The Long Goodbye

Rating:
Summary: Where's The Beef?
Review: I was looking for more information in reference to alzheimer's disease itself, which I was very disappointed to find. They were very private when Mr. Reagan was going through the ordeal with the public and apparently want to keep it that way. My own mother died of alzheimer's this past year, but I could not relate to much of anything in this book, since not much information was given about the disease. I was surprised on how close she spoke of how her mother and her had gotten, yet she stayed in hotels when she went to visit her mother. The book was took place during the very beginning of alzheimer's....then a lapse for several years until the end - no meat at all! It seemed like it was more about Patti's guilt over years of not getting along with her parents, more than anything else. On a more positive side, Patti's writing itself is outstanding, including her descriptions and flow. The title of the book is very true when it comes to alzheimer's, however, the details of the book was ALL ABOUT PATTI, and should be renamed just that.

Rating:
Summary: Very close to the vest ...
Review: Patti Davis writes beautiful, thoughtful prose. I was struck, though, by how little she revealed of her actual experiences with her father's condition. I found myself desperately trying to read between the lines to eke out a bit of substance.

One of the few telling habits Davis revealed is that both she and her mother stay in hotels whenever they visit the other's home cities, all the while claiming they have grown to be very close.

I also wish there had been an attempt to bridge the gap between 1996 and 2004. It was as if there were some sort of missing-time experience.

On the whole, the book reminded me of my mother-in-law's letters written to me from a distant state. They are largely long descriptive details of the daily weather and her excursions to nearby green nurseries. I would like to have learned more.


Rating:
Summary: The Long Goodbye
Review: Thank you Patti Davis for a beautiful and helpful book. I am a caregiver as my husband is midway into Alzheimers. I have read other books on the subject looking for help. This was the best. Pattie, you gave the best information to help one through this long ordeal. I would recommend this heart warming book to every caregiver in the world. Sure wish I could thank Ms. Davis personally. Lorine Rohr

Rating:
Summary: A book for anyone who has lost a loved one
Review: This book is not only healing, but beautifully written. Having lost my own father to a terminal illness years ago, I found myself deeply connecting to Ms. Davis' words and heartfelt journey. Reading this book gave me a sense of hope and renewed my own conviction that death ends a life, not a relationship. The pages of this book affirm the best and most inspirational parts of life, love and even, death. It is also a touching testament to Ronald Regan, the beloved man, father and United States President. I would highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: I loved this book
Review: This is a beautiful book. Touching, tragic and full of love. It truly moved me