Title: Saved From Dementia
Author: John Viera
Publisher: XlibrisUK
ISBN: 978-1543492156
Pages: 214
Genre: Biographies & Memoirs
Reviewed by: Christina Avina

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There are many ailments and struggles that people endure in the world, especially as we as a people get older and settle into the era of becoming an “elderly” person. One thing which has become more prominent in recent years than others is the battle with dementia. The disease that attacks the mind and brings about bouts of confusion and forgotten memories has been a topic of discussion for many years now, and yet so many people still fail to understand or recognize the true nature of the illness or how it impacts those who have it. For only seeing through another’s eyes can we ever truly understand those internal struggles.

In author John Viera’s Saved From Dementia, the author explores both the early and later years of his life. From his teenage years attending the Eleventh Church of Christ, Scientist, London, UK, to his senior years struggling with dementia and the struggles of his youth, from homelessness and substance abuse to rehousing and self-employment. From there, the author explores the impact that Christian Science has had on his life and how he came to become a member of that belief system.

The author did a marvelous job of capturing the profound experiences of their life in an honest and revealing way. The personable way the author wrote and how much detail the author shared about these experiences allows the readers to connect on a personal level. The direction the writing took when split between memoir and biography style narratives and short essay collections, allows the readers to not only get a better sense of the author’s experiences, but the creativity and passion the author has for this subject matter.

This is the perfect read for those who enjoy non-fiction reads, especially those who enjoy memoirs and biographies, and non-fiction reads which include religious themes. The author’s story felt both authentic and engaging all at once, and the fast-pace of his narrative, and the balance struck between the author’s life experiences and essays related to his life and dementia as a whole, make this such a special and enthralling book.

Empowering, thoughtful, and masterfully written, author John Viera’s Saved From Dementia is a must-read non-fiction book. The heart and passion for which the author wrote this book and the amount of detail the author was able to fit into such a short and fast-paced book make this a truly engaging story. Many readers who identify as religious or specifically Christian Scientists will absolutely love the author’s experiences and writing style, and reader will not able to put down this book as the essays become more and more profound.