From the New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Running in Heels comes “a compassionate, poignant, often humorous story of the complicated relationship between a mother and daughter” (Mariah Stewart, New York Times bestselling author) as they attempt to rediscover the past before it disappears forever. Lou Ann Hunter’s mother has always had a passionate nature, which explains why she’s … forever.
Lou Ann Hunter’s mother has always had a passionate nature, which explains why she’s been married five times and spooned enough male patients to be ousted from three elderly care facilities. She also has Alzheimer’s, which is why she wants to spend the rest of her life surrounded by childhood memories at Sutton Hall, her family’s decrepit plantation home in Louisiana.
Lou Ann, a.k.a. Lulu the Love Guru, has built an empire preaching sex, love, and relationship advice to the women of America–mostly by defying the example her mother has set for her. But with her mom suddenly in need of a fulltime caretaker, Lou Ann reluctantly agrees to step out of the spotlight and indulge her mother’s wishes.
Upon her arrival at Sutton Hall, Lou Ann discovers that very little functions as it should–least of all her mother’s mind. And as she adjusts to this new and inevitably temporary dynamic with the help of a local handyman and a live-in nurse, she is forced to confront the reality that neither her nor her mother’s future is going according to plan.
“Fans of Sophie Kinsella and Jane Graves will love Rachel Gibson’s How Lulu Lost Her Mind, an endearing, funny, and heart-tugging story from the first page to the last” (Karen Hawkins, New York Times bestselling author).
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Lulu the Love Guru is in a pickle. It appears her Mom, Patricia was kicked out of yet another Alzheimer’s assisted living place for being passionate with male patients some that are married and conscious while others not so much. Now Lou Ann,(Lulu) has to find another place that will take her mom and care for her needs. Lou Ann has no choice but to take Patricia home with her while looking for a suitable place, instead, her mom comes up with another suggestion, take her back to her ancestry home in Louisiana. This was a crazy idea but one that gave her one on one time she needed before her mother’s eventual demise. This is a heartfelt story that will make you smile, laugh, and cry. It’s an emotional journey one that shouldn’t be taken lightly having lost both my parents I would give anything just to have one more day, one more I love you, one more anything!
Lou Ann aka Lulu the Love Guru, has to take care of her mom as she is once again kicked out of her care facility for being too loving to the other patients. Patricia has Alzheimer’s and she has always been a loving person as she was married 5 times. Lou Ann doesn’t quite understand her mom but decides to do what Patricia wants. This story is both funny and heartbreaking at the same time. I did find the story a bit slow at times so I ended up skimming some parts. I did like the relationship between Lou Ann and Patricia as every mother daughter relationship is very hard to navigate most of the time. I received an advanced readers copy and all opinions are my own.
This is the first book I read by Rachel Gibson. I think she is a fantastic author! She captured the love and frustration in caring for a parent in failing health.
I have been through a similar situation as in this book and I was my shaking head up and down in agreement so many times. She brought humor to a difficult topic. I think most daughters will identify with Lou Ann and want to be friends with her. I know I do.
I am from the area that the story takes place and so often movies and books get us wrong. Ms. Gibson gets it and created characters true to life. Some things were a bit embellished, but not by much.
I was drawn into the book immediately. The author created a world of people that I care about and my heart broke and soared for them. Parts of the story hit me so hard and definitely was glad to have tissues handy.
I absolutely recommend this book very highly! I wish I could give it more than 5 stars! I want to give a huge thank you to NetGalley.com and Gallery Books for giving me the pleasure of reading this touching story. My review is my own opinion not influenced by receiving the Advance Reader Copy.