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Gentle Reads

These engaging books are recommended for patients who are still able to follow straightforward storylines, and for patients with limited short-term memory. They feature gentle themes and story-telling styles.

Big Stone Gap : a novel by Adriana Trigiani

Town pharmacist and local spinster Ave Maria has been keeping the secrets of Stone Gap for a long time, but now a skeleton is about to tumble from her own family closet

The curious charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick

Sixty-nine-year-old Arthur Pepper lives a simple life. He gets out of bed at precisely 7:30 a.m., just as he did when his wife, Miriam, was alive. He dresses in the same gray slacks and mustard sweater vest, waters his fern, Frederica, and heads out to his garden. But on the one-year anniversary of Miriam's death, something changes. Sorting through Miriam's possessions, Arthur finds an exquisite gold charm bracelet he's never seen before. What follows is a surprising and unforgettable odyssey that takes Arthur from London to Paris and as far as India in an epic quest to find out the truth about his wife's secret life before they met--a journey that leads him to find hope, healing and self-discovery in the most unexpected places

Dog on it : a Chet and Bernie mystery by Spencer Quinn

Intrepid canine detective Chet accompanies his human police officer partner, Bernie, on a first assignment involving the disappearance of a teenage girl who ran with the wrong crowd, a case that is complicated by Bernie's dysfunctional personal life

Major Pettigrew's last stand : a novel by Helen Simonson

In the small English village of Edgecombe St. Mary, retired war hero Major Ernest Pettigrew is enjoying the quiet life. However, when his brother's death coincidentally sparks a friendship with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, the village's only Pakistani shopkeeper, Major Pettigrew finds himself falling in love. But when small-town bigotry taboos his relationship, Major Pettigrew is left to decide if happiness is worth a ruined reputation

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

Working in Gaborone, Botswana, Precious Ramotswe investigates several local mysteries, including a search for a missing boy and the case of the clinic doctor with different personalities for different days of the week

Three bags full : a sheep detective story by Leonie Swann

A witty philosophical murder mystery with a charming twist: the crack detectives are sheep determined to discover who killed their beloved shepherd.

Second nature : a gardener's education by Michael Pollan

In his articles and in best-selling books such as The Botany of Desire, Michael Pollan has established himself as one of our most important and beloved writers on modern man's place in the natural world. A new literary classic, Second Nature has become a manifesto not just for gardeners but for environmentalists everywhere.

The life and times of the thunderbolt kid : a memoir by Bill Bryson

The author describes his all-American childhood growing up as a member of the baby boom generation in the heart of Iowa, detailing his rich fantasy life as a superhero known as the Thunderbolt Kid and his remarkably normal 1950s family life

A walk in the woods : rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson

Traces the author's adventurous trek along the Appalachian Trail past its natural pleasures, human eccentrics, and offbeat comforts

Blue sky, white clouds : a book for memory challenged adults by Eliezer Sobel

In spending time with his 86-year-old mother in the advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease, author Eliezer Sobel discovered something astounding. Although she could no longer speak full sentences or follow a story line, his mother could still read! He observed her sitting in rapt attention as she paged through magazines and coffee-table books, reading individual words and short phrases aloud. He wrote Blue Sky, White Clouds for her: a simple, adult picture book with beautiful, realistic photographs and large, easy-to-read captions. Perfect for any loved one suffering with Alzheimer's or dementia.

Colors : an exploration of color through poetry and pictures : an interactive book for memory-impaired adults by Matthew Schneider

"Colors" is one of eight interactive books designed specifically to enhance the quality of communication between caregivers and adults experiencing memory loss. Through its vivid photography and large-print text written in clear, concise, and easy-to-read sentences, these books have been developed to evoke memories, initiate conversation, and supply mental and physical stimulation. Each book is comprised of three unique sections: the stories; conversation starters; and, activities

America scenic wonders and remarkable sites that celebrate the spirit of a nation : an interactive book for memory-impaired adults by Matthew Schneider

A comprehensive, interactive book designed to facilitate quality engagement with a memory-impaired adult. Includes enlightening information, innovative conversation starters, and practical activities. Features easy-to-read large print text and vivid, full-color photography.

Let's look together : an interactive picture book for people with Alzheimer's and other forms of memory loss by Rae-Lynn Cebul Ziegler

"Wake up" someone's brain with every turn of the page in this delightfully engaging resource. Featuring evocative images of children, this picture book for adults is to be shared between a family (or professional) caregiver and a person with memory loss to encourage meaningful emotional connections and conversations through therapeutic brain stimulation. Research demonstrates that sensory integration in the brain reinforces and excites neural connections. Using the principles of sensory integration, occupational therapist Rae-Lynn Ziegler presents photographs that trigger multiple and varied sensory reactions: visual, auditory, tactile, olfactory, gustatory, and vestibular and proprioceptive (motion and movement). Tested with people with middle to late Alzheimer's disease, Ziegler's work demonstrates that spending time with an interactive picture book can help keep people with memory loss connected and engaged. Users of Let's Look Together are encouraged to Relate to the feelings suggested by the photos Reminisce about situations triggered in the person's memory Describe what might precede or follow the photo's action Tell a story about the child or image Find pleasure in sharing the book together Twenty-nine full-color photographs portray an array of easily recognized emotions and activities. Joy, tears, surprise, contentment and stubbornness are interspersed with edible delights, unexpected encounters, nurturing family interactions, and more. Simple conversation starters are provided for each image. It all comes together to create a new visual and emotional journey for each person every time the book is opened. Let's Look Together is for use one-on-one or in groups-at home or in formal care settings ranging from adult day services to hospitals and nursing homes.

Recipient of the National Medal, the nation's highest honor for libraries.