Official Review: C-Sharp Minor: My Mother's Seventeen-Ye...

[Cecilia_L]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "C-Sharp Minor: My Mother's Seventeen-Year Journey through Dementia" by Deborah P. Hall.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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"Even in the hardest times, there was still music."

In C-Sharp Minor: My Mother's Seventeen-Year Journey through Dementia, Deborah P. Hall shares a realistic glimpse of her relationship with her mother, both before and after the diagnosis of early-onset dementia. Hall was always close to her mother; in addition to being mother and daughter, they were business partners and best friends. By choosing to focus on her mother, rather than the ravages of the disease, Hall provides a beautiful tribute to the woman who instilled in her a love for music, family, and God.

The book spans 322 pages and is well-written, informative, and exceptionally edited. Regarding her mother's dementia, Hall first notices subtle discrepancies. These changes may have gone undetected, had they not been spending so much time together. As the disease progresses, Hall witnesses more rapid "nose-dive" declines. She reflects on poignant milestones such as when her mother could no longer work, drive, or continue to live in her cherished home on the farm, Erdenheim. Hall also provides a wealth of practical information for caregivers ranging from documenting family photographs and videos to navigating necessary paperwork.

Complete with photographs, Hall entertains readers with anecdotes from her family’s background and brings to life the characters from her childhood. She introduced her mother as someone who "refused to confirm precisely with expectations," beginning with her birth as a prematurely-born baby. Granddaddy was a preacher, Grandmother was a no-nonsense piano teacher, and Hall's Aunt Vicki delighted in playing dress-up with the cat. As Hall shared tidbits from her childhood, I became endeared to her single-parent mother, as well as their close mother-daughter relationship.

I particularly like Hall's choice to focus on her relationship with her mother despite the obvious challenges involved in caring for a parent with dementia. Even as a young woman, Hall describes her mother as "powered by sheer determination." As her mother's dementia progressed, this strength of will didn't always manifest itself in positive ways. However, Hall continued to remind herself that the culprit was the disease and not her mother. To say I admire her patience and devotion would be an understatement. I also enjoyed the "diamonds" Hall shared--little glimpses of clarity or humor reminiscent of her mother before dementia.

I honestly can't name a thing I disliked about this book. I'm pleased to rate it 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend it to readers who enjoy memoirs, and those facing caretaking for their parents. It is also an informative resource for readers seeking to learn more about early-onset dementia.

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C-Sharp Minor: My Mother's Seventeen-Year Journey through Dementia
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Like Cecilia_L's review? Post a comment saying so!

[randompersonavility]

I am also very close with my mother, I don't know how to cope if ever she forgets me. I appreciate the author's choice of sharing her experience. Thank you for a wonderful review.

[Y3misola]

I miss the fact that, my mother wasn’t there for me when I needed her most and from the bases of this book, and my wedding day. It really show how close my mother heart toward me, cause she was just sitting down and look nervous although. I like to read this book, to sharp thing between myself and my mother.

[Nyambura Githui]

It's great that Hall mainly focuses on the good times she had with her mother despite all the challenges she went through. Sounds like such an encouraging story. Great review.

[Cecilia_L]

I am also very close with my mother, I don't know how to cope if ever she forgets me. I appreciate the author's choice of sharing her experience. Thank you for a wonderful review.

Thank you for your comment.

[Cecilia_L]

I miss the fact that, my mother wasn’t there for me when I needed her most and from the bases of this book, and my wedding day. It really show how close my mother heart toward me, cause she was just sitting down and look nervous although. I like to read this book, to sharp thing between myself and my mother.

Thanks for commenting.

[Cecilia_L]

It's great that Hall mainly focuses on the good times she had with her mother despite all the challenges she went through. Sounds like such an encouraging story. Great review.

Thank you, I appreciate your comment.

[ChydeanmahE95]

My siblings and I have always been especially close to our mother, more so now that my father is gone.
I think I would be severely depressed if she were to start showing signs of dementia.
We would all be heartbroken. As much as I would love to read this book, I don't think I can stand the emotions and terror. I would constantly imagine my mum in the same position and that's terrible.

[kdstrack]

The author portrays her mother in such a loving way by insisting on highlighting her positive traits. That is a beautiful testament and a wonderful model for others in the same situation. Thanks for such a touching review.

[bookowlie]

I particularly enjoyed reading your insightful review because I considered selecting this book. Now I'm sorry I didn't! I can see how someone's symptoms can go undetected by their children. Not everyone lives near their parents. Even if they do, they might not see them often enough to notice the subtle changes. Thanks for an interesting review.

[chewy4uto]

I always enjoy reading your reviews. This book touches my heart I lost my mother recently, and it was so hard. She was a strong woman who cared for my father with Alzheimer's. How difficult it is to watch those you love slowly slip away. It is nice to see extraordinary people write about difficult times. We learn so much from other experiences; it allows us to see we are not alone — a great review I will have to read this book soon.

[Ruba Abu Ali]

The repercussions of dementia on the patient himself/ herself and on the caregivers is an issue that strikes a chord for me. This book will take precedence on my TBR list. I absolutely lavished in your eloquent and engaging review. Thanks, Cecilia!

[Cecilia_L]

My siblings and I have always been especially close to our mother, more so now that my father is gone.
I think I would be severely depressed if she were to start showing signs of dementia.
We would all be heartbroken. As much as I would love to read this book, I don't think I can stand the emotions and terror. I would constantly imagine my mum in the same position and that's terrible.

I understand. Thanks for your comment.

[Cecilia_L]

The author portrays her mother in such a loving way by insisting on highlighting her positive traits. That is a beautiful testament and a wonderful model for others in the same situation. Thanks for such a touching review.

Thank you. I appreciate your comment.

[Cecilia_L]

I particularly enjoyed reading your insightful review because I considered selecting this book. Now I'm sorry I didn't! I can see how someone's symptoms can go undetected by their children. Not everyone lives near their parents. Even if they do, they might not see them often enough to notice the subtle changes. Thanks for an interesting review.

I know what you mean--I had mixed emotions about selecting the book initally, but I'm glad I did. Thanks for your kind comment.