Reviewed by Robert A. Groves for Readers' Favorite

Can love overcome past hurts? That’s the question Tanya A. Taibl answers in The Words She Left Behind. Before we can get to Taibl’s caregiving journey, we need to understand the family dynamics that preceded it. The author had been estranged from her aunt for almost two decades due to past accusations that caused a great deal of hurt. There are a multitude of events provided to illustrate how this separation came to be. When Toni was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Tanya was reluctantly reunited with her aunt. There was no one else to care for her. Toni had spent decades isolating herself from others, and there were no long-term friends or relatives to provide the care she needed. When Tanya discovered journals her aunt had written and kept over the years, her perspective on who Toni was dramatically changed. For the first time, she understood that likely, her aunt had Alzheimer’s for many years before the official diagnosis was made. As the two spend more time together, Tanya’s resentment gives way to empathy, compassion, and eventually forgiveness. Several members of the family are reunited, and Toni finally feels the love and acceptance that she has sought for years.

Get the tissues ready! There will be many parts of the memoir that bring on the waterworks. Tanya A. Taibl has provided us with a well-written account of her journey as an unexpected caregiver. The writing is honest and unflinching. Raw emotion is combined with accessible storytelling. Using her educational background, she can explain the realities of being a caregiver in an informative way. Using personal reflection, family history, and excerpts from Toni’s journals, the author clearly painted a picture with words that helped me to understand the family’s struggles. Taibl does not shy away from the pain and resentment, but she also highlights moments of forgiveness and connection. Comfort is offered to those who have faced similar circumstances, letting them know they are not alone. Finally, there are resources given that people can access to help their caregiving journeys. I highly recommend this memoir for anyone touched by Alzheimer’s, whether they are a caregiver or healthcare professional. I would even encourage adding the book as supplemental reading in academic programs that focus on geriatric issues. Thank you, Tanya Taibl, for giving us The Words She Left Behind: How Alzheimer's Changed Our Story.