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Brought To Our Senses
In this Kindle Book Awards winner perfect for book clubs and fans of Jodi Picoult or Kristin Hannah, troubled sisters are torn apart and brought back together by their mother's dementia crisis in a riveting medical drama. "It's the quintessential 'how did we get here?' story" (Amazon Vine Voice).Favorite daughter Elizabeth wants to do the right thing when faced with a family emergency. Her beloved mother Janice receives a deadly Alzheimer's diagnosis, and her siblings at odds tailspin toward their last resort with disastrous fallout.Elizabeth soon exposes her mother's long-held secret, which lies at the root of her family's problems. With the parents and sisters she thought she knew turned upside down, she struggles to find her way back home in this intimate and poignant family drama as memorable as Still Alice by Lisa Genova and as touching as The Things We Keep by Sally Hepworth."A profound analysis of complicated family dynamics ...gripping" (Kirkus Reviews).Brought to Our Senses is the critically acclaimed winner of six literary awards for 2018 Kindle Book Awards, Writer's Digest Book Awards, IAN Book of the Year Awards, Wishing Shelf Book Awards, Readers' Favorite Awards, and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Reading group guide included for book clubs.Literature & Fiction Sagas, Medical, Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, Women's Fiction, Family Life, Mothers and Children, Sisters, Divorce, Domestic Life, Contemporary, Literary, Inspirational.
- GenresFiction
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2016
801 people are currently reading
1481 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen H. Wheeler
1 book41 followersAward-winning author Kathleen H. Wheeler writes stories that sing because she cannot. A graduate of the University of Illinois, she has wordsmithed as a marketing communications professional for ad agencies and corporations since Nike first coined the slogan “Just Do It.” Wheeler is a music enthusiast and lifelong fan of a British musician known by a one-syllable nickname. Along with her husband and two children, she calls the Land of Lincoln home. Learn more at BroughtToOurSenses.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 2, 2017
So heartbreakingly true
My husband and I shared our home with his Mom for o error twenty years. She had dementia caused by mini strokes. Or, at least that was the best guess the doctors could come up with. The book describes the family and how their interpersonal relationships were affected by theirs Mom's slow slide into nothingness, but really could not convey the horror, the pain and the guilt of how Alzheimer's and dementia affects families. Even knowing the patient is not able to control themselves, it still becomes increasingly hard to deAl with the patient. It is also pure murder on relationships. In the book the problems helped the family find each other and learn to accept each other. In life, more often than not, it simply tears families apart. The helplessness, knowing there is nothing to stop the loss of self for the patient, leaves the family in a state oh hurt, and far too many regrets. The book is really good, I only wish our years of dealing with dementia could have turned out as well. While the doctors seem helpless to help the patient, there needs to be more focus on helping the families survive and recover from the destruction the disease leave in their aftermath.
My husband and I shared our home with his Mom for o error twenty years. She had dementia caused by mini strokes. Or, at least that was the best guess the doctors could come up with. The book describes the family and how their interpersonal relationships were affected by theirs Mom's slow slide into nothingness, but really could not convey the horror, the pain and the guilt of how Alzheimer's and dementia affects families. Even knowing the patient is not able to control themselves, it still becomes increasingly hard to deAl with the patient. It is also pure murder on relationships. In the book the problems helped the family find each other and learn to accept each other. In life, more often than not, it simply tears families apart. The helplessness, knowing there is nothing to stop the loss of self for the patient, leaves the family in a state oh hurt, and far too many regrets. The book is really good, I only wish our years of dealing with dementia could have turned out as well. While the doctors seem helpless to help the patient, there needs to be more focus on helping the families survive and recover from the destruction the disease leave in their aftermath.
December 15, 2017
This book is the story of a woman and her battle with Alzheimer's Disease and the impact it has on her four children.
It’s difficult to read in spots because Kathleen Wheeler pulls no punches in her description of the way Alzheimer's ravages Janice Kraus' body as well as her mind. She also provides a frank look at the way the four siblings grapple with all the difficult decisions that have to be made when a parent is slowly dying.
They're brought to their senses as they learn more and more about each other's lives and discover that they've all dealt with challenges because of the way their mother treated them as kids. After going separate ways for years, they're brought back together because of their mother, which is an interesting plot device.
I'm giving this book four stars instead of five because the final chapter ties loose ends up in a tidy package which feels artificial compared to the rest of the book. Otherwise, this is a good read!
It’s difficult to read in spots because Kathleen Wheeler pulls no punches in her description of the way Alzheimer's ravages Janice Kraus' body as well as her mind. She also provides a frank look at the way the four siblings grapple with all the difficult decisions that have to be made when a parent is slowly dying.
They're brought to their senses as they learn more and more about each other's lives and discover that they've all dealt with challenges because of the way their mother treated them as kids. After going separate ways for years, they're brought back together because of their mother, which is an interesting plot device.
I'm giving this book four stars instead of five because the final chapter ties loose ends up in a tidy package which feels artificial compared to the rest of the book. Otherwise, this is a good read!
July 6, 2017
This story felt like I was reading an autobiography of someone in a dysfunctional family. And it seemed the book dealt primarily with the negative aspects of that person's life. The story starts with the death of the mother, then it jumps around between different periods in the past in a rather confusing way. There was no clear narrator; rather the story was told from many of the characters' points of view. Eventually the mother's illness is diagnosed as Alzheimer's and as it progresses, the four siblings have to try to work together to deal with her.
July 12, 2017
The plot was promising, but really most of the characters were unlikeable.
April 13, 2019
Reads True!
Read this in one late night. If the story would have been told from one character's point of view, it would have been very believable as a memoir. As someone who has worked not only as a nurse aid, but also upon graduating from has a career as a behavioral health nurse to a nursing home house supervisor, I can say that the journey that Janice Krause and her family to on with dementia rings true. I saw my Mother's heart break when her father didn't recognize her anymore, I have seen co-workers deal with a parent who becomes secretive and delusional. I've had visitors to a nursing home complain about their loved one's bed being soiled, when I was assisting the floor nurse by administering her patients medications while she and the one nursing assistant try to keep thirty patients clean and dry. All that,while trying to call in extra staff to replace the call out. I could go on, but that is for a discussion about elder care in America, let me just say, that this book could be both informative and helpful for those at the start of a journey like the Krause family takes. When parent child roles reverse, families change in major ways. A character in this book muses that her mother is staying alive longer then expected so that the children have time to look at each other differently and perhaps come to peace. Ms. Wheeler crafts her characters to be multi-faceted. There are no c!eat villains. Any "drama" that occurs is due to the innate messiness that comes from being in a family. She also shows that when they begin to accept each other, love and cooperation can move back in. I like the author's use of the third person narrative as she is able to delve into the characters' past, adding to the richness of the story. I recommend this to anyone who loves a well rounded fiction novel on a topic that affects most of us-dealing with an aging parent.
Read this in one late night. If the story would have been told from one character's point of view, it would have been very believable as a memoir. As someone who has worked not only as a nurse aid, but also upon graduating from has a career as a behavioral health nurse to a nursing home house supervisor, I can say that the journey that Janice Krause and her family to on with dementia rings true. I saw my Mother's heart break when her father didn't recognize her anymore, I have seen co-workers deal with a parent who becomes secretive and delusional. I've had visitors to a nursing home complain about their loved one's bed being soiled, when I was assisting the floor nurse by administering her patients medications while she and the one nursing assistant try to keep thirty patients clean and dry. All that,while trying to call in extra staff to replace the call out. I could go on, but that is for a discussion about elder care in America, let me just say, that this book could be both informative and helpful for those at the start of a journey like the Krause family takes. When parent child roles reverse, families change in major ways. A character in this book muses that her mother is staying alive longer then expected so that the children have time to look at each other differently and perhaps come to peace. Ms. Wheeler crafts her characters to be multi-faceted. There are no c!eat villains. Any "drama" that occurs is due to the innate messiness that comes from being in a family. She also shows that when they begin to accept each other, love and cooperation can move back in. I like the author's use of the third person narrative as she is able to delve into the characters' past, adding to the richness of the story. I recommend this to anyone who loves a well rounded fiction novel on a topic that affects most of us-dealing with an aging parent.
September 10, 2018
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Brought to our Senses
Author: Kathleen H Wheeler
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 29
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 29 readers:
29 would read another book by this author.
29 thought the cover was good or excellent.
29 felt it was easy to follow.
29 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
21 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
29 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
29 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘This was an amazing read. I loved every page. The characters were distinct, and the plot was compelling. Even the cover looks good.’ Female reader, aged 43
‘I would recommend this to any family member who is facing the problems of caring for elderly parents. It will be an eye-opener. The author is a gifted writer who has interwoven a superb plot awash with interesting and well-defined characters.’ Male reader, aged 52
‘A family full of secrets, and siblings on the war path. This is not a ‘happy’ novel, although it has fun moments – just not many. It is very gripping; perhaps many readers can relate to what the characters are going through. At the end of the day, most of us will face the ordeal of caring for parents. If you enjoy complex family sagas, you will enjoy this.’ Female reader, aged 38
‘The best novel I have read in months.’ Female reader, aged 71
‘This is a gem of a book. Anybody who wants to understand Alzheimer’s diagnosis and how it can mend or tear a family apart, should read this.’ Male reader, aged 66
To Sum It Up:
‘A superbly crafted novel of a family struggle with a terrible illness. A GOLD MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Brought to our Senses
Author: Kathleen H Wheeler
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 29
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 10/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 10/10
Of the 29 readers:
29 would read another book by this author.
29 thought the cover was good or excellent.
29 felt it was easy to follow.
29 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
8 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
21 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
29 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
29 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘This was an amazing read. I loved every page. The characters were distinct, and the plot was compelling. Even the cover looks good.’ Female reader, aged 43
‘I would recommend this to any family member who is facing the problems of caring for elderly parents. It will be an eye-opener. The author is a gifted writer who has interwoven a superb plot awash with interesting and well-defined characters.’ Male reader, aged 52
‘A family full of secrets, and siblings on the war path. This is not a ‘happy’ novel, although it has fun moments – just not many. It is very gripping; perhaps many readers can relate to what the characters are going through. At the end of the day, most of us will face the ordeal of caring for parents. If you enjoy complex family sagas, you will enjoy this.’ Female reader, aged 38
‘The best novel I have read in months.’ Female reader, aged 71
‘This is a gem of a book. Anybody who wants to understand Alzheimer’s diagnosis and how it can mend or tear a family apart, should read this.’ Male reader, aged 66
To Sum It Up:
‘A superbly crafted novel of a family struggle with a terrible illness. A GOLD MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
September 11, 2018
This has so many similarities to my family 's story
My mother had dementia of a vascular nature related to multiple strokes and died just two weeks shy of her 95th Birthday of complications of Pneumonia followed by a hip fracture and stroke all occurring within two weeks of her death. Mom also had a difficult childhood being the middle child of five born to a Shreveport and homemaker in Louisiana and Texas, graduating from high school at 15, and surviving a WWII veteran with MS leaving her with four girls to raise. A second marriage to a business partner have her two youngest daughters (including me , the youngest) a father figure they longed for but again ended with her caring for a husband with lung cancer and again a widow. Her independence and strength of character were examples to her daughters and served them well as they dealt with the changes in their mother's health and deterioration of her mental abilities.
No matter what the cause of the dementia, it can be devastating to the family and can turn life upside down. The roles in our family somewhat mimic those in the story with birth order playing a strong role.
Thank you for writing this story and giving a voice to those and their families who can no longer speak their stories! It is a world that is rarely written about in such a heartfelt and vulnerably compassionate manner. No matter was the cause of dementia, I hope this Saga will enlighten and give voice to the struggles of those who suffer from it and the familis, dysfunctional as they may be, who love them and struggle to do what is right and best for their loved ones just like this family! Quite a powerful portrayal of what we go through from many different perspectives!
My mother had dementia of a vascular nature related to multiple strokes and died just two weeks shy of her 95th Birthday of complications of Pneumonia followed by a hip fracture and stroke all occurring within two weeks of her death. Mom also had a difficult childhood being the middle child of five born to a Shreveport and homemaker in Louisiana and Texas, graduating from high school at 15, and surviving a WWII veteran with MS leaving her with four girls to raise. A second marriage to a business partner have her two youngest daughters (including me , the youngest) a father figure they longed for but again ended with her caring for a husband with lung cancer and again a widow. Her independence and strength of character were examples to her daughters and served them well as they dealt with the changes in their mother's health and deterioration of her mental abilities.
No matter what the cause of the dementia, it can be devastating to the family and can turn life upside down. The roles in our family somewhat mimic those in the story with birth order playing a strong role.
Thank you for writing this story and giving a voice to those and their families who can no longer speak their stories! It is a world that is rarely written about in such a heartfelt and vulnerably compassionate manner. No matter was the cause of dementia, I hope this Saga will enlighten and give voice to the struggles of those who suffer from it and the familis, dysfunctional as they may be, who love them and struggle to do what is right and best for their loved ones just like this family! Quite a powerful portrayal of what we go through from many different perspectives!
May 16, 2019
Very sad
This is the first book I read by Kathleen Wheeler. I read it over a week ago and just didn't know how to review it. It is a book that stuck in my mind for days now. I found it to be very sad, depressing. This women's symptoms started when she was a bit older than me but it really makes you think. What would you have to do to your parents against their wishes. I've been through something along these lines with my grandparents. I still remember the day my mom and I had to tell my pap we were taking his car keys. I could see the hurt in his face and I could feel it too. Even though he knew we were doing it for the right reasons. My pap was always one of those guys that would get up early and go get the mail and run to the grocery store. Every day. More just to talk to people than anything else and we had to take that away. But the alternative was him or someone else getting hurt. My mom is now 70 and is still pretty sharp but I'm not looking forward to having to face something like this. Many times it falls to the daughters because that is who they feel most comfortable with. This is a very good, no nonsense book and a great read. I was reading it around mothers day which was a mistake. Just know after reading it, it will take a bit for your mind to stop thinking about it.
This is the first book I read by Kathleen Wheeler. I read it over a week ago and just didn't know how to review it. It is a book that stuck in my mind for days now. I found it to be very sad, depressing. This women's symptoms started when she was a bit older than me but it really makes you think. What would you have to do to your parents against their wishes. I've been through something along these lines with my grandparents. I still remember the day my mom and I had to tell my pap we were taking his car keys. I could see the hurt in his face and I could feel it too. Even though he knew we were doing it for the right reasons. My pap was always one of those guys that would get up early and go get the mail and run to the grocery store. Every day. More just to talk to people than anything else and we had to take that away. But the alternative was him or someone else getting hurt. My mom is now 70 and is still pretty sharp but I'm not looking forward to having to face something like this. Many times it falls to the daughters because that is who they feel most comfortable with. This is a very good, no nonsense book and a great read. I was reading it around mothers day which was a mistake. Just know after reading it, it will take a bit for your mind to stop thinking about it.
April 26, 2018
Kathleen H. Wheeler writes with clarity as she takes readers through her intense novel that’s hard to put down. She accurately and compassionately describes the difficulty in diagnosing and caring for Janice, an aging mother with Alzheimer’s dementia. Anxiety and frantic conversations between the youngest daughter, Elizabeth, and three siblings build, as family dynamics change. Government and medical models preside. “Best for your loved one” seems to take a back seat, but don’t discount the power of family love and forgiveness in this award-winning book.
Read this before your loved one goes into a nursing home to gain insight. Read it afterwards for comfort and acceptance of the imperfect world of caring for parents.
Read this before your loved one goes into a nursing home to gain insight. Read it afterwards for comfort and acceptance of the imperfect world of caring for parents.
October 17, 2018
Very tough subject to write and read about. Anyone who has dealt with a family member or friend with dementia will agonize with this family as they discover and watch the decline of their mother with Alzheimer’s . A heart wrenching, but all to familiar read for some individuals.
An experience like this can bring out the worst in people AND the best in people in a family. This family was no different. Already dysfunctional they were tested in all the ways a diagnosis like this in a family can bring. But dealing with an issue this hard can also bring a family together and that, I believe, is what this author was trying to show and does it well.
An experience like this can bring out the worst in people AND the best in people in a family. This family was no different. Already dysfunctional they were tested in all the ways a diagnosis like this in a family can bring. But dealing with an issue this hard can also bring a family together and that, I believe, is what this author was trying to show and does it well.
January 1, 2019
Wow!
I debated with myself whether or not I wanted to read this book, because I lived thru years of my mother with Alzheimer's. You can tell the author has experienced it also. It brought back so many feelings and memories! And although our own family situation was different, the feelings and concerns between the siblings was very touching and real too. Just all very true to life. It helped me realize that probably all families have their dysfunctions, and you just live thru it all by doing the best you can and loving and forgiving.
I debated with myself whether or not I wanted to read this book, because I lived thru years of my mother with Alzheimer's. You can tell the author has experienced it also. It brought back so many feelings and memories! And although our own family situation was different, the feelings and concerns between the siblings was very touching and real too. Just all very true to life. It helped me realize that probably all families have their dysfunctions, and you just live thru it all by doing the best you can and loving and forgiving.
September 23, 2017
So good
So touching , realistic, scaring. A must read for everyone interested in family relationships and specially siblings and difficult mother daughther relationships. Gives a true view on how to confront alzheimer s desease and the truth about its evolution and impact on families. I recommend this book very much. It will help to cope and deal with de difficult decisions we made for our parents and see that we are not alone. Amazing reading.
So touching , realistic, scaring. A must read for everyone interested in family relationships and specially siblings and difficult mother daughther relationships. Gives a true view on how to confront alzheimer s desease and the truth about its evolution and impact on families. I recommend this book very much. It will help to cope and deal with de difficult decisions we made for our parents and see that we are not alone. Amazing reading.
April 28, 2018
Brought to Our Senses is a multigenerational story of one family and their journey impacted by Alzheimer’s. It is emotionally real as it weaves through past and present to reveal the family’s saga. The characters were strong and the writing painted a clear picture of how Alzheimer’s effects family. While the ending seemed slightly rushed and artificial compared to the rest of the book, the Kraus’ story was well told.
June 23, 2018
Family Matters
I found this book very interesting and so real to many families. With one parent raising four children, many difficulties can arise. The oldest Tom, and only son, escaped many of the difficulty’s the girls faced. Al with different personalities, jealousy and rivalry was prevalent. Their love for their mother during her illness was touching. And after her death, I loved how the families all came together. A good read.
I found this book very interesting and so real to many families. With one parent raising four children, many difficulties can arise. The oldest Tom, and only son, escaped many of the difficulty’s the girls faced. Al with different personalities, jealousy and rivalry was prevalent. Their love for their mother during her illness was touching. And after her death, I loved how the families all came together. A good read.
June 7, 2019
Sad But True
Great read. My Mom passed away 9 years ago but the hurt is still there. Janice’s journey; along with her children’s reflected my Mom’s struggle through Alzheimer’s. The late night emergency calls from the nursing home and trips to the ER. This story made me relive the journey and know I’m no different from other children dealing with parents with this awful disease. Thank you
Great read. My Mom passed away 9 years ago but the hurt is still there. Janice’s journey; along with her children’s reflected my Mom’s struggle through Alzheimer’s. The late night emergency calls from the nursing home and trips to the ER. This story made me relive the journey and know I’m no different from other children dealing with parents with this awful disease. Thank you
August 31, 2017
This is the very realistic and moving story about a family torn apart by the shared and separate histories of the members, during the difficult time of adjusting to and dealing with the mother's dementia. It's a slightly difficult read because of the subject matter, but the take on it is realistic and dramatic, and very relatable to those going through such a difficult time.
May 30, 2018
Not the best written book....too much dialogue without enough "meat" or description. That being said, it still told the tale of an already dysfunctional family, dealing with a parent who refuses to admit there is a problem (Alzheimer's) and the battles they face to find the appropriate care for her.
A sad story that is too real for many today.
A sad story that is too real for many today.
April 7, 2019
Brought to Our Senses
WOW! This story brings home the heartbreak & devastation that Alzheimer’s has on family members and the sad way it leaves its victim. I was glad that this family was made stronger through this experience and I pray that there will be a cure found for this terrible disease. Thanks for an enlightening read!
WOW! This story brings home the heartbreak & devastation that Alzheimer’s has on family members and the sad way it leaves its victim. I was glad that this family was made stronger through this experience and I pray that there will be a cure found for this terrible disease. Thanks for an enlightening read!
July 2, 2017
This novel was a touching story of a family torn by the secrets and faults of their parents. It told an honest tale of their mother's struggle with dementia and her ultimate demise. I did not want to put this book down and found it very relatable.
July 3, 2017
Truth about living with an Alzheimer's patient.
Would highly recommend this book to anyone who faces dealing with a loved one with this disease. Having gone through this myself I can attest to the devastation this disease brings to all it affects. Great read!!
Would highly recommend this book to anyone who faces dealing with a loved one with this disease. Having gone through this myself I can attest to the devastation this disease brings to all it affects. Great read!!
July 10, 2017
This was difficult to read b/c my family is currently living this, but, oh, how on point it is. Even though it is fiction, it is very, very realistic. It was a very good read, and I would highly recommend it whether your family is experiencing Alzheimer's/dementia or not.
February 10, 2018
This is a Goodrerads win review. I had trouble reading this book because both of my parents had dementia and 14 years of caregiving almost killed me and left me with stress for years after I lost them. At least I had no siblings to fight with.
March 24, 2018
Thanks to this gifted, courageous writer for sharing her unforgettable family's story of dealing with the ravages of dementia. Anyone who is going through this experience with a loved one would greatly benefit from this moving story.
April 5, 2018
Two stars
Very sad and long book about what you and your family's life would be after being diagnosed with dementia. Realistic and depressing story with the siblings fighting constantly through out the book. This one is a no for me.
Very sad and long book about what you and your family's life would be after being diagnosed with dementia. Realistic and depressing story with the siblings fighting constantly through out the book. This one is a no for me.
April 16, 2018
I am a caregiver for my husband who has Alzheimer’s, so reading about the family involved in the dementia journey was enlightening. It is a hideous disease, and knowing there is no cure, is so difficult on the whole family. Thank you for sharing your journey.
May 22, 2018
An eye opener
Brought To Our Senses gives an honest view of how Alzheimer's is a family illness. The characters matured into a cohesive family from their experience that no one should have to endure.
Brought To Our Senses gives an honest view of how Alzheimer's is a family illness. The characters matured into a cohesive family from their experience that no one should have to endure.
July 7, 2018
Brought To Our Senses
I thought this book was wonderful. I do think Janice was left to live on her own for too long. That part was a little hard to believe, but this was a great story.
I thought this book was wonderful. I do think Janice was left to live on her own for too long. That part was a little hard to believe, but this was a great story.
July 20, 2018
Touching book about a horrible disease
This book is very touching. Having lived through a family member having Alzheimer's it brought back so many memories. The good, the bad and the ugly.
This book is very touching. Having lived through a family member having Alzheimer's it brought back so many memories. The good, the bad and the ugly.
August 17, 2018
I was not a fan of this book. To me, it was more about the family dynamic than the illness. It had lots of shallow dialogue that was full of bickering and sniping. I found the book emotionless and dull.
August 25, 2018
I agree with all previously written reviews; the characters didn’t seem fully developed at times and it was hard to read at times (the truth is told (which is good thing) but that truth makes it hard to read and swallow)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews