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Beyond Forgetting
What would you do if the hero of your family was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease?
Would you call up the nearest nursing home?
Would you stop everything and become the lifeline for this person, for the rest of his or her life?
Christine Zimmerman made that choice. She chose to drop college temporarily, and take the lead in caring for her beloved grandfather after he was unable to live alone due to Alzheimer's disease. In "Beyond Forgetting" you will read a harrowing tale-first of a kind and brilliant man's love for his granddaughter, and of her selfless return of that love. You will laugh and cry along with the Nelson family as that once-formidable man experiences many surprising, upsetting, and sometimes fascinating changes. You will be astounded by the admirable strength of Zimmerman in the face of shock, frustration, sadness, and guilt. Finally, you will watch her grandfather undergo the downward turn that makes Alzheimer's a singularly devastating illness.
Alzheimer's is a cruel disease that can rob the sufferer of his dignity, memory, strength, and even basic functions. "Beyond Forgetting" is an important book with something to teach everyone. Never macabre, maudlin, or miserable, the book maintains a positive, loving tone. It is a rare insight into an often-closed moment in the hardest part of many people's lives. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, or know someone who does, it should be required reading."
Would you call up the nearest nursing home?
Would you stop everything and become the lifeline for this person, for the rest of his or her life?
Christine Zimmerman made that choice. She chose to drop college temporarily, and take the lead in caring for her beloved grandfather after he was unable to live alone due to Alzheimer's disease. In "Beyond Forgetting" you will read a harrowing tale-first of a kind and brilliant man's love for his granddaughter, and of her selfless return of that love. You will laugh and cry along with the Nelson family as that once-formidable man experiences many surprising, upsetting, and sometimes fascinating changes. You will be astounded by the admirable strength of Zimmerman in the face of shock, frustration, sadness, and guilt. Finally, you will watch her grandfather undergo the downward turn that makes Alzheimer's a singularly devastating illness.
Alzheimer's is a cruel disease that can rob the sufferer of his dignity, memory, strength, and even basic functions. "Beyond Forgetting" is an important book with something to teach everyone. Never macabre, maudlin, or miserable, the book maintains a positive, loving tone. It is a rare insight into an often-closed moment in the hardest part of many people's lives. If you have a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, or know someone who does, it should be required reading."
- GenresFamilyNonfictionMemoir
303 pages, Paperback
First published March 11, 2014
28 people are currently reading
731 people want to read
About the author
Christine Zimmerman
1 book1 followerAt the age of twenty, I took a different journey than most people my age. I became my grandfather’s primary caregiver, as he was unable to live alone due to Alzheimer’s disease. I spent almost a decade caring for him, at times for up to ninety hours a week. I was so taken by the dramatic effect the disease had on my grandfather and my family, that I wrote Beyond Forgetting to show what happens in the life of an Alzheimer's victim.
I live in Minnesota with my husband and children.
I live in Minnesota with my husband and children.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
August 3, 2014
I gave this book five stars, although I HATED the whole book! The reason why I gave it five stars is that for the most part, it shows a very realistic and terrifying view of the lives of those who care for their loved ones with Alzheimer's disease. The only factor I thought was unbelievable was having a young adult in the family care for her grandfather for many years with this disease. I would NEVER let someone who is experiencing this read this book. It is not a book to lift spirits. However, for those who want to know what it is like before it may happen, this is your read. This will give you time to plan if you do have someone diagnosed in early stages of Alzheimer's. Be prepared to read this on a day when you do want to be depressed. I felt like I was a character in this book, wanting to help that poor woman with her grandfather, and at times, wanting to throw more fits about the situation than she did.
September 25, 2015
Laughter, tears and sobs
Reading the book made me feel like I was back with my dad again and going through Alzheimer's with him. I laughed and I cried. At the end I sobbed. But I not sure if I was crying for Chrissie, her grandfather, my dad or myself. Anyone dealing with a loved one who suffers Alzheimer's should read the book. Thank you to Christine Zimmerman for writing this.
Reading the book made me feel like I was back with my dad again and going through Alzheimer's with him. I laughed and I cried. At the end I sobbed. But I not sure if I was crying for Chrissie, her grandfather, my dad or myself. Anyone dealing with a loved one who suffers Alzheimer's should read the book. Thank you to Christine Zimmerman for writing this.
March 24, 2019
This book is all about a granddaughter taking care of her grandfather who has Alzheimer’s. It mentions and tells us all the different phases that the patient goes through. Very emotional at times and very educational.
August 4, 2021
Touching
A beautiful read. A very personal topic for me. Written so honestly and truthfully. I recognize so much in this book, and feel comfort in not feeling totally alone as we walk down a similar path.
A beautiful read. A very personal topic for me. Written so honestly and truthfully. I recognize so much in this book, and feel comfort in not feeling totally alone as we walk down a similar path.
April 17, 2023
Reality
Heartbreakingly real. Wept through portions of this book. It explains the process of a grandfather's advancing Alzheimer's Disease and his families role in providing care for him.
Heartbreakingly real. Wept through portions of this book. It explains the process of a grandfather's advancing Alzheimer's Disease and his families role in providing care for him.
July 10, 2017
Such a sad beautiful story!
June 3, 2018
Anger and hatred not love and sympathy
The author only portrayed her anger about her grandfather's behaviors and not the disease. Please show compassion to a person with dementia
The author only portrayed her anger about her grandfather's behaviors and not the disease. Please show compassion to a person with dementia
March 16, 2017
This book was very relevant to our lives right now. Subject matter difficult to take in, but spot-on to what dementia caregiving is like. Wish my husband would read it.
May 24, 2016
Review written for and published by Portland Book Review on October 21st:
Christine Zimmerman delves into the daily struggles and triumphs of caring for a grandparent with Alzheimer’s in her book Beyond Forgetting. While young twenty-something Chrissy is struggling to establish her identity and life, her grandfather is slowly losing his. Repeated questions, paranoia, and anger from her grandfather, as well as guilt about occasionally losing her temper or having to trick her grandfather, seem to fill most of Chrissy’s days. Her aunts and mom help take care of Chrissy’s grandfather, which helps give them all a reprieve from the daily frustrations of caring for an elderly family member.
Sometimes Chrissy’s grandfather is trapped in certain moments from his past. Often he thinks he’s still a kid and needs to get home to his parents. It’s anyone’s guess what he will remember on any given day or moment. As her grandfather’s condition continues to get worse, Chrissy and her family must make the difficult decision to place him into a group care facility. Chrissy is eventually able to start a family of her own.
Beyond Forgetting is a good read for people who find themselves acting as a caretaker for a loved one but also for people who want to understand more about Alzheimer’s from the author’s perspective.
Christine Zimmerman delves into the daily struggles and triumphs of caring for a grandparent with Alzheimer’s in her book Beyond Forgetting. While young twenty-something Chrissy is struggling to establish her identity and life, her grandfather is slowly losing his. Repeated questions, paranoia, and anger from her grandfather, as well as guilt about occasionally losing her temper or having to trick her grandfather, seem to fill most of Chrissy’s days. Her aunts and mom help take care of Chrissy’s grandfather, which helps give them all a reprieve from the daily frustrations of caring for an elderly family member.
“I longed to wake up without Grandpa’s anxiety and repeated questions. I no longer had anything that resembled a normal conversation with him.”
Sometimes Chrissy’s grandfather is trapped in certain moments from his past. Often he thinks he’s still a kid and needs to get home to his parents. It’s anyone’s guess what he will remember on any given day or moment. As her grandfather’s condition continues to get worse, Chrissy and her family must make the difficult decision to place him into a group care facility. Chrissy is eventually able to start a family of her own.
Beyond Forgetting is a good read for people who find themselves acting as a caretaker for a loved one but also for people who want to understand more about Alzheimer’s from the author’s perspective.
September 3, 2014
There is no doubt that the author is telling her true story from her heart and that she was devoted to her grandfather. However, the writing itself is repetitious (as if lifted from daily journal entries) and belabored. As an example, she writes: "When he finished, I handed him the towel. After he dried his hands, I put the towel down the laundry chute and put out a new, clean one" (p. 213). I think the story would have flowed better if the author had done more "showing" than "telling." Also, if you expect to read the book from a Christian worldview, you may be offended at some of the language.
November 7, 2015
Very emotional and insightful true story about a young woman's devotion to taking care of her grandfather. For those who can't handle the bad language, I'm glad she didn't alter or sugarcoat the actual language because they want to see the world in rose-colored glasses. My dad had dementia but not Alzheimer's but still suffered some of the troubling behaviors so I can relate to her experience. A star was taken away because parts were a bit repetitive.
April 26, 2014
What an amazing book on Alzheimer's. My dad is in the early stages of the disease and just can't imagine he getting that bad but I know they do. I have read books on Alzheimer's and this story is really true on the facts. What an eye opener on how you can handle a person like that and really love them. I pray that my dad does not bet that bad before the good Lord takes him.
December 14, 2014
Hard to get through as I am caring for an elderly Alzheimers grandma. Lots of tears. However, it is so relatable & accurate! Makes you feel like you are not alone. Realistic & true strorytelling. A good alternative to all the clinical books you might read about an aging family member.
Goodreads contest winner
Goodreads contest winner
May 12, 2016
Wonderful
A beautiful story about Alzheimer's and how a granddaughter cares for her grandfather and the effects it can have on someone who is a caregiver. The ups and downs of Alzheimer's funny moments that help you cope before you loose your mind. Well worth reading.
A beautiful story about Alzheimer's and how a granddaughter cares for her grandfather and the effects it can have on someone who is a caregiver. The ups and downs of Alzheimer's funny moments that help you cope before you loose your mind. Well worth reading.
December 4, 2014
A touching story of a granddaughter caring for her grandfather with Alzheimer's. Hits close to home- but is touchingly sweet. If you can't be a caregiver with joy and grace- don't do it at all.
September 30, 2015
Beyond forgetting
Excellent book. Get it. Awesome I read it in 1 day. I couldn't stop. So. Get it. She's very relatable.
Excellent book. Get it. Awesome I read it in 1 day. I couldn't stop. So. Get it. She's very relatable.
October 1, 2015
A good picture of caring for a loved one with Alzheimers
This book was a very realistic story of what happens when a loved one has Alzheimer's disease. Poignant and touching.
This book was a very realistic story of what happens when a loved one has Alzheimer's disease. Poignant and touching.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews