Feeding My Mother: Comfort and Laughter in the Kitchen as My Mom Lives with Memory Loss

Jann Arden

Nov 2017 · Sold by Random House Canada

About this ebook

#1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER

Based on her hugely popular Facebook posts and Instagram photos, Feeding My Mother is a frank, funny, inspirational and piercingly honest account of the transformation in Jann Arden's life that has turned her into the primary "parent" to her mom, who is in the grip of Alzheimer's.

Jann Arden moved in to a house just across the way from her parents in rural Alberta to be close to them but also so they could be her refuge from the demands of the music business and a performing career. Funny how time  works. Since her dad died in 2015, Jann cooks for her mom five or six times a week. Her mom finds comfort in her daughter's kitchen, not just in the delicious food but also just sitting with her as she cooks. And Jann finds some peace in caring for her mom, even as her mom slowly becomes a stranger. "If you told me two years ago that I'd be here," Jann writes, "I wouldn't have believed it. And yet we still fall into so much laughter, feel so much insane gladness and joy. It's such a contrast from one minute to the next and it teaches me constantly: it makes me stronger and more humble and more empathetic and caring and kind."    
     The many people who are dealing with a loved one who is losing it will find inspiration and strength in Jann's wholehearted, loving response and her totally Jann take on the upside-down world of a daughter mothering her mother. Feeding My Mother is one heck of an affirmation that life just keeps on keeping on, and a wonderful example of how you have to roll with it.

Ratings and reviews

Humourous, warm and compelling, this is a must-read for anyone who has a parent, spouse or relative with Alzheimer's disease. Jann Arden is so beautifully articulate that I was moved to tears many times! But I also laughed - a lot! I am going to try some of the recipes she graciously included in the book as well. Thank you, Jann, for your lovingly written book and the insight you provided us into the world of Alzheimer's.

I've lived this journey with my mom who lost her fight this Oct 3rd 2017.....readung this made me laugh cry and realize that mom KNEW she was loved and that is what is most important to LOVE THEM not correct them just LOVE THEM .....brilliantly written Jann thank you for sharing your journey and much love and strength to you and your mom as you continue thru the maze of Alzheimer's together xxoo

I have a new insight into the stages of memory loss and coping with it. Thanks Jann. I really enjoyed your book.

About the author

JANN ARDEN is a singer, songwriter, actor, author and social media star. The celebrated multi-platinum, award-winning artist was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2021. She continues to record and tour, and in 2022 released her fifteenth album, Descendant. She has written four books, including a memoir of her early life and path to music, Falling Backwards, and her two #1 bestsellers, Feeding My Mother and If I Knew Then. She is the star of her own hit TV sitcom, Jann, which debuted in 2019 and recently aired its third season. She also hosts the weekly Jann Arden Podcast, exploring what makes humans authentically themselves.