Please share your thoughts on our little book of verse.
Comments Rating
( reviews)
Jane Bryant says:
A very eye opening story
Just when you think you have a good idea on what it would be like for a person caring for their loved one with dementia, this heartfelt book full of such raw emotion demonstrates just how little you really know unless you’ve travelled the path yourself.
I met Ken and Chloe on their travels at Byron Bay and was so taken by his devotion to little Chloe. When I read the book, I completely understood why she is such a big part of his life.
Thanks Ken for your work with Black Dog and your commitment to raising funds towards fighting dementia.
Ken says:
Dear Auntie Jane, It was lovely to meet you, Jeff and your friends on our trip. We arrived safely home and totalled 16,238km from start to finish. Daddy and I met lots of nice people like you along the way. Thank you for your nice words.
Leigh Wilkins says:
Traverse Magazines Review
A review by Traverse Magazine – February March 2019:
Who Are You? Isn’t so much a book about motorcycling but rather the reflections of the author and his travelling companion Chloe on the life they shared with Ken Eaton’s wife Sue.
Ken writes of his life, and loss, as his wife and he went through one of the most insidious of diseases; dementia.
Through verse and poems, beautifully written from the heart, while Ken and his little mate, Chloe, travel Australia, the story of what a dementia sufferers family goes through is thoughtfully told.
Who Are You? Is the perfect example of how the solitude of motorcycle travel can open your mind, help you reflect, collect your thoughts, and discover more than you ever realised. Through tragedy, Ken has managed to do what many travellers hope to achieve and has opened his heart. His little mate, Chloe, has no doubt helped a great deal, even ‘writing’ her own piece of the story; Chloe’s ‘input’ input into the Who are You? Story is simply beautiful and a thoughtful way of narrating the story.
Who Are You? Is a short book that tells a massive story, it will have you smiling and crying, it will have you thinking, reflecting a thankful for what you have. You’ll finish it, put it down and almost immediately pick it up again. Each time it reveals a little more of the story shared between Sue, Ken and Chloe.
A simply beautiful little book!
Donna Redman says:
Beautifully written Ken. I could FEEL your sadness, heartache, sorrow and also your “acceptance of life without your soulmate!” This is a story that needs to be told. I especially loved your conclusion of helping those with Dementia by friendship and caring. The Dementia sufferer gets very frightened especially at the onset of the disease and needs compassion, gentleness and understanding. Loved the poetry! Loved the photography! Well done and Thankyou. Donna
Arlene says:
WHO ARE YOU
WHO ARE YOU
Hi Ken,I read your book cover to cover it gave me such comfort,my heart goes out to you as I am also on the same journey of younger onset dementia with my beautiful husband diagnosed at 59 and now 64 he is now in a nursing home also after being in hospital to regulate his meds,he sometimes shouts my name across the room when I’m sitting right beside him it breaks my heart,Thank you for raising awareness of this awful disease that can strike not only the aged,I will be recommending your book to my friends who are all on this heart breaking journey.
Arlene
Sally Ramsay says:
Chloe and Kens Memorial to Sue
What a beautiful heartfelt story narrated in verse by Ken, through the eyes of Chloe, Sue and Kens four legged fury companion.
It truly touches on the far reaching cruelty of dementia, Kens personal grief and emotional struggle whilst caring for his beloved wife Sue.
Beautifully put together Ken.
Laetitia Kekela says:
Who are you
Truly inspirational & Beautiful.
This book by Ken and Chloe has opened my eyes to the horrific way dementia afflicts both the person and their loved ones.
Well done Ken and Chloe and ride safe.
Amber Lewis says:
Who Are You
Beautifully real. So sad, yet at its heart is a touching love story. How lucky they were to have found one another so young. I cried and then I smiled. I loved this book ❤️
Barry Hodnett says:
Heart Felt
Chloe’s story of a true heart for his soul mate. Had to keep turning the pages.
Alan Roper says:
A Truly Inspirational Book
The book was an eye opener to read, bringing home the true reality to this terrible condition through the eyes of Ken and Chloe. It gives an insight into the silent world of the loving family & carers who give so much in silence. The book also shows that those left behind can move forward in a positive way. A truly inspirational book.
Pamela Tough says:
This opened my eyes
This book by Ken and Chloe has opened my eyes to the horrific way dementia afflicts both the person and their loved ones. So beautifully and simply written and read with many many tears. Ken’s unwavering love and dedication to his Susan is inspiring, and his simple verse describes the unwavering love, and the guilt and grief of having to finally place his beloved wife in care. Who Are You is a book that will help carers of people with dementia know they are not alone.
Well done Ken and Chloe, and ride safe.
Brian Hodkinson says:
A compelling insight - "it could happen to me or you"
A long time in the writing but what a compelling read, it’s honestly and frankness leaves the reader with no illusions about this terrible challenge that a lot are faced with. It will provide comfort and support to the many Carers and family’s now undergoing these same situations. This man Ken is someone to admire and I can only aspire to be like him in such circumstances, a man “for all seasons”. Cherish you memories Ken and count on your many friends. You can now “grow old disgracefully” as your bike club slogan says but I doubt if you can?
Bruce McKenzie says:
For Those Who Care
Most of us have, or will, come in contact with a dementia sufferer and that sufferer’s carer.
In “WHO ARE YOU” Ken Eaton, through his little dog Chloe, gives a poignant and heartfelt account of the agonizing journey that faces the dementia carer.
To read this book is to gain a true understanding of the carer’s struggle with guilt, with grief and with loss. The clear message, delivered beautifully in Ken’s simple verse, is that there is life for the carer beyond his or her grief.
Buy this book for the dementia carer that you know ;- it will give them both comfort and a better understanding of their own journey.
Amos says:
great read
Would strongly recommend to anyone. A real eye opener as to the struggle faced by those whose lives are affected by such a tragic illness.
well done Ken and Chloe, your efforts to raise awareness of this condition are truly admirable.
Tina Hart says:
Reflections
Love, laughter, family and friends. Ken and Sue had it all. The Demon came and ripped everything apart. Ken’s devotion to his beloved Susan never faltered throughout the nightmare. We were continually in awe of his unconditional love even in his deepest despair.
Ken”s wonderful relections through his beautiful poems are a blessing to anyone else suffering through such grief.
He has shown that there is something out there if you are willing to search and take the ride of your life.
Anne says:
Thoughts on Who Are You
“Who are you” written by Ken Eaton and narrated by Ken and Susan’s little dog Chloe is a very passionate account of a loving family’s journey through the five years of Susan’s early on set dementia til her life was taken prematurely from her family.
This story will resonate through many families who have lost a loved one with dementia. For me, losing my mother, my godmother (a very dear aunt), and also a close friend to dementia, this story is so moving and yet so powerful. The emotions expressed in this story are so raw the reader can actually feel the pain that Ken goes through as Susan’s dementia deteriorates and overcomes her. It is beautifully written, complemented with photos of various beauty spots which have inspired Ken as he and Chloe travelled through Australia.
For anyone who has dealt with, is dealing with or will be dealing with a loved one suffering from dementia “Who are you’ is a highly recommended read.
Karen Moore says:
Who Are You
A poignant reminder to be grateful for our health and the health and wellbeing of our loved ones. Beautifully written from the heart, accompanied by stunning photographs.
Well done Ken and Chole
Robert Keogh says:
A most compelling read
A most compelling read.
“Who are you….” Is a most compelling and inspirational read on the difficult topic of dementia .
There are no frills as it goes to the core of what it means to be a carer of a loved one with this most debilitating disease. Those of us who have lived relatives suffering from dementia can truly empathise with ken and his family . Ken, through Chloe, has reflected upon his journey as a first carer, the impact on his life and that of his family and the inevitable loss of his beloved wife Susan to this accursed affliction.
The text is superbly written in a poetic fashion. Ken’s account is confronting and brutally honest. It is a most fitting tribute to his wife and friend. This book will be of immense consolation to those who are carers of loved ones with dementia . Narrated by Chloe, Susan’s little dog companion ,”Who are you” is beautiful, appropriate and profound. The pictures are artistically taken. The cover is a statement in itself, peruse on it and see.
This book should be in every care home and respite facility because when it is read, cares will realise that they are not alone or forgotten.
Sue Payne says:
A Heartfelt Book
A heartfelt, heartbreaking, heartwarming book.
As a friend and neighbour of Ken and Sue in the early days of their family life I knew the wonderful, caring, giving person Sue was before this terrible disease took over her and Ken’s lives. I (along with all who knew them) was in awe of the dedication with which Ken cared for his beautiful Susan.
This book is a wonderful example of how one can move on in this life and yet still hold dear all that life held in the past.
A comforting emotional read for anyone who has lost or is caring for a dementia sufferer
Verna Walton says:
Who are You
Hi Ken. What a lovely story. I knew Sue and my son went to Ocean Reef with Kylie, so it hit home. Thank you you make me feel that all is not lost in this workd today. Take care.