across the country to share their unbreakable desire to remain optimistic. This is not just a story about optimism, it's a diary of love, hope, family, devotion, and understanding why time is important.
"If you can live a life to love a life than life itself has been worth living." - Doug, THE OPTIMISTICS
"If you can live a life to love a life than life itself has been worth living." - Doug, THE OPTIMISTICS
272 pages, Paperback
Published May 28, 2024
8 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Richie Frieman
10 books7 followersABOUT RICHIE FRIEMAN:
St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Publishing dubbed Richie Frieman a "Modern Day Renaissance Man" due to a career that spans life as an author, illustrator, artist, etiquette expert, Modern Manners Guy, entrepreneur, cartoonist, and even a champion professional wrestler. He is the #1 best-selling and award-winning author and illustrator of eight books in multiple genres, with work being sold worldwide.
Frieman's current project is his upcoming debut memoir (and eighth book), The Optimistics, about his time following three men with Young Onset Dementia/Alzheimer's (all diagnosed in their 50s) who became best friends through their diagnosis. The men decided to call themselves the Optimistics and, as a result, has become a battle cry for hundreds of thousands across the country fighting Alzheimer's and dementia. In the book, Frieman interviews dozens of other Optimistics/their Care Partners who all had to answer, "How do you stay optimistic when facing a deadly illness?" Frieman is donating 25% of his profits to the Alzheimer's Association.
"The Optimistics" debuted as a #1 New Release in all three book categories: Alzheimer's, Dementia, and Friendship, and sold out of our initial print run in the first three hours. "The Optimistics" was also #2 overall about books on Alzheimer's.
Along with his writing, Frieman is a popular artist in the Baltimore community with his original crab art sculptures all across the city called, The Charm City Crab Art Project. Outside of the arts, Frieman was the Co-Founder/CEO of Brand U Sports, an innovative sports marketing firm dedicated to connecting brands with NCAA student athletes through brand ambassador programs for Name Image Likeness (NIL) sponsorships.
Over the years, Frieman's success has landed him on media outlets across the globe. He has appeared live on numerous radio and TV shows, including MSNBC, FOX News Entertainment, and Kwame Alexander's pilot for "America's Next Great Author." Frieman has also been featured in Time Magazine, Money Magazine, Newsweek, Yahoo, Martha Stewart, Forbes Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur Magazine, Huffington Post, Fast Company, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Parade, Story Monsters Ink, and many more.
St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Publishing dubbed Richie Frieman a "Modern Day Renaissance Man" due to a career that spans life as an author, illustrator, artist, etiquette expert, Modern Manners Guy, entrepreneur, cartoonist, and even a champion professional wrestler. He is the #1 best-selling and award-winning author and illustrator of eight books in multiple genres, with work being sold worldwide.
Frieman's current project is his upcoming debut memoir (and eighth book), The Optimistics, about his time following three men with Young Onset Dementia/Alzheimer's (all diagnosed in their 50s) who became best friends through their diagnosis. The men decided to call themselves the Optimistics and, as a result, has become a battle cry for hundreds of thousands across the country fighting Alzheimer's and dementia. In the book, Frieman interviews dozens of other Optimistics/their Care Partners who all had to answer, "How do you stay optimistic when facing a deadly illness?" Frieman is donating 25% of his profits to the Alzheimer's Association.
"The Optimistics" debuted as a #1 New Release in all three book categories: Alzheimer's, Dementia, and Friendship, and sold out of our initial print run in the first three hours. "The Optimistics" was also #2 overall about books on Alzheimer's.
Along with his writing, Frieman is a popular artist in the Baltimore community with his original crab art sculptures all across the city called, The Charm City Crab Art Project. Outside of the arts, Frieman was the Co-Founder/CEO of Brand U Sports, an innovative sports marketing firm dedicated to connecting brands with NCAA student athletes through brand ambassador programs for Name Image Likeness (NIL) sponsorships.
Over the years, Frieman's success has landed him on media outlets across the globe. He has appeared live on numerous radio and TV shows, including MSNBC, FOX News Entertainment, and Kwame Alexander's pilot for "America's Next Great Author." Frieman has also been featured in Time Magazine, Money Magazine, Newsweek, Yahoo, Martha Stewart, Forbes Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur Magazine, Huffington Post, Fast Company, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Parade, Story Monsters Ink, and many more.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
November 25, 2024
2024 BIBA Book Of The Year Winner!
November 17, 2024
This memoir is phenomenal. (And I'm not at all surprised that it won the highest honors that indie books could receive - Book of the Year - Best Indie Book Award AND The Best Non-fiction Book of the Year from The Best Independent Book Awards)
If you have a loved one or acquaintance who has dementia or you are faced with a diagnosis of dementia, THIS BOOK IS A MUST!
I admit that I was hesitant to begin this book. Dementia scares me. Does it scare you too? I get it. My great-grandma had it and my beloved uncle has it and is in a memory care unit. On the occasions I forget why I walked into a room or have put something away in the wrong place, my mind goes to the dark side. Is this normal aging or do I have early signs of dementia?
Being
Even with the incredible title, I did not really believe that I'd finish this book feeling inspired. Yet, that's exactly how I feel. TIME IS PRECIOUS! We never know what's going to happen to us in the future.
I have always admired my Aunt Barbara, but after reading this book, I have a deeper more profound respect for everything she has done from a place of love and optimism to ensure that my uncle received the best care.
Reading each story Frieman included in this memoir - all with vastly different experiences and all with common threads - gave me a deep appreciation for the human spirit and a gratitude for the honest window into living and coping with someone with dementia.
So add this to your TBR list immediately and even more importantly, buy the book or request it from your library!
If you have a loved one or acquaintance who has dementia or you are faced with a diagnosis of dementia, THIS BOOK IS A MUST!
I admit that I was hesitant to begin this book. Dementia scares me. Does it scare you too? I get it. My great-grandma had it and my beloved uncle has it and is in a memory care unit. On the occasions I forget why I walked into a room or have put something away in the wrong place, my mind goes to the dark side. Is this normal aging or do I have early signs of dementia?
Being
Even with the incredible title, I did not really believe that I'd finish this book feeling inspired. Yet, that's exactly how I feel. TIME IS PRECIOUS! We never know what's going to happen to us in the future.
I have always admired my Aunt Barbara, but after reading this book, I have a deeper more profound respect for everything she has done from a place of love and optimism to ensure that my uncle received the best care.
Reading each story Frieman included in this memoir - all with vastly different experiences and all with common threads - gave me a deep appreciation for the human spirit and a gratitude for the honest window into living and coping with someone with dementia.
So add this to your TBR list immediately and even more importantly, buy the book or request it from your library!
September 28, 2024
Welcome to "The Optimistics"! I hope you enjoy my debut memoir, about the true story of three men, Dennis, Mike, and Jim, who were all diagnosed with Young Onset Dementia (YOD) in their 50s. To escape the isolation and depression of their diagnosis, they discovered a brotherly bond with one another. As a battle cry of hope against their disease, they dubbed themselves "The Optimistics." Their beautiful message of hope and positivity spread. I hope you enjoy their story.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews