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Shaken but not Stirred
This book is a lovely little reminder that a serious illness does not have to be taken entirely seriously. Yes, there will be moments when ‘laughing in the aisles’ is inappropriate - when an injection is being administered, for example, or during the funeral - but much of the time illness can be funny and we will all feel better for laughing at it. I’ve nursed both my Mum and Dad and we always tried to keep enjoying ourselves. When my Dad had really forgotten everything, my Mum and I saw the funny side of it, and laughter, which had always been central in our family life, kept its place at the table.
Richard Curtis (conedy writer)
The quality of empathy, defined in the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary as ‘the ability to understand and share the feelings of another’, is key to the doctor-patient relationship. However, unless you have gone through the experience of being diagnosed and coming to terms with Parkinson’s yourself, your personal understanding will be limited. Health professionals and all those involved with the care of people with Parkinson’s will therefore benefit tremendously from this book, which is at times hilarious, quirky and moving.
Dr Michelle Who (University of Oxford)
Richard Curtis (conedy writer)
The quality of empathy, defined in the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary as ‘the ability to understand and share the feelings of another’, is key to the doctor-patient relationship. However, unless you have gone through the experience of being diagnosed and coming to terms with Parkinson’s yourself, your personal understanding will be limited. Health professionals and all those involved with the care of people with Parkinson’s will therefore benefit tremendously from this book, which is at times hilarious, quirky and moving.
Dr Michelle Who (University of Oxford)
135 pages, Unknown Binding
Published August 1, 2016
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 28, 2016
A fascinating insight into living with Parkinson's disease. Here are many stories from people who really deal with this every day, and they deal with it with a strength and humour that is truly amazing. They made me laugh and cry at the same time. A great read for anyone who knows someone with Parkinson's and even anyone who just wants to know more.
July 30, 2016
I requested this book from NetGalley mainly because my father suffers from Parkinson's disease. He actually had Early Onset Parkinson's before it was an official diagnosis. It wasn't until Michael J. Fox admitted he had Early Onset that my dad was properly diagnosed. Now he is in end stage Parkinson's and, after over 20 years, it's getting difficult to see the humor in his situation. So, when I saw this book, which focused on helping combat the depression and anxiety so strongly associated Parkinson's, I jumped at the opportunity to read it. I was not disappointed.
Each story not only had me chuckling, but it also had me taking copious notes about life with Parkinson's. It can be difficult to find the humor in a situation where your neurologist gives you a diagnosis and, instead of explaining anything gives you booklets and pills. The first short-story author, Dirma Van Toorn, describes a couple of situations where authority figures/security guards thought she was drunk, high, or acting strange because she was shoplifting. Life with Parkinson's is full of troubles. But it can still be a full life.
There are so many funny stories in this compilation. Stories about situations that, in that moment, must have seemed like the end of the world, but in retrospect are funny. One of the authors talked about trying to go to the bathroom while conducting a phone interview and he ended up urinating in his pants. He chose to use this story as an anecdote in a speech and was later told by a woman in the audience "thank you!" Because she needed to know she wasn't alone.
And, really, that's what's at the heart of these stories. If you have Parkinson's or someone you love has Parkinson's, you are not alone. There are groups of people out there who can help you. Parkinson's doesn't mean you can't live a full life. It just means you gotta work a little harder for it. And this book is a good resource for the darker times, when you can't find the light.
If you have Parkinson's, a family history of Parkinson's or are a caregiver for someone with the disease, I highly recommend the book. It's a bit shorter than I would like, but each story is poignant and well placed. There were some minor typos, but I received an advanced copy, so those should be cleaned up by the time the book is published later this year. Shaken But Not Stirred is a heartwarming, informative read and highly recommend it.
Each story not only had me chuckling, but it also had me taking copious notes about life with Parkinson's. It can be difficult to find the humor in a situation where your neurologist gives you a diagnosis and, instead of explaining anything gives you booklets and pills. The first short-story author, Dirma Van Toorn, describes a couple of situations where authority figures/security guards thought she was drunk, high, or acting strange because she was shoplifting. Life with Parkinson's is full of troubles. But it can still be a full life.
There are so many funny stories in this compilation. Stories about situations that, in that moment, must have seemed like the end of the world, but in retrospect are funny. One of the authors talked about trying to go to the bathroom while conducting a phone interview and he ended up urinating in his pants. He chose to use this story as an anecdote in a speech and was later told by a woman in the audience "thank you!" Because she needed to know she wasn't alone.
And, really, that's what's at the heart of these stories. If you have Parkinson's or someone you love has Parkinson's, you are not alone. There are groups of people out there who can help you. Parkinson's doesn't mean you can't live a full life. It just means you gotta work a little harder for it. And this book is a good resource for the darker times, when you can't find the light.
If you have Parkinson's, a family history of Parkinson's or are a caregiver for someone with the disease, I highly recommend the book. It's a bit shorter than I would like, but each story is poignant and well placed. There were some minor typos, but I received an advanced copy, so those should be cleaned up by the time the book is published later this year. Shaken But Not Stirred is a heartwarming, informative read and highly recommend it.
June 9, 2016
Compared to the first chapter it was a little awkward how short and almost incomplete some of the "chapters" felt. The stories were real, raw had a touch of human wit which any reader would appreciate. Reading this book brings us back to the notion that at the end of the day we are all humans faced with our own set of challenges and our lives depend on how we choose to endure the things thrown at us. I would highly recommend this book.
*I received an ARC via NetGalley & So Vain Books in exchange for an honest opinion.
*I received an ARC via NetGalley & So Vain Books in exchange for an honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews