Praise for Sustenance and Hope for Caregivers (Book #1)
Gloria's book gives attention to a neglected subject. I, as many of us, will inevitably become a caregiver for an elderly family member in the not too distant future. "Sustenance and Hope for Caregivers of Elderly Parents" has given me insight that will be very valuable in the years to come. Thank you to Gloria Barsamian for sharing her wisdom gained through 28 years of experience, as well as sharing the many real life stories she has acquired.
- JULIE GEORGE
This book thoroughly and poignantly examines a very difficult, but wide-spread, issue that most of us baby-boomers will face if we are not already facing it: how to take care of ourselves as we care for our elderly parents. Mrs. Barsamian's solid research, countless clinical experiences, and great humor bring this topic to us in a very concise manner that leaves one feeling hopeful and inspired.
- KIMBERLEE BURGESS
The final chapter of the book "Bread of Angels: Sustenance and Hope for Caregivers of Elderly Parents" is really the beginning of the story for author Gloria Barsamian. As she describes the "good death" of her grandfather, (lovingly surrounded by a large Italian family), the reader is able to understand the power that moment had for the young Gloria and the richness that she brings to this wonderful book and to her life. Now in her 70's, Gloria has vast professional experience helping families care for their loved ones. She shares her own deeply personal stories, her expertise and the realities of caring for the elderly in a way that gives the reader not only practical advice, but also hope and affirmation. Having just lost my own Mother after an extended illness, the book helped me to understand the emotional roller coaster I and my sisters experienced. Anyone who is facing the realities of caring for aging parents or ill family members needs this book.
- DORTHEA SEYBOLD
I have been experiencing some heartache concerning the physical distance from my aging parents. There is the issue of my Mother caring for my Father who is 90, blind and has respiratory problems. She is 83 in pretty good health but is chauffeur, cook, and shopper, etc. It is aging her and taking its' toll on her health. "Bread For Angel's" addresses this issue of spousal caregiving and shows how others face these same problems. I want to read the "Chapter Betty Brillo's Diary" to her when I go to visit them. This is a wonderful book for adult members of the whole family that need different points of view on parent caregiving, the stress of caregiving, and the rediscovery of yourself through this journey. The books' appendices provide lists of print and online resources, and a self help directory. Awesome.
- LILY GILDER
The book is very well written and researched, it has a human touch and utilizes a sense of humor. It is a must read for anyone of us who are faced with aging relatives. Although it is scholarly writtten it gives a real world perspective. I would highly recomend the book!
- AWB
Caregiving, while rewarding and deeply meaningful, can be a lonely, heart-breaking and isolating time in the cycle of life. Thank you Gloria Barsamian, for writing "Sustenance and Hope for Caregivers of Elderly Parents."
Your book has addressed so many of my questions, concerns, fears and pain - It has affirmed my thoughts and feelings and let me know that I am not alone.
- PAYTON HILLMAN
Parise for Three Whistles (Book #2)
If you are an Italian-American from Lawrence, I promise you will enjoy this book. Such difficult and painful years watching the hardworking people who made so many sacrifices for their families and friends, I feel grateful and blessed to once be a member of this amazing and strong community.
This book introduces one family who were the backbone of the neighborhood. Written with love and respect, I hope you will read and understand their strengths and weaknesses as well.
- GIOVI
This is a very time sensitive book regarding the Italian immigrant families and the discrimination they suffered. This story centers around one particular family as seen through the eyes of Pasquale Foenia. Many paralles can be drawn between these Italian immigrants and present day immigrants men,women and children crossing our border today. I would urge anyone, who is interested in understanding the true suffering many of these immigrants endured when they arrived in this country,to read this book. It is at times sad but mostly it depicts the resilience, fortitude and determination these Italian families possessed. A wonderful and inspirational book.
- NANCY
Even though the author chose to make it historical fiction, she has included much of the content which truly is non-fiction. Like the Spanish flu pandemic of 1918 - 1919. Gloria Grillo Barsamian wrote about this even before our current pandemic has started. There is so much we can learn from this past experience as it can help us get through the Covid pandemic today.
- B. KEELE
I loved reading about the courage and fortitude of the Italian immigrants arriving in this country.
- MIKE L
I especially was intrigued by the true meaning and affirmation of what an immigrant city such as Lawrence, Massachusetts had prevailed during those hardship years. The perseverance of family upbringing that has made this the fabric of our times today. Just wonderful reading!
- LUCILLE
A lovely testament to the Italian-American experience. Gloria brings a deep history to her writing. highly recommend
- MATT
I really enjoyed learning what is was like to grow up in a generation driven by hard manual labor and strong family values...you don't need to be Italian to appreciate this great read.
- JOAN
“Illness is the night side of life, a more onerous citizenship. Everyone who is born holds dual citizenship, in the kingdom of the well and in the kingdom of the sick.”