profoundly inspiring and useful

Without a Map measures up to my sense of what makes a book not just
good but superb. In Lisa Steele-Maley’s graceful prose—which is a joy
to read—you see a fine mind and a loving heart at work. Her use of her
frequent forays into the wilderness as a metaphor for her journey with
her beloved father thru the thickets of Alzheimer’s disease gave me more
guidance than I received from learning science-based “tips, tricks, and
techniques” as I tried to accompany my mother on the same journey. And
the take-away lessons to be learned from this real-life story are
treasures in themselves. E.g., “Caring for, loving, and grieving for my
Dad has heightened my resolve to live a life of intention and
meaning”—the final lesson from a father who had already taught his
daughter well. I finished the book with a more understanding heart, more
courage (at age 80) to face into my own old age, and with a smile on my
face: While it’s true that there is no map for the perplexing journey
with a loved one lost in Alzheimer’s disease, Lisa Steele-Maley in this
beautiful book has provided us with a metaphorical map that I found
profoundly inspiring and useful. I believe that you will, too.