"a hauntingly powerful work of the sort only the very best of writers may hope to achieve in a lifetime"
—James Brown, author of Apology to the Young Addict
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"In this gorgeous memoir that bears witness to her mother’s decline and death, L. Annette Binder allows us space to explore a fundamental truth of all our lives: 'We all build our own paradise if we’re lucky, and every one of us must leave it much too soon.' In prose that deftly combines personal memory with research and poetry, Binder weaves a tapestry that reveals the many textures of love."
—Brenda Miller, author of A Braided Heart: Essays on Writing and Form
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"a beautiful and deeply moving memoir about a mother’s descent into Alzheimer’s Dementia and a daughter’s quest to honor her mother through time ... elegant, clear, purposeful, and wise. I didn’t want the book to end."
—Sandell Morse, author of The Spiral Shell
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"A gorgeous memoir of her mother's journey through Alzheimer's...sensitive, thoughtful, and intelligent. An amalgam of personal thoughts, observations, and research, Binder takes this journey step by step with her beloved Mutter. This is an important read for all adult children to be prepared for their parents' possible future."
—Traci HalesVass, host of NPR podcast, Write On Four Corners
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"compassionate, filled with curiosity and love, all rendered with sure and gentle strokes"
—Suzanne M. Lang, Host of the NPR podcast, A Novel Idea
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"a profound meditation on identity and consciousness ... leaves the reader full of optimism and thankful for the moments of brightness"
—Pamela Klinger-Horn, Valley Bookseller and Host of Literature Lovers’ Night Out
—Pamela Klinger-Horn, Valley Bookseller and Host of Literature Lovers’ Night Out
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"a complete compendium of literary comfort and practical guidance ... suffused with warmth and with deep insight"
—Eileen MacDougall, Host of Book Stew
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"filled with love, vulnerability, and strength... This is a very, very special story that will leave a poignant mark on your heart."
—Tina Panik, Avon Public Library (Connecticut)
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"transforms the intensely personal experience of escorting an elderly parent through the "labyrinth" of Alzheimer's Disease into a literary journey of finding one's way home--to key relationships; to the vital significance of language, place, and treasured things; and ultimately to one’s very soul. Utterly relatable and brimming with love, Child of Earth and Starry Heaven adds an elegant, empathetic voice to the evolving discourse on dementia."
—Judith G. Russell, Library Director, Converse Public LIbrary (New Hampshire)
—Judith G. Russell, Library Director, Converse Public LIbrary (New Hampshire)
Coming April 2025
Wandering Aengus Press
Child of Earth and Starry Heaven