Grace on the Go, by Barbara Bartocci. Harrisburg, New York: Morehouse Publishing; 2008. 90 pages; paperback; $10.00.

Grace on the Go is a pocket-sized book designed for caregivers of persons requiring care 24/7. The book is organized into chapters and has small, 1-or 2-paragraph stories followed by a prayer directed at a specific situation. Since caregivers are the intended audience, concerns specific to them form the basis for the short scenarios and prayers.

A typical chapter in the book starts with a given topic followed by a general comment on the specific topic. For example, fear may be the topic and there would be a common situation related to fear. This is followed by a poem or quote specific to fear, and the chapter is then subdivided into aspects of fear. Each chapter has a small scenario followed by a short prayer. At the end of the chapter, you find Quick Steps for Holy Action. These steps list tasks a person can do to assist himself or herself with the chapter topic.

Personally, I liked the book. Working in the healthcare industry, I believe this book can be useful for the family members of many patients with whom I work. The book seems complete in that it discusses several topics of concern to caregivers. In some places, the text does jump abruptly from one idea to the next without a connection between the 2 subjects. I think this book would be a good book to give to people who are considering becoming caregivers as well as those who are currently caregivers. I found I could put myself into the specific scenarios and that the related prayer was helpful. I think the book is beneficial to the intended audience of caregivers, and it could be placed in a medical institution or office for visitors to browse or take home to read.

-Tracy L. Drury, RD

Registered Dietitian, Somerdale, NJ