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Why I Care: And why care matters
A deeply personal account of life as a carer and a call to support those who care for others
‘It’s a tough job, caring. But the thing about being a carer is you develop these amazing relationships. As I’ve got older and had all those caring responsibilities, seen life through the eyes of my son, I could not be more passionate or determined to sort out caring in this country.’
Caring for others is the thread that runs through the life of Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats.
Ed Davey's father was from a mining family in Nottinghamshire; his mother the daughter of domestic servants As a boy of only four Ed lost his father, John, to cancer. A few short years later his mother too became ill with cancer and for four years Ed and his brother nursed her at home, administering morphine and electric shocks, until she died when Ed was just 15. His grandfather died unexpectedly a few years later, leaving Ed to look after his grandmother too. And Ed and his wife now care for their son John, who is severely disabled, as well as raising their daughter. He has very real experience of the emotional, physical, and financial challenges faced by the millions of carers in Britain today.
Why I Care is a deeply personal and impactful memoir-cum-manifesto, drawing on Ed’s own profound experiences as a carer and those of countless others he has encountered. Through a blend of heartfelt storytelling, in-depth interviews, and thoughtful analysis, Ed sheds light on the often-invisible world of carers and issues a clarion call to society to recognize, support, and lift up the millions of carers who form the backbone of our communities.
This isn’t just Ed’s story, it's the story of millions, caring for each other, dealing with tough times, and keeping going with love.
‘It’s a tough job, caring. But the thing about being a carer is you develop these amazing relationships. As I’ve got older and had all those caring responsibilities, seen life through the eyes of my son, I could not be more passionate or determined to sort out caring in this country.’
Caring for others is the thread that runs through the life of Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats.
Ed Davey's father was from a mining family in Nottinghamshire; his mother the daughter of domestic servants As a boy of only four Ed lost his father, John, to cancer. A few short years later his mother too became ill with cancer and for four years Ed and his brother nursed her at home, administering morphine and electric shocks, until she died when Ed was just 15. His grandfather died unexpectedly a few years later, leaving Ed to look after his grandmother too. And Ed and his wife now care for their son John, who is severely disabled, as well as raising their daughter. He has very real experience of the emotional, physical, and financial challenges faced by the millions of carers in Britain today.
Why I Care is a deeply personal and impactful memoir-cum-manifesto, drawing on Ed’s own profound experiences as a carer and those of countless others he has encountered. Through a blend of heartfelt storytelling, in-depth interviews, and thoughtful analysis, Ed sheds light on the often-invisible world of carers and issues a clarion call to society to recognize, support, and lift up the millions of carers who form the backbone of our communities.
This isn’t just Ed’s story, it's the story of millions, caring for each other, dealing with tough times, and keeping going with love.
- GenresPolitics
336 pages, Hardcover
Published September 2, 2025
5 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 7, 2025
enjoyed this personal book looking at care and also other stories very touching
June 26, 2025
Actual rating is 4.75⭐️ - rounded up for GoodReads.
As a carer for my mum, I found this audiobook especially moving. Ed Davey’s reflections on care, shaped by his own family experiences, really hit home for me. I appreciated the balance of personal storytelling, and storytelling from other carers, with political vision, and it gave me a lot to think about.
I didn’t agree with everything, particularly the idea that only the Lib Dems can be trusted with the NHS, but that didn’t take away from the heart of the book. It was full of sincerity, compassion, and a much-needed spotlight on the value of care in our lives and society.
A heartfelt and impactful listen.
As a carer for my mum, I found this audiobook especially moving. Ed Davey’s reflections on care, shaped by his own family experiences, really hit home for me. I appreciated the balance of personal storytelling, and storytelling from other carers, with political vision, and it gave me a lot to think about.
I didn’t agree with everything, particularly the idea that only the Lib Dems can be trusted with the NHS, but that didn’t take away from the heart of the book. It was full of sincerity, compassion, and a much-needed spotlight on the value of care in our lives and society.
A heartfelt and impactful listen.
July 24, 2025
Ed Davey is the leader of the Liberal Democrats in the UK, but he is also a father and carer for his son, John. He also, as a child, was a young carer for his mother, who passed away after a long battle with cancer. In this account there is his very personal story, both of his childhood and of his journey with John. His love and passion come shining through, and he very ably shows the frustrations and pitfalls of caring.
The book also includes some other stories, so that the caring story becomes well rounded, and looks across the breadth of issues. Sensitively told, he draws out lessons, needs and things he is determined to change.
One part political biography, this is five or six parts personal stories. It doesn't feel party political - it feels like it is written by a man who is desperate for change, because change is what is desperately needed.
Written for the British market, this book focuses on the British situation, although there would still be much to take from this book in any place.
Not everyone will care about caring, but if everyone read this book, they would surely care a little more.
The book also includes some other stories, so that the caring story becomes well rounded, and looks across the breadth of issues. Sensitively told, he draws out lessons, needs and things he is determined to change.
One part political biography, this is five or six parts personal stories. It doesn't feel party political - it feels like it is written by a man who is desperate for change, because change is what is desperately needed.
Written for the British market, this book focuses on the British situation, although there would still be much to take from this book in any place.
Not everyone will care about caring, but if everyone read this book, they would surely care a little more.
July 27, 2025
Gutsy, heartfelt, raw and brutally honest. Hard to read the heartbreak, loss and hardship Ed Davey has lived through and has had to cope with to date. Seems to have only encouraged his determination to create change in Social Care and for the thousands and thousands of dedicated Carers who are not currently recognised.
All of this under and within the umbrella of the NHS, Social Care and Care in the Community. Would be a truly remarkable achievement…. Only time will tell…
Those in Government with remit for the above areas would benefit from reading this…a down to earth read of how things are on a daily basis for families often struggling to manage the care thats needed for a loved one, juggling work, other family commitments and trying to make sense of pages and pages of medical or assessment or whatever forms that are required in order to highlight the care needed for that member of the family … such a crying shame…
All of this under and within the umbrella of the NHS, Social Care and Care in the Community. Would be a truly remarkable achievement…. Only time will tell…
Those in Government with remit for the above areas would benefit from reading this…a down to earth read of how things are on a daily basis for families often struggling to manage the care thats needed for a loved one, juggling work, other family commitments and trying to make sense of pages and pages of medical or assessment or whatever forms that are required in order to highlight the care needed for that member of the family … such a crying shame…
May 26, 2025
As a 16 year old young carer, this book meant a lot to me. To see those similar to myself represented at this scale was something I have never even contemplated. The book accurately and authentically presents the highs and lows of caring as well as everything in between. The resounding message conveyed is one of love, resilience and hope. Love for the people we care for. Belief in their possible potential, and hope for the future.
June 2, 2025
For years now, I have become increasingly despondent about the quality of our MPs and it comes as no surprise that the public’s trust in our politicians is at an all time low.
Most MPs seem to see a place in parliament as an opportunity to feather their own nests and line their own pockets.
This is what makes Ed Davey’s book so welcome. Here is a man who seems to genuinely want to help people. To get to the position of becoming an MP and ultimately into leading the Liberal Democrats, while also being a carer for his son is to his enormous credit.
‘Why I care’ is an essential book that sets out in a very eloquent way, precisely why the role of the home careers is so vital and yet so criminally under valued.
What our country desperately needs is for this man to somehow become our Prime Minister. Then and only then is ‘care’ ever likely to be taken as seriously as it needs to be.
Most MPs seem to see a place in parliament as an opportunity to feather their own nests and line their own pockets.
This is what makes Ed Davey’s book so welcome. Here is a man who seems to genuinely want to help people. To get to the position of becoming an MP and ultimately into leading the Liberal Democrats, while also being a carer for his son is to his enormous credit.
‘Why I care’ is an essential book that sets out in a very eloquent way, precisely why the role of the home careers is so vital and yet so criminally under valued.
What our country desperately needs is for this man to somehow become our Prime Minister. Then and only then is ‘care’ ever likely to be taken as seriously as it needs to be.
July 17, 2025
Borrowed from the library.
This is mostly a very personal book. The author has been a carer in one way or another for most of his life. He explains how and why, and how it has made him the person he is today. Being a politician, he also argues in the book the necessity for the UK to change just about everything about “care”. Personally, I think he has his head screwed on right. Alas, his party doesn’t have enough seats in Parliament o bring about this change.
Included in the book are the personal experiences of four other people who have been carers for family members.
I do hope, people in power read this book, but I suspect they won’t. In my opinion, improving care for those who need it would take an awful lot of unnecessary strain off the NHS.
This is mostly a very personal book. The author has been a carer in one way or another for most of his life. He explains how and why, and how it has made him the person he is today. Being a politician, he also argues in the book the necessity for the UK to change just about everything about “care”. Personally, I think he has his head screwed on right. Alas, his party doesn’t have enough seats in Parliament o bring about this change.
Included in the book are the personal experiences of four other people who have been carers for family members.
I do hope, people in power read this book, but I suspect they won’t. In my opinion, improving care for those who need it would take an awful lot of unnecessary strain off the NHS.
August 30, 2025
Deeply moving both with Davey's personal journey with care and also of others who are carers. Not only does Davey highlight the issues facing this sector, he also offers doable and practical solutions.
Such a pity this man gets less attention than Farage with his time party of just 4 seats, while Lib Dems have 72 and barely make it to any pages in the news.
Such a pity this man gets less attention than Farage with his time party of just 4 seats, while Lib Dems have 72 and barely make it to any pages in the news.
June 2, 2025
It is so insightful. I thought the stories were so personal, brilliantly written and the fact they were willing to share such information so publically to be so brave.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2025
A really excellent read. Written with enthusiasm and inspirational solutions to help care work better for everyone.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews