Uh ohhh … What should we do?
We’ve almost run out of copies of “Where’s my shoes?” My Father’s Walk through Alzheimer’s.
In fact, we have only seven copies left. I’m serious. I was surprised to discover this during this past weekend’s inventory. Why do I even mention this, because there are so few copies? Because I need your advice.
The first edition of “Where’s my shoes?” (the grammatically incorrect question my father asked while living with dementia), was published in 1999. It was one of the pioneering handful of books written by caregivers about caring for a family member with dementia. Since then, thousands of books have been written by family caregivers, sharing their experiences–each touching on caregiving a little differently.
Despite the increase in the number of books, caregivers around the world and here in the U.S. were sending me emails and calling me, wanting to learn the rest of the story.
- Was my father still alive?
- What happened to my relationship with my sister and brother?
- What am I doing now?
- What advice do I have for caregivers?
I spent four years writing the second edition to answer these questions and more. Unbelievably, it took me two and a half years longer than it took me to write the first edition. That was in 2005.
Now, it’s 2014, nearly nine years later, and unless we do something it’s all over for “Where’s my shoes?”
What do you suggest?
Some ideas we’ve received so far:
- Convert the text into an e-book (may be costly given the age of the software used to design the book).
- Create a third edition–updating details and the additional resources.
- Release a shorter updated version with a new title.
- Offer copies as PDF files.
- Don’t cut down any more trees to print copies of this book (this is my humble offering).
What should we do?
If none of these options resonate with you, what other option(s) do you have?
I admit, the fifth option is heartbreaking–like seeing your child go out in the world then watching him/her die.
Please comment below, on our Facebook page, or on Google+.
One of the things we have now that will be gone in it. not-too-distant future. Technology will eliminate the need for many things we know today. Like many of us, I like the feel of a book. I like to see it and be with it and keep them forever. Now I have tons of books…. on shelves, under coffee tables, in the closets, in the garage and even in my bathroom!
Nothing beats being able to whip out your Kindle (or smart phone with Kindle and Nook programs) while having a leisurely lunch, or waiting for an appointment. You have your choice of however many books you have downloaded. It’s a traveling library!!!! The print size can be changed. You can click on a photo and see a large version. You can read it in the dark. You can read in your car when stuck in a traffic jam.
Like it or not, the printed book is soon to be a thing of the past like other media. You don’t even need a disc anymore, nevermind a record! The Post Office will be gone, too.
We live in a want it now, get it now culture. E-books play right into that! It has gotten to the point that I WAIT until a book is available on Kindle or Nook. And I am not a kid. I am the age of a busy caregiver!
I suggest two options together.
1) Offer copies as a PDF file. I enjoyed the second edition, plus a PDF will save the trees.
2) Convert the text to e-book. Having it available on Kindle, Nook, etc. will introduce the book to whole new audience since many people now choose to read on a tablet or other e-reading device. Once the e-book is created you can update it with a modest amount of effort, again saving trees.
Thank you.
Brenda, I would love to read a third edition to share how you have dealt with the issues that confronted you. Such as the advice you have given to caregivers. I glance through the book all the time along with Gary’s book ro remind me about things that I did not know when I started this journey.