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You'd Better Not Die or I'll Kill You

A Caregiver's Survival Guide to Keeping You in Good Health and Good Spirits

ebook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available
New York Times Bestselling Author: “Candid, informative, upbeat, and sometimes ribald . . . a useful book for patients and caregivers alike.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
Bestselling novelist Jane Heller thought she’d found her dream man—until he turned out to be a “frequent flier,” the term doctors and nurses use to refer to patients who land in the E.R. more often than the average person goes to Starbucks. Here, Jane shares her experiences of looking after her chronically ill husband with Nora Ephron–like wit, and offers practical guidance for handling it all without drowning.
With advice on staying healthy while caring for a loved one and learning to communicate with medical staff, plus wisdom from other caregivers and experts, this is a personal and invaluable tool kit that also manages to prompt laughter and inspire.
“Heller aims to offer a different perspective—the importance of dealing with one’s own emotions and needs in order to have the strength to provide care to others.” —TheWall Street Journal
“Writing with humor and a relaxed style, Heller has produced a valuable, virtual support group in book form.” —Library Journal
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    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from November 5, 2012
      Novelist Heller (The Secret Ingredient) is no stranger to illness; her father had brain cancer, her stepfather had complications from epilepsy, and she married a man with severe Crohn's disease. So readers might assume, Heller acknowledges, this is a "bad news book." But it is actually candid, informative, upbeat, and sometimes ribald. Heller discusses complex but essential topicsâsuch as making nurses your friends and the competing demands of work and caregiving, frequently via mini-interviews with a relevant professional, such as an ER doctor (who explains why ER waits are so long), ICU nurse ("family members become our patients in a way"), or attorney (on getting patients to sign essential legal documents like advance directives). Her breezy tone strikes just the right note for difficult subjects like wishing your loved one would "disappear" and more practical discussions like why cooking for oneself is important. The array of perspectives adds a richness to the discussion. It's impossible to write a book like this without addressing the emotional issue of saying good-bye, but Heller characteristically follows that with an upbeat "silver linings" chapter. This is a useful book for patients and caregivers alike.

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  • English

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