readers are saying....
I am 2/3 through your sister's book and am relishing every page. It brings back some tough memories but is so very much what I/we were going through over 20 years with all 4 of our parents. I love the apt name "Goliath" as that what it is really like when trying to deal with that system. Being a former LPN helped to know things from both sides but didn't make it any easier dealing directly with many of the required individuals. Thank her for me for her contribution. I still would love to see such a thing as an "Advocacy School" for all 'pre-caregivers' to partake.
Gayle
The Dwindling is an honest, well-written, heart-warming book full of love and laughter. I look forward to Janet’s new book as she is a writer with heart, empathy and skill.
Gwynne
On behalf of all of us Dwindlers, thank you for writing this excellent informative book. I think Goliath and other health systems should make it compulsory reading for their workers. Nice cover by Fiona - well done,
Jane
In “The Dwindling,” Janet Dunnett takes readers on a distinctly personal caregiver journey that embodies the ambivalence, doubt, and love that always co-exist when we care for someone we love. Caring for her mother and her father, Janet’s care experiences shows us how caregiving impacts each and every relationship in a family system in unpredictable ways. Grounded in a compelling narrative defined by authenticity, rawness, doses of sarcasm—“I reached for my advocate’s hat, a helmet really”—and love, we come to know Janet’s family as central characters as they each evolve and respond in real time to the exhaustions and rewards of care. Unlike the clichéd caregiver snapshots we too often get that deceive us into thinking that care is only something you do, Dunnett shows us how care changes everyone it comes into contact with. Sharply crafted narratives like “The Dwindling” helps caregivers feel less alone because it reveals the systems of contradictions and challenges and cultural beliefs that too often compromise quality and deeply humane care. “The Dwindling” reminds us that care advocacy is a byproduct of something we experience at home, behind closed doors. Thank you, Janet, for opening the door and allowing us to accompany you on the journey of the 21st century.
Zachary White, PHd Professor of Communications, Queens University of North Carolina
Caregiving is a timely and topical subject today and The Dwindling is a great read for these times. Janet Dunnett shares her journey of providing care for her own senior parents. Being a caregiver can be a stressful, trying, demanding, and challenging job where adult children face managing the affairs of their own parents while also managing their own families, lives, and/or careers; however, Dunnett reminds us that there can be great satisfaction in the work as well. Dunnett has spoken of both the good and the bad times by sharing personal stories - she has done a masterful job of keeping these stories alive. Whether you are expecting to become a caregiver or are currently helping and supporting an elderly loved one, there is much in Dunnett's writing which can help you to personally cope and to gain further insights about what to expect and how to manage. It takes great strength and courage to both care for your own aging parents and to publicly share those experiences. Bravo to Dunnett for doing both!
Rick Lauber (Author of Caregiving Guide for Canadians,
In this timely and courageous memoir, Janet Dunnett tells the story of how she and her identical twin sister, Judi, stepped up to be caregivers for their parents during the “dwindling” decade preceding their deaths.
Published the same month that, statistically, Canadian seniors began to outnumber children, it illuminates the increasing concerns of my generation, the “junior seniors”, about whether there will be enough assistance and resources for all of us, should our own declines entail an uncertain period of frailty and complications.
Using a concise, direct and simple style, Dunnett shows us drudgery and occasional drama, moments of transcendence and black humor. Her conclusion that the tag-team “Parent Project” was “the hardest job we ever loved” both inspires and rings true.
Nancy
The Dwindling is a memoir of Janet and her identical twin Judy’s long journey of looking after their divorced aging, indeed dwindling, parents over a decade. It is an exceptional love story of the twins for each other and for their ailing parents. It is also a story of the challenges posed by an overworked ‘Goliath’ as she refers to Canada’s health system. Time and again, she describes how the policies and practices of the health system run roughshod over the particularities of their respective parents’ needs at different points in their dwindling. The memoir recounts how at each encounter with the health system, the twins do battle with it for their parents, sometimes succeeding in tickling out an appropriate response but sometimes not. Our baby-boomer generation is headed toward the dwindling. How will we and our embattled health system fare with this bulge?
Bob,
Janet, I need to thank you. I shared your book with Victoria friends living thru the challenge, struggle, ageing parent & the goliath system. They are so grateful for your work, passing on great big Thank You's for your work and guidance!
Joan
I cannot let another day go by without saying how much I enjoyed your book. Your optimism and positive attitude stood out vividly as you worked your way, with your sister, though all the traumas and vicissitudes of your journey. I have already lent it out to various friends, all of whom have enjoyed it too. ...
Averil,
Thank you again for your inspiring book...
Marilyn
A beautiful writer with a fiery passion for supporting and connecting with caregivers. I love Janet Dunnett.
Cassandra,
I'm so pleased that you shared your story as it is most difficult emotionally when it is happening your family. Well done! I pray that I will have twin strength when I have to step into Goliah's ring.
Linda
I just finished reading your book. So well written! I felt you told your family story so well that it was hard to put the book down. The love shone through. It is a wonderful book!
Pauline
I bought your book on kindle and am reading it now. It is really fun and interesting to read. I particularly enjoy your relationship to your twin sister...The parent caring issue is a big one and I really like its designation, The Parent Project.
Allison.
I read your book – it’s terrific. I resonated to your descriptions of how to handle the ER!
I was astounded at how similar your struggles were to those in the US. We always think that Canada has it figured out better. Joanne,
My sister ordered 2 of your books and we have both read (and reread) it. Thank you for your excellent book and insights into the dwindling into the senior years. We look for any bit of humour that we can to help alleviate the inevitable.
Marilyn,
I adored your book. It is brilliant! I've ordered three more copies, to give to my children.
Christine,
Your book has been a godsend to me, because in it you express things (anger, aggravation etc) that I have trouble allowing myself to express, not only to myself, but to my siblings, so you have given me great courage.
Lisa,
I hope u don't mind me taking a minute to bud in. Wanted to tell Janet Dunnett how much I so enjoyed your book. It's help me find pleasure in the pain... love in the sorrow.... hope through the tears and happiness in helping me try to repay my mom and dad for all they've been to us. Thank u... people like u help us walk a little stronger. Thank u 😀 This came on Twitter
So strong, honest and committed! She speaks openly about emotions--a subject we tend to sideline.
Audrey,
Almost half way through your book! Can hardly put it down! You are an excellent, excellent writer ! I love your use of humour too!
Betty,
Just finished this amazing tale! It is hard to comprehend how hard this was. it is hard to comprehend that you and your family, especially you and Judi, could do all that you did. It is hard to comprehend that you could write it this well. It is hard to comprehend the unending love you all had for your parents.Thank you!
Robin,
I cannot let another day go by without saying how much I enjoyed your book "The Dwindling". Your optimism and positive attitude stood out so vividly as you worked your way, with your sister, through all the traumas and vicissitudes of your journey. I have already lent it out to various friends, all of whom have enjoyed it too.
I've read The Dwindling, and I've already told several people they should buy it immediately. It is an extraordinary work.
Charles
You have managed splendidly to combine storytelling and issues, handle time shifts, and keep your writing engaging. It’s not easy to create a light touch and even a quick pace when our subject matter—or at least the topic that unites all the subjects and stories—is “dwindling”
Eileen,
Gayle
The Dwindling is an honest, well-written, heart-warming book full of love and laughter. I look forward to Janet’s new book as she is a writer with heart, empathy and skill.
Gwynne
On behalf of all of us Dwindlers, thank you for writing this excellent informative book. I think Goliath and other health systems should make it compulsory reading for their workers. Nice cover by Fiona - well done,
Jane
In “The Dwindling,” Janet Dunnett takes readers on a distinctly personal caregiver journey that embodies the ambivalence, doubt, and love that always co-exist when we care for someone we love. Caring for her mother and her father, Janet’s care experiences shows us how caregiving impacts each and every relationship in a family system in unpredictable ways. Grounded in a compelling narrative defined by authenticity, rawness, doses of sarcasm—“I reached for my advocate’s hat, a helmet really”—and love, we come to know Janet’s family as central characters as they each evolve and respond in real time to the exhaustions and rewards of care. Unlike the clichéd caregiver snapshots we too often get that deceive us into thinking that care is only something you do, Dunnett shows us how care changes everyone it comes into contact with. Sharply crafted narratives like “The Dwindling” helps caregivers feel less alone because it reveals the systems of contradictions and challenges and cultural beliefs that too often compromise quality and deeply humane care. “The Dwindling” reminds us that care advocacy is a byproduct of something we experience at home, behind closed doors. Thank you, Janet, for opening the door and allowing us to accompany you on the journey of the 21st century.
Zachary White, PHd Professor of Communications, Queens University of North Carolina
Caregiving is a timely and topical subject today and The Dwindling is a great read for these times. Janet Dunnett shares her journey of providing care for her own senior parents. Being a caregiver can be a stressful, trying, demanding, and challenging job where adult children face managing the affairs of their own parents while also managing their own families, lives, and/or careers; however, Dunnett reminds us that there can be great satisfaction in the work as well. Dunnett has spoken of both the good and the bad times by sharing personal stories - she has done a masterful job of keeping these stories alive. Whether you are expecting to become a caregiver or are currently helping and supporting an elderly loved one, there is much in Dunnett's writing which can help you to personally cope and to gain further insights about what to expect and how to manage. It takes great strength and courage to both care for your own aging parents and to publicly share those experiences. Bravo to Dunnett for doing both!
Rick Lauber (Author of Caregiving Guide for Canadians,
In this timely and courageous memoir, Janet Dunnett tells the story of how she and her identical twin sister, Judi, stepped up to be caregivers for their parents during the “dwindling” decade preceding their deaths.
Published the same month that, statistically, Canadian seniors began to outnumber children, it illuminates the increasing concerns of my generation, the “junior seniors”, about whether there will be enough assistance and resources for all of us, should our own declines entail an uncertain period of frailty and complications.
Using a concise, direct and simple style, Dunnett shows us drudgery and occasional drama, moments of transcendence and black humor. Her conclusion that the tag-team “Parent Project” was “the hardest job we ever loved” both inspires and rings true.
Nancy
The Dwindling is a memoir of Janet and her identical twin Judy’s long journey of looking after their divorced aging, indeed dwindling, parents over a decade. It is an exceptional love story of the twins for each other and for their ailing parents. It is also a story of the challenges posed by an overworked ‘Goliath’ as she refers to Canada’s health system. Time and again, she describes how the policies and practices of the health system run roughshod over the particularities of their respective parents’ needs at different points in their dwindling. The memoir recounts how at each encounter with the health system, the twins do battle with it for their parents, sometimes succeeding in tickling out an appropriate response but sometimes not. Our baby-boomer generation is headed toward the dwindling. How will we and our embattled health system fare with this bulge?
Bob,
Janet, I need to thank you. I shared your book with Victoria friends living thru the challenge, struggle, ageing parent & the goliath system. They are so grateful for your work, passing on great big Thank You's for your work and guidance!
Joan
I cannot let another day go by without saying how much I enjoyed your book. Your optimism and positive attitude stood out vividly as you worked your way, with your sister, though all the traumas and vicissitudes of your journey. I have already lent it out to various friends, all of whom have enjoyed it too. ...
Averil,
Thank you again for your inspiring book...
Marilyn
A beautiful writer with a fiery passion for supporting and connecting with caregivers. I love Janet Dunnett.
Cassandra,
I'm so pleased that you shared your story as it is most difficult emotionally when it is happening your family. Well done! I pray that I will have twin strength when I have to step into Goliah's ring.
Linda
I just finished reading your book. So well written! I felt you told your family story so well that it was hard to put the book down. The love shone through. It is a wonderful book!
Pauline
I bought your book on kindle and am reading it now. It is really fun and interesting to read. I particularly enjoy your relationship to your twin sister...The parent caring issue is a big one and I really like its designation, The Parent Project.
Allison.
I read your book – it’s terrific. I resonated to your descriptions of how to handle the ER!
I was astounded at how similar your struggles were to those in the US. We always think that Canada has it figured out better. Joanne,
My sister ordered 2 of your books and we have both read (and reread) it. Thank you for your excellent book and insights into the dwindling into the senior years. We look for any bit of humour that we can to help alleviate the inevitable.
Marilyn,
I adored your book. It is brilliant! I've ordered three more copies, to give to my children.
Christine,
Your book has been a godsend to me, because in it you express things (anger, aggravation etc) that I have trouble allowing myself to express, not only to myself, but to my siblings, so you have given me great courage.
Lisa,
I hope u don't mind me taking a minute to bud in. Wanted to tell Janet Dunnett how much I so enjoyed your book. It's help me find pleasure in the pain... love in the sorrow.... hope through the tears and happiness in helping me try to repay my mom and dad for all they've been to us. Thank u... people like u help us walk a little stronger. Thank u 😀 This came on Twitter
So strong, honest and committed! She speaks openly about emotions--a subject we tend to sideline.
Audrey,
Almost half way through your book! Can hardly put it down! You are an excellent, excellent writer ! I love your use of humour too!
Betty,
Just finished this amazing tale! It is hard to comprehend how hard this was. it is hard to comprehend that you and your family, especially you and Judi, could do all that you did. It is hard to comprehend that you could write it this well. It is hard to comprehend the unending love you all had for your parents.Thank you!
Robin,
I cannot let another day go by without saying how much I enjoyed your book "The Dwindling". Your optimism and positive attitude stood out so vividly as you worked your way, with your sister, through all the traumas and vicissitudes of your journey. I have already lent it out to various friends, all of whom have enjoyed it too.
I've read The Dwindling, and I've already told several people they should buy it immediately. It is an extraordinary work.
Charles
You have managed splendidly to combine storytelling and issues, handle time shifts, and keep your writing engaging. It’s not easy to create a light touch and even a quick pace when our subject matter—or at least the topic that unites all the subjects and stories—is “dwindling”
Eileen,
