Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Slow Dancing with a Stranger summary
Brief summary
Slow Dancing with a Stranger is a memoir by Meryl Comer that chronicles her journey as a caregiver for her husband who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. It offers a raw and honest portrayal of the emotional and practical challenges they faced.
Topics
Table of Contents
Slow Dancing with a Stranger
Summary of key ideas
Struggling with a Stranger
In Slow Dancing with a Stranger by Meryl Comer, we are taken on a deeply personal journey through the author's life as she becomes the primary caregiver for her husband, Harvey, who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. The initial shock and disbelief of Harvey's diagnosis soon give way to the harsh reality of his deteriorating condition. Meryl describes the heart-wrenching process of watching her husband transform into a stranger, as the disease gradually erases his memories and his former self.
Meryl also shares the challenges she faces as a caregiver, from managing Harvey's increasingly erratic behavior to navigating the complex healthcare system. She is candid about the emotional toll this takes on her, as well as the strain it puts on her marriage, family, and career. Despite the overwhelming burden, Meryl remains steadfast in her commitment to care for Harvey at home, determined to provide him with the best quality of life possible.
Advocacy and Awareness
As Harvey's condition worsens, Meryl's role as a caregiver transforms into that of an advocate. She becomes an active participant in the fight against Alzheimer's, using her own experiences to raise awareness and push for better support systems for caregivers. Meryl is a vocal critic of the stigma surrounding the disease, advocating for increased funding for research and improved training for healthcare professionals.
Through her advocacy work, Meryl also finds a sense of community with other caregivers, sharing their stories and offering support. She emphasizes the importance of self-care for caregivers, acknowledging that their own well-being is often overlooked in the midst of caring for their loved ones. Meryl's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength of those affected by Alzheimer's.
Reflection and Resilience
As Harvey's Alzheimer's progresses, Meryl reflects on the life they once shared and the person he used to be. She is honest about her own fears and frustrations, but also about the moments of unexpected joy and connection she experiences with Harvey. Meryl's resilience in the face of such adversity is truly remarkable, and her unwavering commitment to caring for Harvey is a testament to the depth of their love.
In the final stages of Harvey's illness, Meryl makes the difficult decision to move him to a care facility, recognizing that his needs have become too complex for her to manage at home. She describes the heartbreak of this transition and the guilt she feels for no longer being able to care for him herself. Despite this, Meryl continues to visit Harvey daily, determined to ensure he receives the best possible care and remains connected to his loved ones.
A Call to Action
In conclusion, Slow Dancing with a Stranger is both a deeply personal account of one woman's journey through Alzheimer's and a call to action for greater awareness and support for those affected by the disease. Meryl's story is a powerful reminder of the human cost of Alzheimer's and the urgent need for better resources and understanding. While the journey is far from easy, Meryl's unwavering love for her husband and her determination to make a difference in the fight against Alzheimer's is truly inspiring.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Slow Dancing with a Stranger about?
Slow Dancing with a Stranger is a poignant memoir by Meryl Comer that chronicles her journey as a caregiver for her husband, who was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. Through heartfelt storytelling and insightful reflections, Comer delves into the challenges, the emotional turmoil, and the resilience required in the face of this devastating disease. This book offers a raw and honest portrayal of Alzheimer's impact on a family, while also advocating for greater awareness and support for caregivers.
Slow Dancing with a Stranger Review
Slow Dancing with a Stranger (2014) chronicles Meryl Comer's journey as a caregiver for her husband with early-onset Alzheimer's. Here's why this book stands out:
- Offers raw and honest insight into the challenges of caregiving and the impact of Alzheimer's on relationships.
- Shares personal anecdotes that resonate with readers, making the emotional experience relatable and profound.
- Explores the complex emotions involved in caregiving with vulnerability and authenticity, keeping the narrative compelling and far from mundane.
Who should read Slow Dancing with a Stranger?
Anyone who has been affected by Alzheimer's disease, either personally or through a loved one
Caregivers looking for insight and support in their journey
Individuals interested in understanding the emotional and practical challenges of living with Alzheimer's
Categories with Slow Dancing with a Stranger
Book summaries like Slow Dancing with a Stranger
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Slow Dancing with a Stranger FAQs
What is the main message of Slow Dancing with a Stranger?
The main message of Slow Dancing with a Stranger is finding strength and resilience while caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's.
How long does it take to read Slow Dancing with a Stranger?
Reading Slow Dancing with a Stranger takes a few hours. Blinkist summary can be read in less than 15 minutes.
Is Slow Dancing with a Stranger a good book? Is it worth reading?
With its poignant storytelling, Slow Dancing with a Stranger offers insight into the challenges and triumphs of caregiving.
Who is the author of Slow Dancing with a Stranger?
The author of Slow Dancing with a Stranger is Meryl Comer.
What to read after Slow Dancing with a Stranger?
If you're wondering what to read next after Slow Dancing with a Stranger, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser
- Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- Savor by Thich Nhat Hanh and Lilian Cheung
- Eat to Live by Joel Fuhrman
- Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price
- Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss
- Mindless Eating by Brian Wansink
- The Twenty-four Hour Mind by Rosalind D. Cartwright