“Oh Crap! It’s Parkinson’s” is an upbeat guide for the journey
The first thing I noticed about Sara Whittingham’s new book on Parkinson’s disease was the word in the title that I was not allowed to say at home while growing up.
“Crap.”
Yet there it was, on the cover in mega-sized print, laughing at 10-year-old me in all its shiny, reflective glory.
Now that I have Parkinson’s disease, saying the word is quite fitting to my situation. Oh crap!
With that phrase, Whittingham captures the fear and distress of someone learning that they have a progressive neurological disease with no known cure.
The full title sets up a lively and engaging tone for the book: Oh Crap! It’s Parkinson’s: A Rebel’s Guide to Taking Back Control of Your Life.
Whittingham offers this delightful guidebook for people with Parkinson’s, punctuated with wisdom gained from her experience and stories from others with PD. Being a medical doctor, she could have taken a prescriptive approach with a list of do’s and don’ts, cold hard facts, and medical directives, but she resists.
Instead, you’ll find practical advice designed to ease the Parkinson’s journey and ensure the smoothest ride possible.
The book aims at a broad audience of people with the disease, because no one’s experiences and set of symptoms are like anyone else’s. It speaks to those who have grandchildren, remain in the workforce, don’t like to exercise, or are facing cognitive challenges, to name a few.
The author’s insider perspective as an M.D. gives credence to topics like making the most of a doctor visit and the brain’s ability to adapt.
An Air Force veteran and a former flight doc, Whittingham calls for taking a rebel’s stance against the disease. Whining and “woe is me” are not allowed.
She’s unafraid to address sticky points like “what is Parkinson’s and what is simply aging?” and discusses the emotional weight on care partners. In fact, care partners have a whole section for them, something not always seen in Parkinson’s guidebooks.
Whittingham was diagnosed in 2020, and writing Oh Crap! It’s Parkinson’s is just one facet of her advocacy. She regularly speaks to groups from coast to coast and has pushed for research funding in Washington, D.C.
In bits and pieces throughout the book, Whittingham tells what has worked for her and what has not. Then she tells her own backstory leading up to a Parkinson’s diagnosis. It is remarkable, but unfortunately it is placed well after the book’s halfway point. Not everybody finishes books, and some may miss it.
On the readability side, the book is well-organized with clear chapter headings. It lacks an index, which would be helpful, but that is mitigated by a detailed table of contents, endnotes, and an impressive list of resources. The built-in red-ribbon bookmark is a nice touch.
Sections are broken up by short interludes about Parkinson’s “ACEs.” people who aspire to greatness and inspire others to follow.
Illustrations of “Twitchy McGrit,” a cartoon modeled after the author’s family dog, give the book humor and levity.
(Here’s my personal favorite Twitchy McGrit depiction. Who knew Twitchy was a hiker, too?)
Oh Crap! It’s Parkinson’s is sure to teach and inspire people with Parkinson’s, their loved ones, and their care partners about this foul disease. Sometimes there’s simply no better word to describe it than crap.
The Kindle and hardcover editions of Oh Crap! It’s Parkinson’s: A Rebel’s Guide to Taking Back Control of Your Life are now available on Amazon.
Other reviews of Parkinson’s related books:
