Review of Helpers Anonymous

[canon joy]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Helpers Anonymous" by Jeanne Tiberio.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Helpers Anonymous by Jeanne Tiberio is an honest and moving look at the difficulties of managing a neuromuscular condition in the turbulent era of opiate addiction. With a raw storytelling style that combines heartbreak and comedy, Jeanne Tiberio takes readers inside her world as she faces the difficulties of depending on personal care attendants during a medical emergency.

In addition to detailing a young adult woman's journey to get a diagnosis of muscular dystrophy, the book also shares accounts of the traumatic events that sometimes befall patients receiving home health care. Background checks are not performed, which makes it easier for those who are looking for drugs to obtain their supply. These PCAs have tragic and fascinating stories to tell. That being said, this novel is full of humor. This adds to the book's appeal, even though it has some depressing passages.

Jeanne's tale inspires me, in my opinion. Her disability did not stop her from being bullied or put under pressure, and I think that her story will inspire others who are facing bullying. Furthermore, this book highlights some of the drawbacks of dependency on drugs, and in my opinion, it will assist readers in making the right choice by abstaining from strong substances. Additionally, it clarifies the dynamic that exists between caregivers and patients when they are at work.

I really enjoyed how the book gave us a peek into Jeanne's daily life. Her physical mobility is severely limited, but it doesn't stop her from loving the coast, Salem townies, cultivating gardens, the Red Sox, and creating delicious food. Despite her deteriorating condition, she still has a natural interest in the outside world. I came to understand that she had sacrificed her privacy in order to draw attention to the grave issue of in-home care during this unsettling period. We wouldn't be aware of the risky employment circumstances these people endure if the book didn’t provide such extensive detail.

There was nothing about the book that I didn't like. The book was flawlessly edited, had a seamless contextual flow, and was simple to read while making connections to the author's experiences.

I give this book five out of five stars because of the compelling storyline. I would suggest it to everyone working in healthcare, anyone who enjoys reading memoirs, and anybody interested in psychology or addiction medicine because it is full of valuable insights.

******
Helpers Anonymous
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon