4 out of 4 stars
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He was concerned when his wife told their neighbors that he was a gambler and an adulterer, but this was different. John’s wife did not know who he was, and she was calling for her mother. Author John Lentz tells the true story of the years he spent caring for his wife in Our Journey.
At the age of fifty-two, John’s wife was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The symptoms appeared slowly but surely. For example, she would call him at work because she was lost in their own neighborhood. As time passed, the symptoms became much worse, and John found himself taking care of his wife with no help from friends or family members. The cost of care and John’s lost hours at work almost sent them into bankruptcy. At times, the difficulties of each and every day left John wondering what his wife would have done if their roles had been reversed. John set his doubts aside and continued to provide the care that his wife needed simply because, through it all, he truly loved her.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. My emotional engagement in John’s story was completely unexpected. His commitment to his wife’s care and comfort made me feel for him, but he never once came off as a victim. His love for his wife was his driving force, and John took every physical and emotional blow in stride. John is a man who deserves much praise, and he further impressed me with each selfless choice and sacrifice that he made. This is an engaging story, and I was invested from start to finish.
This is a well-written and well-organized book. There are two minor grammar errors, but these did not cause a distraction. The story is told with understandable language and flowed seamlessly from scene to scene creating a pleasant reading experience. However, I found the ending to be somewhat abrupt. Still, I recommend this book to non-fiction readers who enjoy stories about love and family.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. John’s passion for bringing awareness to this disorder shines through in his writing. His story kept my attention to the end. This is a story that everyone should read. Alzheimer’s disease affects the entire family and recognizing the signs can prevent unnecessary pain. This is an encouraging story that highlights the importance of family, determination, and the power of love.
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Our Journey
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