The purpose of this book was to describe how the author, Bonnie Campbell McGovern, took care of her sister, Barbara, who had Alzheimer's disease. Barbara had attended the University of California and studied history including African and US history. She wrote her senior thesis on the Apartheid System in South Africa. After college, Barbara worked at the Jet Population Laboratories in Pasadena, California, moved to Washington, District of Columbia, worked at the State Department in the Africa Bureau, and worked for the head of the Africa Studies Centre at Harvard University. She decided to go to Simmons College to get her MBA, took a job as a business management consultant for Forum Corporation in Boston, worked as a business management consultant in Kenya, returned to Boston, and worked on African American's political campaigns at the African Meeting House. And, during the 23 years, Barbara lived in the Boston area, she participated in marches against the Apartheid System. In January 1995, Barbara began showing signs of early Alzheimer disease; she continued on a steady downhill decline through the middle stage, where she moved to Alzheimer's homes and later to the last Alzheimer's stage till Barbara "went into the Light."

Barbara's stand against apartheid probably cost her marriage. She had once fallen in love with a man who supported apartheid, and she could not agree with him, so they parted ways. Despite the fact that she never entered into another relationship, she lived her life fully, as an independent, energetic, and smart woman, taking advantage of every opportunity, be it educational or career until Alzheimer's sickness began to take its toll on her. And when sickness knocked at her door, she bore this with dignity. Indeed, this is a great encouragement not only to Alzheimer's patients but to all others as well.

Her sister showed great bravery as she took care of Barbara. This was an emotionally exhausting job, yet she dedicated her life to her sister and did all she could for her. This sister, who is the author of the book, had previously cared for both of their parents.

What I was left wondering is whether there are early warning signs that indicate a person may develop Alzheimer's disease. Are there some things that lead to that? Or, that anyone can get it at any time. While reading books can be helpful, one never fully understands the experience of caring for someone with a disease such as Alzheimer's until the time care is needed. It is important to read and to learn from the experiences of others as the author shares in this book.

-Moses Kibe Kihiko

CEO, Practicum Leadership

Ongata Rongai, Kenya