A good memoir needs a compelling story and something both unique and universal to pull us in: this one has all that, told with clear, direct simplicity. Linda’s story is unique in that she was born with a life-threatening bleeding disorder, a rare form of hemophilia. Her childhood was filled with medical crises — but it makes pretty dramatic reading. The universal takes over when Linda’s role reverses and she becomes the caregiver for her aging parents, something that most of us will experience, and that we — and our children — will need to think about and prepare for. I, for one, would wish for someone as kind and generous as Linda to watch over me if I make it to 90 or more years. Not an easy story but a good one, with much to recommend it.
The unique juxtaposition of an adult who depended for her very survival on the steady hand of her mother who, at the end of her parents’ life, in turn was tasked with their care makes for an absorbing, page-turning read. Written clearly and moving easily between the distance and the near past, My Turn is almost too sad to bear. Ms. Wright is no sentimentalist; she give us the unvarnished truth in small sips, with only the occasional upbeat break in the tension. And in the process, she has created a very special memoir. If you plan to get old, you should read this book. I loved it.
This lovingly written book was particularly meaningful to me as a medical social worker who works directly with geriatric patients and their caregivers. The author articulated the growing process from one who was cared for to one who cared for the “carers”. There were so many instances when I had to stop and reflect on how I might respond to the needs of Ms. Wright’s aging parents. I must say, that I often fell short of her grace, strength and dignity. This book should be required reading for nursing, medical and social work students. Bravo!
I loved this book. It touched me on several levels. Linda’s story of growing up with a rare bleeding disorder, supported by parents who simultaneously protected her as much as possible and enabled her to live a full, rich childhood is remarkable. I learned so much about her disorder and the medical and personal impacts it had on her and her family. When her aging parents needed care, Linda was able to return the level of care they had given her in her youth. Well-written and engaging, I think the book would be a welcome addition to a reading list for medical or helping professional students as well as anyone facing caring for aging relatives. I highly recommend it.
This remarkable book is the story of a girl with a bleeding disorder who was not expected to live to adulthood. It shows what she went through, how her parents and spouse supported her, and how she returned the support when her parents’ health started to fail. It is told in detail, and in honesty, giving her feelings at each occurrence of a health crisis – her triumphs and her failures. It is a story of great resilience that we could all learn from.
It is difficult to imagine the courage it took for Linda to survive and thrive in spite of her bleeding disorder that was so poorly understood by most medical professionals. Her parents were devoted to her and did whatever it took to keep their girl safe and well. As she grew older and gained her independence, Linda appreciated all that they had done for her, then she took care of them when their health failed. The weaving of Linda’s childhood traumas with her parents’ aging maladies reveals how much this family’s shared strength and love benefits all of them. It is a well written and inspiring story that shows the meaning of true family love and perseverance.
My Turn, by Linda Wright, shares an incredible story of a young girl who was born with a rare bleeding disorder. Her parents were told she would live a short life. But, to everyone’s surprise, she actually lives into her adult years, and it’s time for her to care for her aging parents. What is most interesting is Linda’s understanding, reflection and gratitude of her younger years when her parents took care of her. Her parents embraced the complex needs of their daughter, and while many parents might complain of the sacrifices they had to make, Linda’s parents accepted their unique family dynamics and took time to appreciate so many of life’s simple pleasures. This gave Linda such a desire to live a full and interesting life, to fight for a cause, and to share her energy in support of her parents. Lucky for the reader, Linda is a gifted writer and we get to share her life’s journey. This is a quick book to read because you just can’t put it down. I just loved it.
Unconditional love in action. Poignant. Reflective. Insightful. The author writes in a clear and neutral tone about her survival as a child with a life threatening illness and her caring for her elderly parents. Roles reversed. Similar yet not the same. How do we care for one another. What sacrifices do we make? How do we care for ourselves when caring for others? Very tender memoir, written is a clear voice describing unconditional love in action.
I recently met Linda Wright when she joined Behind Our Eyes, a writers’ organization to which I belong. Having been a caregiver to my late husband, I was intrigued when she told me about this book, and I’m glad I picked it up. I was right there with the author, as she described her sometimes difficult childhood as a result of her bleeding disorder, angry with medical and other professional for their indifference. I liked how she shifted from memories of her younger years and recollections of her experiences caring for her parents as an adult, connecting the two stories in such a way that kept me wondering how things would turn out. The ending was sad, yet positive. This book helped me put my life in perspective. I’m thankful I never had to endure the hardships in Linda’s childhood or those she experienced while caring for her parents. If you like an educational, enlightening, heartwarming story of devotion to family, My Turn is for you.
Linda Wright’s memoir, “My Turn, When Caregiver Roles Reverse” is a story of love, courage, strength and family. Linda, an only child, was born with a rare bleeding disorder, a form of Hemophilia. If she fell and scraped her knee, she could possibly have bled to death. Her mother treated the less dire of her childhood injuries, but the more serious ones, she managed to get her daughter to a hospital in Boston, two hours away from where the family lived. Her mother was always there for her. There were some things Linda wasn’t allowed to do, though she still attended public school, went to college, got a job, fell n love with her best friend. Linda always had to be super careful. When she grew up, the tables reversed and she took care of her parents with the same energy as they had with her when she was younger. The story is incredible and heart-warming. I could feel he struggle, stress, fear, the victories of everyone in it. It’s so well-written. I highly recommend this book as both an enjoyable read and a learning experience. I give it a top rating of 5-stars.
My Turn 