Review of Not Dead Yet

[Tomy Chandrafrost]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Not Dead Yet" by Mark Fletcher.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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The nursing home often becomes the last place parents want to end up. I guess it's the same everywhere, whether in the East or the West.

My experience visiting a nursing home every week because it was close to the temple became a benchmark for me of how grim, boring, and unhappy life could be for the elderly there. The nursing home in this story, however, turned out to be in much better condition than the one I knew.

From the start, this story intrigued me. The initial tale of Jill's entrance and the immediate protest by the elderly residents there were captivating. How these elderly people showcased their humanity, hobbies, and desires to be fulfilled. Some enjoyed poetry, history, cartoons, writing music, stand-up comedy, and more. These elderly individuals were aware of conflicting interests and how the nursing home operated, and they wanted their opinions involved in creating comfort together.

The book narrates the personal stories of each fictional character. Each story left its mark on me. From the start, Frank and Douglas's story gave me chills. The punchline was unexpected, where Douglas eventually admitted to his daughter that he was gay. He talked about keeping this secret for the sake of family integrity, how he felt freedom and love while at the nursing home, and how he and Frank loved each other. The acceptance from his daughter, Alice, also made their story have a sweet ending.

The overall story sends a message to readers that the elderly here are not just room numbers or helpless individuals who can't take care of themselves. They have dreams, hobbies, goals, stories, skills, and uniqueness.

The most memorable story for me is Alexander's story. Alexander's story: initially unfamiliar with the nursing home system and uncooperative, he starts to accept and introduce himself to the nursing home residents. He talks about his wife, Patricia, and how he ended up here and introduces songs as part of the memories that tell about them. The song was last played at Patricia's funeral.

When he played it for the second time, it touched me to hear how he always remembers people in the songs he tells. In the end, at one event, he played Frank's favorite song as a way to remember Frank as the previous occupant of that room. The final moment was quite touching when, at his funeral, his favorite song was played.

Remembering people from their songs and works is one of the meaningful concepts introduced in this book. Each of them has a song that adds a touch to this story. The song helps Matthew's wife accept her husband's having a new life because of dementia. The song also helps Ian remember his deceased partner, despite the disapproval of the partner's family because of the significant age difference.

This book is easy to read and has an amazing, flawless, and perfect editing.

I give this book a rating of 5 out of 5 because of how it's so touching and full of unexpected plot twists. The various stories about each person here remind me to appreciate the elderly as human beings should.

Their reflections on their lives, their daily lives, their past and future, and their views on the afterlife also taught me many life lessons, reminding me to fight for what I want in life and not to dwell on unimportant things in life.

If there are any shortcomings in this book, I think it's the lack of many stories and the continuation of each character's story. Some characters seem to have unfinished stories, leaving readers wondering about the continuation of their lives. I hope there might be Part 2 of this book that tells the continuation of their life stories. Thank you for writing such a great book.

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Not Dead Yet
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[Charmaine Mahlangu]

Wow ! What a great catastrophe unfolding in this book . It is so emotional to see elders being sent to homes after all they have done for us . The secrets they have kept from their families is alarming also but come to think of it , we are all from a different era with different perspectives. This would be a great read Tomy but I am not ready to cry just yet .

[Priya Murugesan]

Looks like a very emotional book. Will try this one.

[Risper Ouma Anyango]

Parents being sent to nursing homes isn't really something that common in my country. Infact kne may even recieve hate speech if they sent their parent to a nursing home. I however loved your review. Douglas and Frank found love at there olden days and that was very beautiful.

[Ashwini Tawade]

Oh, what a splendid book! I really appreciate authors who care to write about the elderly. I really think they are the actual treasure. Sometimes, in the fast world of youngsters and children, the elderly are let aside, but they should be in the spotlight. The stories in this book seem worth reading. I will love to take the time to read this extra-special book. Thank you for a beautiful review.

[Terry Kimble]

It often seems like younger people (in America) look at the retired crowd as just "old people" waiting to die. I, too, have visited nursing homes that hold depressing energy. I have witnessed nursing home staff speak condescendingly to residents. This book sounds like a beautiful and inspirational read. Great review, Tomy!

[Cristina-Ioana Toader]

Thank you for sharing your review. Your reflections on the nursing home setting and the individual stories of the residents are touching and insightful. Great job!

[Tomi Ahmed]

This book review beautifully captures the essence of the narrative, highlighting the depth and humanity of the elderly residents in the nursing home. Your weekly visits to a nursing home provide a poignant contrast, emphasizing how the book's setting offers a more vibrant and fulfilling environment for its characters. The diverse hobbies and personal stories of the residents, particularly the touching tale of Douglas and Frank, underscore the message that the elderly are much more than their circumstances. Alexander's story, with its musical tributes, poignantly illustrates how memories and relationships are preserved and cherished. Your review not only praises the book's storytelling and character development but also reflects on the broader theme of appreciating and valuing the elderly. The call for a sequel shows your deep connection to the characters and their unfinished journeys. Overall, your heartfelt review does justice to the book’s emotional depth and narrative strength.

[Elizabeth-Tush4Christ]

There is an increasing number of elderly people around the world, and their dependency on the younger generation can sometimes be strenuous. However, it's important to make time and effort to ensure they enjoy their lives as much as possible, despite busy family schedules.

I appreciate you highlighting the message that the elderly are not just room numbers or helpless individuals who can't take care of themselves. They have dreams, hobbies, goals, stories, skills, and unique qualities. It's essential to recognize their individuality and value their experiences, as they have so much to offer and teach us.

The book you reviewed seems to capture this beautifully, emphasizing the importance of seeing the elderly as complete individuals with rich inner lives. This perspective is crucial in fostering empathy and understanding, and it’s something that often gets overlooked in today’s fast-paced world.

Books like this remind us to slow down and appreciate the wisdom and life experiences of the older generation. They encourage us to take the time to listen to their stories, learn from their skills, and support them in pursuing their remaining goals and dreams.

I particularly enjoy books with a well-developed plot and compelling narrative, and it sounds like this book delivers on both fronts. I am eager to dive into its pages and experience the journey it offers. Thank you for your thorough and insightful review; it has certainly piqued my interest in this book.

[Gayatri Tripathi]

Your review of this heartfelt book about life in a nursing home is both touching and insightful. It beautifully captures the essence of the narrative and the emotional depth of the characters. Your personal connection to the story, drawn from your own experiences visiting a nursing home, adds a profound layer to your analysis.

You’ve highlighted how the book transforms the often grim perception of nursing homes by presenting the residents as vibrant individuals with rich inner lives, dreams, and unique stories. This perspective is crucial and often overlooked in discussions about elder care, making your review both meaningful and impactful.

Your detailed recounting of Douglas and Frank’s story is particularly poignant. It illustrates the book’s message about acceptance, love, and the freedom to be oneself, even later in life. The sweet ending where Douglas’s daughter accepts his truth adds a layer of hope and positivity to their journey.

Alexander’s story, with its beautiful integration of music and memory, seems to have left a significant mark on you. The way you describe the emotional impact of songs played at key moments highlights the author’s skill in using music to connect the characters' past and present, adding depth to their experiences.

Your praise for the book’s easy readability, flawless editing, and unexpected plot twists is well-articulated. It’s clear that the narrative touched you deeply, reminding you—and potentially all readers—of the importance of valuing the elderly as complete individuals with rich histories and dreams.

The constructive feedback you provided about the unfinished stories of some characters is valuable. Your hope for a Part 2 suggests a deep engagement with the characters and a desire to see their journeys continue, which speaks volumes about the book’s impact.

Overall, your review is a powerful testament to the book’s ability to shift perspectives and evoke empathy. Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful and comprehensive review. It certainly makes the book sound like a must-read for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the lives of the elderly.

[R Chinaza Onwuka]

This is a wonderful review of a captivating book. I could feel emotions as I read through this review. I like book of this nature that is full of unexpected twists. I certainly look forward to reading this book.

[Gerry Steen]

You review pointed out many essential elements in this story. I am thrilled that the importance of music is a theme in the book. Music therapy can change one's mood for the better. It is a medium of expression for human emotions and is often nostalgic. Old-age homes need music therapy. Thank you for your thorough review.

[Martina Sette]

Your reflections on the book beautifully highlight the humanity and individuality of the elderly characters in the nursing home. The book seems to challenge the often grim perception of nursing homes by showcasing a vibrant community where the elderly are more than just room numbers—they are people with dreams, hobbies, and rich histories. I want to read it!

[Ludovica Peruzzi]

We definitely don't think enough about the place the elderly have in our society, and this goes for both everyday life and books/movies. It's like once people hit a certain age, no more stories are written about them because we think nothing of note can happen to them anymore - but they still have dreams, passions, dear friends. You're never too old for your experiences to be told. I haven't read this book, but just off your review, I really appreciate how sensitively it approaches the matter. Thank you for sharing!

[Julie Marie Basil]

This sounds like a very worthwhile read. I have spent time volunteering in several nursing homes throughout my life and am always struck by the kindness of the residents and their joy at people coming to spend time with them. I am glad to about another book that you enjoyed and recommend.