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Rating: 
Summary: Death with dignity is a concern shared by all
Review: From discussions around the sickbed of a loved one to arguments before the U. S. Supreme Court, we as individuals and as a nation are struggling to answer that difficult question. Shadowdad is a true story of a son's quest for understanding, a loving tribute to his father, and a chronicle of the bad end to a good life. Hit by successive strokes, Holly Watrous is robbed of both his dignity and his abilities. He reacts by becoming abusive toward those he loves and who love him. His condition worsens, but he does not die. Instead, he lingers on in continual pain and perpetual despondency. His doctors take extraordinary measures to keep him alive, despite his living will's instructions to the contrary. All the doctors except one. Behind closed doors and in hushed tones, a doctor offers a possible solution--a solution considered immoral by many, and illegal according to the law. Family hearts are torn as they try to balance what Holly wants with what they are capable of doing in the name of mercy. In the epilogue, Watrous delves into the issue of assisted suicide. His thoughts, born of firsthand experience, will prove to be of immense value to many readers. Shadowdad is a book that deserves to be read, discussed...and de-bated.
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Summary: Quality of life vs. quantity of life
Review: Rick's story about his family's experience with his Dad following several debilitating strokes must have been an extraordinarily difficult story to write. But I'm glad he did it. He discusses honestly the very difficult decisions and emotions families of "no hope, no quality of life" patients face. It is thought provoking and would be an excellent vehicle to facilitate a discussion on assisted suicide/living will issues. We are kinder to our pets at the end of their lives than we are to our family members.
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Summary: Shadowdad, from the Heart
Review: Shadowdad displayed a vision from the heart. Well written and moving, the book certainly touched my heart. A definite read especially for those with aging parents. Rick says it all beautifully.
Rating: 
Summary: Hard to read, hard to put down
Review: This is a gutsy book, particularly the last third, as it chronicles with unusual personal honesty the five-year decline of the author's father from a bright and energetic person to the shell of a man sentenced to a lingering death. This book certainly makes you think about your own end. D H
Rating:
Summary: Shadowdad a Riveting Read
Review: Watrous's book contains a moving account of both the author's relationship with his father and the gradual deterioration of his father's physical, mental and emotional conditions following a stroke. Watrous examines his family's experience with a living will in New Hampshire and details his own struggle with the Death with Dignity isssue. Also discussed: resident care, assisted suicide, euthanasia and the rights of humans not to suffer.
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