The Somebody Who

by Katie Gates

Dementia has robbed Evelyn Bennett's husband of 45 years of his capacity to share his wisdom, humor, and love. As Evelyn takes action to cope with the situation, she revisits the past and learns that... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 061519222X
• ISBN13: 9780615192222
• Release Date: July 2008
• Publisher: Channel Press
• Length: 348 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.6" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

The Somebody Who

As someone who nursed my father through Alzheimer's, I totally related to the love Evelyn had for her husband and the caring, matriarchal manner in which she holds the family together. All the characters are so interesting and believable; the story flows effortlessly and the interesting twist midway through held me on the edge of my seat until the bitter end. Couldn't put it down. A must read.

"It Had to be You"

I found this to be one of the most compelling "reads" I ever sat with. From the opening pages it grabbed me and I admit to reading it through in one sitting (with a break for lunch and a glass of wine to try and keep up with the cast of characters). She has handled a very delicate subject with such tenderness and accuracy that she has to have had first hand knowledge. A MUST read for anyone with aging family members or friends. Its witty, kind and full of wonderful surprises !!

Still there to love

I read this book in a rainy pleasant weekend! this book is a compassionate insight into a family dealing with dementia, like many American families, and how this family deals with it individually and together, however, what really follow me much after I closed the book and placed it in my library is this; I love the idea that 'older' people have the capacity to feel love, to want romance and sex. This book is a wonderful reminder that even though we continue to age, the spirit continues to be young and that if we are lucky, we will find ourselves 20 years from now loving somebody who--"

a great book! a timely subject

Dementia is spreading like wild fire. One might think it's a contagious disease. The Somebody Who talks about a family whose father/husband is a victim of this terrible affliction. And besides all that it is a well-written, good story.

Bring a box of tissues for tears of sadnes, and laughter!

I cannot say any more than that I am completely blown away by Ms. Gates' debut novel. The detail, the humanity and realty with which she describes everyone in the story is mindboggling, seldom found in few works except those of Norman Mailer or Annie Dillard. I've read it once, and I'm going to read it again. The style is flawless and smooth, and from the very first page as we are welcomed in to this family affected by Alzheimers, not once do we feel pity for any of them. There is such strength in Evelyn, and even in her suffering husband Davey, as his heroism comes to the fore in the face of real danger for Evelyn. I recommend that this book be made available in all libraries, and in every bookstore that will take it. I would question the establishment that would not line its shelves with "The Somebody Who" - it might change someone's life for the better! Go to your local book store and demand a copy! Thanks and best of luck, Ms. Gates,on a smashing debut novel.