by
3.9 of 5 stars
Morton Kondracke never intended to wed Millicent Martinez, but the fiery daughter of a radical labor organizer eventually captured his heart. They ... read full description

reviews

Nov 16, 2009
Judy rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Morton Kondrake's book is about much more than his wife Milly's Parkinson's disease. It's also about their life together, their marriage, the differences that caused friction between them, Kondrake's struggles in his career and those to overcome his own weaknesses, including, for a time, alcoholism. What emerges is a story of quiet heroism, both his and Milly's, as she defies the odds and continues to prove that her will to live is greater than her despair. Kondrake also writes about the politic More...
Nov 20, 2010
Linda rated it: 4 of 5 stars
An inspiring book. Obviously written by a husband very close to the disease of Parkinson's and very deeply in love with his wife, who suffers from it. The author speaks very openly about the disease, his feelings, his wife's feelings, how their life has changed and how they have dealt and are dealing with those changes. Having been spouse/caretaker for my husband as his Parkinson's has progressed, I am humbled and awed by Mr. Kondracke's unflagging devotion, and I cannot imagine remaining so if More...
Nov 10, 2010
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Dec 10, 2010
Dawnbrooks0 added it
I have to book on my shelf to be re-read. I read it many years ago and lent it out to my own mother, who had PD. I would ask her what she thought of the book and she would always say that she never got around to it. After she passed away, I found the book among her things and found that she had not only read it, but had scribbled notes along the page edges.

I found the book to be a true survivors story, not only for Millie, but for her husband (the author). This was a hard read because More...
Aug 21, 2010
Susan rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I wanted to read this because the author's wife, Milly, suffered from Parkinson's, and it was very interesting in that aspect. Her case was much worse than my Dad's, and she was diagnosed very young, at 48 I think. The middle of the book, about the political lobbying for PD was slow. Would have been more interesting if it were more current--it takes place from about 1995 to 2000. I'm not sure what's going on now, although they certainly haven't found a cure. I have to admit that I didn't find Mi More...
Jan 05, 2009
Zinta rated it: 4 of 5 stars
In order to learn more about a disease that has affected several family members, I read Saving Milly with great interest. I was quickly pulled in. Kondracke writes with honesty about a strong and vital woman, his wife, as well as what it means to be caregiver and spouse to one afflicted with Parkinson's Disease. He has much to say in praise of his Milly, while often taking an unglorious view of himself. He admits to insecurities and vanities and weaknesses few of us would admit to in public, let More...
Nov 16, 2008
J. rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This country has an aversion to sickness and death, two things that will in time touch each and every one of us. Not a pleasant thought.

For 18 years I watched my own mother combat, with no hope of winning, the same illness Milly is fighting. Morton Kondracke is to be commended for sharing Milly's story. Heart wrenching, Saving Milly is by no means an easy read, but it is a must read. It is more than a story about Parkinson's disease. It's also a story about love and commitment and, y More...
0 comments like (1 person liked it)
Nov 11, 2010
Jo rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I read this after my Dad recommended it. My Dad has Parkinson's and I found the book incredibly painful at times - well written, informative, and beautiful. I had no idea of the politics behind medical research. I guess I should have known - but never really thought about it. Grateful my Dad's Parkinson's is not as advanced, nor as aggressive... Yet - saddened that more has not been done towards finding the cure of this... But alas - there are so many diseases - and maybe in time...
Jun 03, 2009
Betsy rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This was a great book. I really enjoyed it because it gives so much insight into Parkinson's Disease and what it is like for both the person afficted by the disease and the caregiver. The author is Milly's husband and he's brutally honest as he describes their struggle with the disease. I think it's a great book for shedding insight and lessons learned into how you might actually deal with something like this (what to avoid) if it happened to you or someone you loved.
Mar 26, 2010
Stormy rated it: 3 of 5 stars
2 chapters in the book about Millie Kondracke were especially informative to me: politics and funding of research in diseases. Admired Mort Kondracke's commitment to his wife,dedication to Parkinson's research and even more to his work to double the research budget for all NIH.

Informative read about Parkinson's effects on an individual. Learned a lot about different individuals: Millie, Mo Udall. Increased my knowledge and empathy
Jun 13, 2009
Miles rated it: 4 of 5 stars
This book provided a good perspective on the impact chronic degenerative illness has not only on the person with the illness, but also on the spouse who is the primary care provider. Also gives some good information on the politics of research funding.
Sep 20, 2011
Wendy rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Poignant, honest, bittersweet, love story. Informative, enlightening tale of the politics of medical research. Moving, yet disturbing account of Parkinson's Disease. How to be a survivor. Great book.
Sep 18, 2009
Karla rated it: 2 of 5 stars
About the author's wife's battle with Parkinsons disease. The book bogged down in the middle with details about how little the government is spending on researching a cure.
Oct 21, 2009
Kathy rated it: 3 of 5 stars
I have this one in my home library (for those of you who'd like to borrow). Read it too long ago to write a review now.
Jun 23, 2011
Emi rated it: 3 of 5 stars
hard to read, but it sticks with you and shows the reality of being a caretaker.
this book teaches what true love is.
Nov 16, 2010
Pat rated it: 4 of 5 stars
learned a few things, even though this book is almost 10 years old. hopefully, the cure isn't STILL 5-10 years away.
Oct 22, 2010
Karen rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Anice tribute to Milly and the struggles of many families with Parkinsons Disease
Jan 28, 2010
Becky rated it: 4 of 5 stars
An important story of a couple dealing with Parkinson's recommended by Papa Bunton.
Jul 01, 2010
Sara rated it: 4 of 5 stars
An absolutely heartbreaking love story.
Mar 14, 2008
Liz rated it: 3 of 5 stars
Interesting story about a man dealing with his wive's disease. I loved how he was honest with his true feelings, even when they made him feel guilty. This also has some interesting bits about Hillary Clinton and John McCain who the author had several interactions with in the late 90's. New perspective!
Feb 23, 2008
Suzie rated it: 5 of 5 stars
Absolutely wonderful book written by Mort Kondracke about what he & his family went through with his wife's Parkinson's Disease. I love him on Fox News & now I admire him for all that he did for his dear wife.
Nov 05, 2007
Ruth rated it: 4 of 5 stars
I listened to this on tape, but what drew me to it was the fact that my father had Parkinson's. I didn't learn much I didn't already know. I did learn that money and fame can help. But not save.

R
Jan 29, 2008
Heather rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Read with a box of Kleenex next to you. Moving story of love as Parkinson's disease slowly handicaps a young woman. A level above "Tuesdays with Morrie."
Feb 10, 2012
Cassie rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Feb 09, 2012
Allimo marked it as to-read
Feb 08, 2012
Mirandy marked it as to-read
Feb 06, 2012
Laura rated it: 4 of 5 stars
Feb 02, 2012
Jeanna marked it as to-read
Jan 28, 2012
Ginny marked it as to-read
Jan 26, 2012
Traci marked it as to-read