True Confessions of an Ambivalent Caregiver

“An unfiltered, invitingly irreverent look at what it means to be an adult caretaker.”—Kirkus Reviews

“A courageous memoir about the dark side of caregiving. As a psychotherapist who works with caregivers in the areas of cancer, neurological diseases, and dementia, this memoir is a reassuring read to anyone who has struggled with the complexities of caring for another human being. Eastman writes of the frustrations, the guilt, the exhaustion, and the difficulties of maintaining one’s own life as a caregiver, and brings attention to the serious issues of aging and eldercare in the United States.”—Cheryl Krauter, MFT, author of Surviving the Storm, Psychosocial Care of Cancer Survivors, and Odyssey of Ashes

“If there’s such a thing as a palliative read, then True Confessions of an Ambivalent Caregiver was that for me. It’s no small feat—on the page or in life— to keep a daughter’s love shining through a father’s decline, but Cindy Eastman has shown us the way. She’d argue with being called heroic, but with courage, honesty and wry wit propelling these essays, ambivalence has never looked so generous.”—Elinor Lipman, award-winning author of sixteen books of fiction and nonfiction, most recently Ms. Demeanor

“In a series of poignant, well-crafted essays, Cindy Eastman writes about her life before, during and after taking care of her elderly father. Her experiences show caregivers that they are not alone with their fluctuating feelings of guilt, anger, sadness, and joy. But this is way more than just a book for caregivers: it is a story of love between a daughter and her father, one that everyone can benefit from reading.”—Janie Emaus, author of the picture books, Latkes for Santa Claus and Easter Eggs and Matzo Balls and the adult novel, The Advice Columnist

“Cindy Eastman’s book couldn’t have come at a more perfect time for someone like myself, who is beginning the journey of caring for an elderly parent. Eastman covers everything—from the mundane to the moving—in a book that is as much a guide as it is a best friend. Most of us will grapple with the challenge, pain, and joy of taking care of a loved one, and I can’t think of a better person to lead us through than Eastman.”—David Leite, author of Notes on a Banana: A Memoir of Food, Love, and Manic Depression

“Both cautionary tale and how-to manual, Cindy Eastman’s collection of essays on caring for her elderly father in her home is a ‘real-time’ chronicle of the madness (and the occasional joy) that accompanies the honorable and deeply challenging endeavor of caring for a loved one. We are treated to honest storytelling that will resonate with all family caregivers in the murky middle of the journey. Every family caregiver will recognize themselves in this humorous, vulnerable, questioning memoir of life on the frontline. And feel less alone.”—Gretchen Staebler, author of Mother Lode: Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver