David Bredbenner - Author

“What I really appreciate most about Going Home by David Bredbenner is the way it personalizes how individuals and families cope emotionally with the challenges of dementia in a blend of resilience and strategy for emotional survival. There is an evolution, sort of a full circle of care roles, where Bredbenner’s mother went from caregiver to recipient. We are shown broader life lessons on mortality through the unpredictability of life, the fleeting nature of health, and the critical importance of cherishing moments with loved ones. I was surprised to get a few laughs from the book and was reminded of my own family experiences when Betty Jane is telling her son that someone is stealing from her, but the filter has run thin and he has to turn the tide with a bit of silliness. I could connect with this and it did lift the embarrassment I had in a similar situation. There are things some people are unwilling to talk about, but Bredbenner is not one of them. Very highly recommended.” – Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorite

“Most of Going Home centers around David R. Bredbenner’s mother’s struggle with dementia. But it also serves as a biography, painting a vivid picture of Betty Jane’s life before the disease took its toll. He begins with details about her early and married life. These details are not minor as they allow the reader to connect with Betty Jane as a kind individual and make it easy for the reader to feel empathy for her and sympathy for her family. The heartfelt descriptions quicken the heart and make this story a fast-paced read. Kudos to Bredbenner for sharing a very personal experience in a way that honors his mother yet is honest and open. The story is a mix of highs and lows, capturing themes of family, grit, and resilience. The poems are thoughtful and tender and enhance the story. This is an ideal read for anyone with aging parents.” – Reviewed by P. Rosenthal for Readers’ Favorite