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by Carolyn Banks (Editor), Janis Rizzo (Editor)
The first of two very popular and unique anthologies of short stories that were written specifically be read out-loud to older adults, A Loving Voice offers an imaginative and creative way for family members, friends and professionals to reach out to, communicate with, and entertain the older people in their care, particularly those who are bed-ridden, confined to a nursing home or hospital and those with dementia or those beginning to slip into it. In a moment of inspiration that has been much-welcomed ever since by caregivers the world over, the idea for A Loving Voice came to it's editors, Carolyn Banks and Janis Rizzo, when they recognized the desperate need for, and the serious lack of, reading material for this large and ever-growing segment of the population. In response, they invited hundreds of writers to submit stories and poems for their anthology. The 52 never-before-published selections they ended up including (43 stories and nine poems, one for each week of the year), are those that they and the eldercare experts they consulted felt would be most valuable and entertaining for their elderly audience: stories that evoke nostalgic memories and warm feelings of the past, interesting stories that stimulate conversation, provide a bridge between the past and present and a bond between reader and listener. All of the selections can be read in one sitting (no longer than 10 minutes), are clear with easy-to-follow plots and simple dialogue that lends itself to reading aloud. Moreover, as Banks and Rizzo discovered, reading aloud is an intimate, warm and friendly activity that encourages physical closeness, something that is sorely needed as we age. As Carolyn Banks reports in preface to the book, "The pieces we have chosen are not insultingly simple. Even those who are able to read these selections on their own will find them engaging and entertaining. These are stories and poems with purpose, stories and poems with heart, stories and poems we are proud to present. Each we hope will help you find your own loving voice." Includes short stories and poems written by an impressive array of American authors including Louise Erdrich, Shelby Hearon, Carolyn Osborn and Paul Estaver. This book, and it's accompanying second volume, A Loving Voice II: A Caregiver's Book of More Read-Aloud Stories for the Elderly, has received critical acclaim from professional caregivers and grateful family members alike and has been enthusiastically reviewed in hundreds of papers, magazines and journals alike for its inventive method of communicating with, and bringing some moments of pleasure to, the older adult.
