Saturday, November 28, 2009

Close to Me but Far Away or Miracle Method

Close to Me, but Far Away: Living with Alzheimer's

Author: Burton M Wheeler

"Burton Wheeler started writing this book as a form of self-therapy when he found himself thrust into the role of caretaker to his wife - a role for which he felt unprepared. He wrote in memory of the very special woman his wife had been - a wonderful mother, charming and gracious, as well as a deeply respected psychotherapist. She was also his best friend, and he loved her. So, to some degree, this story is a love story - a story about two people who have shared life's ups and downs for over 50 years. It's also about commitment." "In Close to Me, but Far Away, Burt Wheeler provides insight into what a caregiver's day is like, as he shares his most intimate thoughts with us. The book provides a window into the author's personal life as he seeks to confront his own ineptitude and the occasional despair he feels as he deals daily with Alzheimer's. He also touches on the question of what keeps him going through times of exhaustion and frustration. Part of his answer lies in holding tenaciously to memories, and part lies in what he believes is a human's extraordinary capacity to continue plodding along simply because he must. Wheeler also believes in rejoicing in the beauty that can be experienced, and he believes in humor, humor achieved only by distancing ourselves from the events that so deeply engage us. And, of course, there is also the indefinable nature of love." Alzheimer's is a terrifying and horrible disease, as much for loved ones as for the patient. Those who are caregivers or friends of Alzheimer's patients or caregivers will empathize with and perhaps find comfort in Burton Wheeler's story. Because Alzheimer's is a disease that could affect anyone, Close to Me, but Far Away is a story from which we can all learn.



Book about: Hot Spot or Take This Job and Ship It

Miracle Method: A Radically New Approach to Problem Drinking

Author: Scott D Miller

From that "first thing," the authors help readers to imagine a future where drinking is not a problem and to specify small, concrete, obtainable goals that will make that future a reality. Neither the humiliation of "hitting bottom" nor a lifetime commitment to AA is necessary to make this approach work. Instead the individual learns to recognize exceptions (times when drinking is not a problem), catch himself "doing things right," handle setbacks, and revise the "miracle picture" when things aren't working. Highly practical, The Miracle Method is a radically new and effective approach to problem drinking.

Library Journal

Miller, who practices solution-oriented therapy in Milwaukee and Chicago, and Berg, director of the Brief Family Therapy Center in Milwaukee, offer a new way to lick liquor.



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