Review of

AARP’s Meditations for Caregivers: Practical, Emotional, and Spiritual Support for You and Your Family

by Barry J. Jacobs, PsyD. & Julia L. Mayer, PsyD.

Reviewed by Bob Mastrogiovanni

This is a short but powerful book which touches on 28 topics related to caregiving. It was just released and can be purchased on Amazon. While not exclusively for well spouses, the wisdom and encouragement can be moving for all caregivers.

Each of the chapters starts with a quotation, and then presents a few vignettes for examples of how the real lives of caregivers are affected. Then a few sentences follow to summarize the point we should take from these examples.

I am the type of reader who doesn’t like long, drawn-out books that are a struggle to get through. I favor this kind of book—short and to the point. It holds a caregiver’s interest, and I know I could read it again and again.

Barry Jacobs contributes his time and talents to WSA by serving on our Honorary Board; his co-author, Julia Mayer, is his wife. He mentions WSA in the chapter on seeking out other caregivers (page 177); and in resources (page 212), he lists our information for referrals.

I highly recommend that all well spouses have a copy of this book in their homes. It is the sort of guide that can be consulted over and over. I believe that is why it is called "Meditations."