Rating: 
Summary: Wonderful and insightful
Review: "The Worst Day of My Life, So Far" by M.A. Harper deals with Jeanne, who was taking care of her mother, Velma who was suffering from Alzheimer. Jeanne, had to leave her life when her father died and she was left with the responsibility of caring for her mother. Harper gives a detailed account of what Jeanne had to go through to care for her mother, ranging from inadequate sleep to frequent disturbances from her mother. It also increases her anxiety as she was constantly worried that her mother would do something (without meaning to) to harm herself. Adding to the backdrop of this is the life of Jeanne, how she dropped out of college, got pregnant, married the wrong guy. She was not having a good relationship with her son, and basically, she was not happy. I like this book because I think the author paints a realistic picture of Alzheimer's and that it is hardest for people to care for the ill. Sufferers of Alzheimer's are totally different people from who they were and every day is an attempt to survive and to be mentally stable as you need to be focus when you take care of the ill. It is also a full time job and that others around you might not understand what you're going through unless they experience it themselves. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Alzheimer's more from the view point of those who take care of the patients and how it affects their lives.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful and insightful
Review: "The Worst Day of My Life, So Far" by M.A. Harper deals with Jeanne, who was taking care of her mother, Velma who was suffering from Alzheimer. Jeanne, had to leave her life when her father died and she was left with the responsibility of caring for her mother. Harper gives a detailed account of what Jeanne had to go through to care for her mother, ranging from inadequate sleep to frequent disturbances from her mother. It also increases her anxiety as she was constantly worried that her mother would do something (without meaning to) to harm herself. Adding to the backdrop of this is the life of Jeanne, how she dropped out of college, got pregnant, married the wrong guy. She was not having a good relationship with her son, and basically, she was not happy. I like this book because I think the author paints a realistic picture of Alzheimer's and that it is hardest for people to care for the ill. Sufferers of Alzheimer's are totally different people from who they were and every day is an attempt to survive and to be mentally stable as you need to be focus when you take care of the ill. It is also a full time job and that others around you might not understand what you're going through unless they experience it themselves. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Alzheimer's more from the view point of those who take care of the patients and how it affects their lives.
Rating: 
Summary: Most Mediocre Book I've Read This Year, So Far
Review: Although it started off promisingly, the story didn't hold my interest, and the characters were unlikable. And the ending...? Irritatingly unsatisfying. I lovingly shelve most every book I read, a small tribute to the author and the hours of pleasure she/he has given me. But this one...? It has been deservedly tossed on a small stack of books to take to the used book store. Unknown, unpublished authors everywhere should take encouragement from this novel's publication: "If M. A. Harper got 'Worst Day' published, there's hope for me!"
Rating:
Summary: Realistic and enjoyable at the same time!
Review: As a person who has experienced Alzheimer's firsthand, I can say that Harper really captures what it is like to lose a family member while their physical presence still exists. The main character is not your average normal person nor is her realtionship with her mother typical. I think that gives the story more edge and readability. The Buchanan marriage is believable for its time as are the characters. The story carries quickly and seamlessly. Our heroine isn't the beautiful, perfect person, but a flawed and honest character. Great writing, great read.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!
Review: I absolutely loved this book. I could identify with Jeanne on so many different levels. I've known the worry, fear and frustrations of having to deal with a sick parent and could relate to many of the feelings Jeanne was experiencing. A beautifully written book, full of humor and sadness. I would recommend this book to all, regardless of whether they have had to deal with a sick parent or not.
Rating:
Summary: Best Read of the Year, So Far!
Review: I laughed until I cried! And then I would just cry! I could not put it down. I read through most of the night and could not wait to get home from work the next day to finish it. I am taking care of an elderly mother and could relate to the frustration, comedy, and love in this book. I really do not believe that you have to be living the story to appreciate it. It is a good read without the wonderful lessons, but the lessons about family, sacrifice, and Altzheimer's is a plus. I recommend it to anyone, but especially to someone new to caring for an elderly parent. It will help! ENJOY!
Rating:
Summary: For any caregiver
Review: I read this book at the beach, it belonged to someone we were staying with. Based on the cover I wondered if I would be interested, but the first page pulled me in. Despite the weight of the topics it deasl with -- Alzhemier's, coping with self image and self worth -- it is a funny book. I laughed out loud several times; Harper is really funny. This would be a great movie. While I have no experience with Alzheimer's, I have cared for a close friend with HIV/AIDS and this book rings true in terms of the heartfelt, and often politically incorrect, questions we ask ourselves when caring with someone with a terminal illness. This is perfect for anyone who has ever been in a caregiving situation. Funny.
Rating:
Summary: The real story of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's
Review: I read this book because I was told it was humorous. As a professional Geriatric Care Manager, I did not find it funny in the traditional sense, but rather one of the most important books about Alzheimer's disease I have ever found. I will recommend this book to all of my "Dutiful Daughters" and an occassional son who are living this. Although it is very hard to read if you are in the midst of fulfilling a caregiver role, I think the value is immense. Congratulations to M.A.Harper for telling such a meaningful story..............it needs to be read by many.
Rating:
Summary: The real story of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's
Review: I read this book because I was told it was humorous. As a professional Geriatric Care Manager, I did not find it funny in the traditional sense, but rather one of the most important books about Alzheimer's disease I have ever found. I will recommend this book to all of my "Dutiful Daughters" and an occassional son who are living this. Although it is very hard to read if you are in the midst of fulfilling a caregiver role, I think the value is immense. Congratulations to M.A.Harper for telling such a meaningful story..............it needs to be read by many.
Rating: 
Summary: A witty, realistic portrayal of coping with Alzheimer¿s
Review: Jeanne Roth, a divorced, adrift, 40-something, leaves her comfortable life in New York City and returns to Auletta, Georgia to care for her Alzheimer's afflicted mother, Velma. Either Harper endured a similar experience herself, or she is an extremely gifted fiction writer (I guess both are possible, actually), because the struggle between mother and daughter is so real. The feelings Jeanne expresses are so intense. This is a train of thought novel, almost like Jeanne's private journal. It deals with being middle-aged and alone, family relationships-particularly Jeanne's relationships with her son, Rad, and her ex-husband, Larry-and learning to come to terms with the ravages of Alzheimer's. This was a really instructive read, for me, as my grandmother had Alzheimer's, and it helped me better understand what my own mother must have dealt with. But more than that, it was a truly poignant, often funny and memorable mother/daughter tale.
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