Living in the Labyrinth

by Diana Mcgowin

Living In The Labyrinth is the story of  how one woman found the strength and the courage  to cope with a devastating disease that has  afflicted five million Americans. Far from being an  exercise in self-pity or a standard autobiography,  this is an unflinching and ultimately uplifting look  at a debilitating illness from the inside  out.


From the Trade Paperback edition.

147 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 1993

Reviews

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

This rating is based on the statement of what the book brings to the reader. The writing is that of a regular woman, who is struggling with early onset Alzheimer's. As the book progresses, the reader can see the deterioration of the author's abilities. By the end of the book the chapters are shorter, and more basic functions we take for granted are much more affected.

From the standpoint of one who sees family and friends struggling with either Alzheimer's or Dementia, this book provides one of the most powerful insights as to what is happening in their mind and heart. Reading a book from the outside, learning about the clinical side of the disease, is very useful and practical. Learning about the disease from the inside provides a very humbling and touching path to empathizing with those afflicted.

My grandmother had Dementia, and through reading "Living in the Labyrinth", I felt I was more able to be there with her as she deteriorated in her cognitive abilities. Her body was strong, however, and she lived to a few months shy of her 100th birthday, no longer knowing who she was or what was happening around her.

I also have a friend who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's just over a year ago, and am touched by understanding a little more about what he sees in his day to day life.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this years ago when my future mother-in-law was already diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. My husband(to-be) read it at that time and shared with me. It actually helped me not only as someone she would never know by name or recognition, but as a daughter. Unknowingly at that time, my father would be diagnosed decades later. It is essential reading for anyone impacted by Alzheimer’s. I think it gives the reader understanding and empathy for what struggles are ahead.
This helped us prepare as each of our diagnosed parents had a long struggle.

[John Hayward · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read, this is another early testimony by someone on the journey with Alzheimer's. I liked how she concluded her book: "Mostly I feel insecure, confused, frightened and as though I am dancing as fast as I can. But I still have loved ones. I still have a home. I still have my private enjoyments which make life worthwhile. And although there are many days when I am painfully aware that less of me exists than the day before, for now, I can say, I am still here!"

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

What a brave lady to write this frank account from the side of Alzheimer's we rarely get to see. A very needed book and one every care giver should read as it lends empathy for the frustration and embarrassment this disease causes.

[Sephie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the diary of a lady diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. Her coping with the diagnosis and the reactions of her friends and family.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interest insight into Alzheimer's. Written by someone actually struggling with the disease.