I found this a very bleak read, although a valuable one. In hearing the diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease, I guess I never paid attention to the fact that this is a fatal affliction as well as a bodily and mental deterioration. In this book, co-authored by Sky Yardley, the patient, and Jane Dwinell, his wife and caregiver, the reader is provided with the journals of both on their journey through this unknown territory. It is an honest and brave retelling of the difficult way in which their loving, long-term relationship was slowly taken apart by Sky's dementia.

The beginning of the book was marked with Sky's special brand of humor and was very funny. I didn't particularly care for the small chapters of the fictitious decent into Alzheimer's Canyon that he wrote because I wasn't understanding it toward the end. I was brought to tears, however, by the journal entries marking Jane's deep sadness over losing the person she loved so much in just a few years. ( )

Read prologue; that was more than enough for me.

An interesting combination of perspectives and genres: memoir-style, from both Jane and Sky; blog entries, and Sky's attempt at fictionalizing what his increasing dementia was like, from the inside. I would have liked more non-fiction from Sky, especially in the early days as his disease progressed. I found the gruff "cowboy style" of his fiction jarring and off-putting (ending up skimming most of them). Also, possibly, more from Jane about her day-to-day life and feelings. Overall, though, an unusual and compelling read. ( )

This was an excellent book. I love books that have you follow someone’s story and experiences while also gaining glimpse into their insights. It is such a powerful way to learn. This book is no exception; well written and easy to follow along and get lost in, but have a pen ready because there are so many things you’ll want to write down and remember/reflect on. Truly enjoyed this and will recommend it to others; whether struggling with Alzheimer’s in their family or could just benefit from increased understanding of the experience of those that do. ( )

This book provides an enlightening, heartbreaking, sometimes humorous and ultimately inspiring story about grappling with dementia. It contains a plethora of insights (when I jot down more than 30 notations, it’s a clear indicator of time-well-spent with a book). Its unique format is both a plus – and at times – a bit of a deterrent. For the most part, “Alzheimer’s Canyon” skillfully integrates chapter overviews, blog entries from multiple perspectives and a more fantastical/fictional narrative into a highly engaging work. However, in some spots, the chapter overviews tend to be unnecessarily repetitive with blog entries that come several pages later (“Didn’t I just read this exact anecdote? Did I somehow misplace my bookmark?”) Also, I tended to speed-read through some of the latter entries of the fictionalized tale. But I quibble. The real-life insights I gleaned from Dwindell and Yardley far outpaced my short-lived frustrations. There are too many relevant “takeaways” to list them all, so I’ll confine my list to three. One important reality: There are no “road maps or visitors guides” to navigating dementia, because every path is radically different. Also, it’s important to know that most people with dementia are not living in residential care facilities. They live at home. Finally, readers are repeatedly shown that people who live with dementia can be incredibly astute and even inspirational. Some of Sky’s utterings even in his waning months are eye-opening. One such utterance: “It’s foolish to try and control everything. It just makes for more heartache and more pain.” Fortunately, I have yet to be placed in the position of having to deal with dementia in my family or circle of friends. If that day comes, I’ll search my crammed bookshelves for “Alzheimer’s Canyon,” because I know it will be a helpful armchair companion. ( )