Emma Heming WillisEmma Heming…
The Unexpected Journey: The Essential Guide to Discovering Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Journey
by Emma Heming Willis (Author)
CONTENTS
Note to Readers
Meet the Village
Introduction
ONE Bruce: A Love Story
TWO Making Sense of the Changing Brain
THREE Build Community and Connection
FOUR Make Time for Yourself
FIVE Focus on Your Brain Health
SIX Expect an Array of Emotions
SEVEN Parenting While Caregiving
EIGHT Bringing In Help
NINE Let Friends and Family Take Care of You
TEN Reframe the Journey
CONCLUSION
Acknowledgments
“This book is a game changer for caregivers of loved ones with dementia. This book will help millions of families, like hers, like yours, like mine, like everyone’s. It’s a book for our time.” – Maria Shriver
From Emma Heming Willis, wife of Bruce Willis, a deeply personal and richly compassionate supportive guide that helps caregivers care for themselves while they navigate a loved one's dementia.
By sharing her personal journey as a care partner and the latest research and insights from the world’s top dementia, caregiving, and integrative experts Emma offers the guidance and wisdom caregivers everywhere so desperately need to hear, including:A diagnosis isn’t just a label, it’s a starting point. It helps you better understand your person’s behavior and respond with more clarity and compassion.
Taking care of yourself is not optional; it's mandatory. It will make you a better care partner. It’s not selfish, it’s self-preserving.
You don’t have a choice about being on the dementia caregiving journey. But you do have a choice in terms of how you approach it and reframe it.
Caregivers are human so you aren’t always going to be patient and selfless. You have challenges and struggle with conflicting emotions and that’s okay.
The day Emma Heming Willis’ husband, Bruce Willis, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), all they were given was a pamphlet and told to check back in a few months.
With no hope or direction, Emma walked out of that doctor’s appointment frozen with fear, confusion and a sense that her world had just fallen apart.
In fact, it had. Bruce and Emma had their story written, their future mapped out. Yet all those dreams crumbled with that diagnosis, and Emma felt alone and more isolated than ever.
How would she care for her husband while parenting their young daughters?
With The Unexpected Journey, Emma has written the book she wishes she’d been handed on the day of Bruce’s diagnosis: a supportive guide to navigating the complicated, heartbreaking, and transformative experience that is caregiving for your loved one.
Ultimately, The Unexpected Journey shows you how to care for yourself while doing one of the hardest, most heartbreaking jobs in the world. Because if you don’t take care of yourself, you are not going to be able to look after anyone else—especially your loved one with dementia.
'I know that no two caregiving journeys are the same, but we are connected by the same unchosen thread. It’s not an easy path for you, your loved one or your family. But I’m here to let you know that you are not alone, and, in time, you will find your footing, and a way forward.'
Print length336 pages
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Review
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About the Author
Emma Heming Willis is a mother, step-mother, wife, advocate, and co-founder of Make Time Wellness, a brand devoted to women's brain health. After her husband, Bruce Willis, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, she became a passionate voice for care partners and families navigating neurodegenerative disease. Through her storytelling and advocacy, Emma hopes to help others feel less alone on the caregiving journey. This is her first book.
Publication date : 11 September 2025
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Chevalier Anne
5.0 out of 5 stars wish I had this book earlier in my journey
Reviewed in France on 14 December 2025
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I was the caregiver for my husband for 1 year. He had been diagnosed with glioblastoma. This book helped me a lot navigating caregiving and gives a wealth of wonderful advices. I recommend this book to any person going through the caregiving journey. If you can even Just take one thing out from the book it will still help you tremendously. this book helped me protect my own mental and physical health and care for my husband Even berger while doing so.
Thank you very much Emma for putting this book I to this world to help others.
Wishing you strenght in your journey.
Love.
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Joyce
5.0 out of 5 stars The unexpected journey:finding strength, hope,and yourself on the caregiving path
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 January 2026
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Been a fan of Bruce willis since moonlighting and die hard days.sad to hear he has this disease. Bruce is lucky to have Emma as his wife. This book was very helpful,informative and interesting to read.
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Cliente de Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful book, about the love that comes with taking care of “your person”
Reviewed in Mexico on 17 February 2026
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Emma perfectly describes the path of caring for “our people” through love and its complications, giving permission, empathy and direction.
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Diane Skeates
5.0 out of 5 stars Not only for caregivers
Reviewed in Canada on 27 October 2025
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This book is a very personal journey of a woman trying to find a way to deal with her emotions faced with the dementia of her partner without losing herself in the process. She states the situation about Bruce and after that it's her journey on how she felt throughout. She goes from doubt, to denial, to hope, to despair, to guilt, to helplessness, to finally making peace and adapting to the situation the best she could, all this while raising two kids. The whole gamut of emotions of somebody who is losing a loved one. Bruce is not dead, but it's not the Bruce he used to be. Before he became aphasic, Bruce probably went thought the same gamut of emotions.
She had to adapt to the fact that she is now the one in charge of their lives, that she cannot rely on him to be helping out, thinking she could do all this on her own, not wanting to bother anybody with her problems. It's very honest, and courageous, and I love the fact that she acknowledges that each one's journey is going to be different, that she has means and supports that most of the caregivers won't have, and she shared what she has learned because of these resources that she is lucky to be able to access because of those means. She also has a challenge not too many of caregivers have. She's had to deal with the media, because of Bruce's fame. I'm not a caregiver; actually I'm one with cognitive issues, but I found a lot of comfort in memoirs of people dealing with the same issues and emotions I am dealing with. I found some of her advice were also very helpful, and somehow don't feel so alone, so crazy. Blessed are the people who shared their difficult life experiences with cognitive issues, whether they are the patient or the caregiver. Something I found out very recently is that you have to experience it to truly know how it feels. Doctors have book knowledge. There are no emotions attached to the knowledge except maybe empathy, but it's not quite the same. Book knowledge is only that, knowledge, but living it, let me tell you, it is quite another story. But then, who wants a doctor with dementia? That might be why we are left on our own to find out answers about our own specific issues. But then, some people might not be information seekers. I'm definitely one. I need answers, and I'm not afraid to go looking for them if I'm not satisfied with what I got from doctors. A very good read indeed.
Mamabear2
5.0 out of 5 stars It's worth a read, even if you aren't currently going through the same thing.
Reviewed in the United States on 9 October 2025
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This is one of the most moving books I’ve read in a long time. I cried more times than I can count, but I also found myself reflecting deeply on my own life, my marriage, and the time I’ve been given with the people I love.
While I’m not personally a caregiver to someone with FTD or dementia, my grandmother had Alzheimer’s when I was a teenager in the 90s. She lived with us before going into a nursing home, and I helped my mom care for her. At that time, there wasn’t much information available, especially for a teen to understand what was happening. The internet wasn't what it is today. I didn't even have a computer in the 90's. Reading this book gave me so much more perspective and compassion, not just for caregivers, but for families walking through this unimaginable journey.
Before reading, I already knew this wasn’t going to be a tell-all about her husband, Bruce Willis. Emma has always come across as a respectful and graceful person in interviews, and she carried that same tone into her writing. For those who might be reading out of curiosity, news flash for the nosey roseys, there is no tea to be spilled. This is about love, caregiving, resilience, and what it means to show up for someone when life changes in ways you never imagined.
Emma writes with warmth and honesty. It truly felt like sitting down with an old friend. Some parts are repetitive, but she explains in the book why, and honestly, it just adds to the authenticity of her experience. The repetition mirrors what caregiving often feels like: cycles of grief, grace, and gratitude.
If you or someone you love is walking this road, there’s so much to learn and connect with here. And even if you’re not, it will remind you to slow down, love harder, and appreciate the ordinary moments with your family.
This book broke my heart and healed it at the same time. I’ll definitely be reading it again, my first copy is full of notes and underlines of things I want to carry with me. And I will, forever.
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Dawn Etherington
5.0 out of 5 stars Families supporting each other through dementia
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 November 2025
Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
A subject close to my heart as both parents have dementia. A Cummings nobody wants to be part of but here we are.
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M.S.
5.0 out of 5 stars A wealth of support experience for carers
Reviewed in Germany on 5 December 2025
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A very frank description of your own journey as a caregiver, partner and mother. She doesn't gloss over anything and not only tries to provide comfort and help, but also to support the reader in this new phase of life with the help of many experts. Even though Bruce is her husband, sensationalism is fortunately not going to satisfy this book and you can tell that it was written to support.
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Jill
5.0 out of 5 stars Very good book!
Reviewed in Canada on 19 January 2026
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This book was fantastic, I will be reading it again go through and highlight key points. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone that has a loved one experiencing dementia. It is targeted towards the care giver but the amount of information and comfort in this book would be beneficial to all. Knowledge is power and Emma did a fantastic job of sharing her knowledge with the world.
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Cheryl
5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great book! Well written!
Reviewed in the United States on 21 February 2026
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I purchased this book for my Sister who is taking care of Our Mother who has Dementia. It is well written, easy to read, very relatable and offers encouragement to those who are having struggles because of the care that is required to be a loving and successful caregiver!
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mary grace mifsud
5.0 out of 5 stars A good book.
Reviewed in Germany on 28 December 2025
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It a good book especail those who are experirnce dementia in their family.
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Richard G. Evansii
5.0 out of 5 stars Every caregiver should read this
Reviewed in the United States on 27 February 2026
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Having spent 7 years with my spouse who was slowly becoming less able to function I can definitely relate to the author. This book will be a great source of information and, for me, was truly inspirational. Every case is different yet much the same. I applaud the author and thank her for her honesty in sharing and can only wish for her and her family the comfort that only our blessed Father in heaven can and will provide.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Soothing to soul of a caregiver.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 October 2025
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An important book for a care partner of dementia sufferer that helps to heal wounds, has practical experience to share and helps with the loneliness - I am not alone.
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Karen
5.0 out of 5 stars A great gift
Reviewed in Canada on 26 November 2025
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I purchased two of these books and sent them to friends who have suddenly found themselves caretakers for their spouses. Both seem to have found it helpful to their situation and I felt like I was doing "something" for them because I feel helpless watching them go through this difficult time.
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Sara Nisbet
4.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 November 2025
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A great read for anyone caring or have a family member with any form of dementia. Lovely fresh and honest account of the good and the bad days we all experience in some way. Emma clearly is devoted to Bruce.
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Jessi
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in Germany on 25 September 2025
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Great
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Kyia
4.0 out of 5 stars good
Reviewed in Canada on 27 March 2026
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I liked this book. Some of this was hard to read as it hit really close to home. I like Bruce and it was good to hear some of his story. An easy read.
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Janice
4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent guide for caregivers
Reviewed in the United States on 12 September 2025
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If you are hoping for details about her husband’s condition, this is not the book for you. But if you want or need help and support on your arduous journey as a caregiver to someone with dementia, then this book could be uplifting and life changing. It is very clear and easy to read and you feel her sincerity and broken heart throughout.
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Stier
1.0 out of 5 stars A Very Personal Book – But Not About Bruce Willis, Rather About His Wife
Reviewed in Germany on 15 September 2025
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Anyone picking up this book hoping to learn more about Bruce Willis, his illness, or his current condition will likely be disappointed. Although his image is prominently featured on the cover, he plays only a minor role in the actual content. Instead, the focus is on his wife, Emma Willis – her thoughts, emotions, and the challenges she faces in dealing with her husband's illness.
The book offers a deeply personal insight into the experience of a caregiver. However, readers looking for a general or in-depth understanding of dementia – or specifically of Bruce Willis’s journey – will find little substance here. For factual and comprehensive information on dementia, there are certainly more suitable books available. A book that focuses almost exclusively on the caregiver’s perspective while largely ignoring the viewpoint and condition of the person affected by the illness holds limited value for me personally.
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Curious Epicure
5.0 out of 5 stars The book every caregiver needs to read
Reviewed in the United States on 18 March 2026
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The book every caregiver needs to read - it's informative and empowering, but most of all, it lets caregivers know they are not alone. Highly recommend this book
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars It has given me strength.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 October 2025
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This is an excellent book for carer’s. I could identify all that was written. Don’t feel so alone now on this journey.
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Barbara
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in Canada on 14 December 2025
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This is an amazing book. Especially if you are a care giver for someone with dementia who is younger
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Darcie
5.0 out of 5 stars An INCREDIBLE Unexpected Journey and Healing Words for ALL
Reviewed in the United States on 18 November 2025
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Emma Willis has opened her heart and given us some incredible tools to help face any unbelievable circumstances that may await us. In reading her book, I found myself feeling soothed about decisions I've made for loved ones who have passed, and feeling stronger about whatever may lie ahead for me and my loved ones. Life is a crap shoot...none of us know what's ahead, but through her gut-wrenching honesty and the research she has gathered as a survival tool for herself, she has lovingly armed us with the power of her shared experience. Added bonus: I wasn't necessarily a big fan of Bruce Willis per se, but I certainly am now. God bless you, Emma--you and all of your loved ones. Continue to live life to the fullest and thanks for your fabulous gift of a book.
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Betty
5.0 out of 5 stars What caregivers should read.
Reviewed in Canada on 20 January 2026
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Very helpful when living with a Dementia patient.
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Catherine Bowers
5.0 out of 5 stars To take care of yourself and family
Reviewed in Canada on 19 January 2026
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The book is a helpful in dealing with mental health.
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David
5.0 out of 5 stars I purchased this book for my wife & she loves it
Reviewed in Canada on 6 October 2025
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This is a great book
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FOSHOAGuy
5.0 out of 5 stars Caregiver journey
Reviewed in the United States on 25 March 2026
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Good read, one persons journey. I have found through various caregiver groups that there are no two journeys alike.
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Carol Cassada
5.0 out of 5 stars Wish I Had This For My Caregiving Journey
Reviewed in the United States on 26 February 2026
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There are two reasons why I wanted to read this book. The first is that I was a caregiver to my mom who had dementia, and the second is because Bruce Willis is one of my favorite actors and I've been following along with his dementia battle.
Bruce's wife Emma has become an advocate for dementia care and her book sheds light on what it's like to be a caregiver. Although Willis has more resources available to take care of her husband, that doesn't mean she has it easy. As she reveals in her book, it's an emotional, mental, and physical journey; something she, I, and other caregivers know.
It's definitely hard on the patient itself, but it's also hard on the caregiver as they watch their loved one slowly lose their memory, slip away, and become a shell of their former self. One of the things that Willis points out in her book is how there is little help for the loved one/caregiver when the patient receives their diagnosis. The caregiver's world is turned upside down with this big change and doctor's offer little resources to help them in their new role.
But Willis did her research and found a world of resources that she shares with readers. She offers lots of tips and expert medical advice on dealing with the world of dementia. From seeking emotional support to taking care of your physical and mental health, to know when it's time to bring in help, she leaves no stone unturned when it comes to the caregiving journey.
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Christine Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational
Reviewed in the United States on 11 April 2026
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As a caregiver for my husband who has Alzheimer’s disease I felt inspiration from her story. I am fortunate to have sought out the VA Association for help with my husband so I do not get burned out. If you’re lucky enough for your partner to have served in the military, I highly recommend that you look into the resources that may be available to you. Not only may you find help in the form of in home care, they also have a support network to help you on this difficult journey. She’s right in saying that NO ONE understands how hard this is other than people who are traveling the same journey.
I find her candidness, fact sharing heartwarming.
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Seasand
4.0 out of 5 stars Touchingly written but not specific enough
Reviewed in the United States on 5 February 2026
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Emma Willis wrote about this sensitive subject regarding her husband, Bruce, with caring and love. So much so that I was left wanting more information. She talked about how difficult it was to handle his condition alone and, as I know next to nothing about the disease, I wanted to know what specific things she was dealing with. She touched very briefly about his moments of anger at the beginning of the book, but other than that, I do not know what she was going through. I realize she wanted to keep Bruce's privacy intact but it would have been more informative for me if she would have elaborated more on specifics. I admire her tremendously for writing her story. She did acknowledge in the book that she is in a better financial situation than many of us, so was able to purchase a separate house and hire additional help, but I am far....very far.... from being in that position. I do recommend the book for people who are going through similar circumstances, but I was left needing more information about what specific challenges (not generalizations) she herself was faced with.
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Jinny
5.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful for caregivers of any kind
Reviewed in the United States on 22 March 2026
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This is so helpful as a caregiver for my husband. It is written with actual tips, ideas and information from the heart. It's not pretentious or just another celebrity tooting their own horn . I would highly recommend it in book form so you can reference it again and again during your journey.
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Janet Dolber
5.0 out of 5 stars Losing the mind not the body- a help to survive.
Reviewed in the United States on 25 March 2026
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I have a dear long time friend with this situation, gave the gift to his spouce. She has said it has helped to know someone else and how to travel this difficult path.
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Marsha nobles
4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting!
Reviewed in the United States on 19 March 2026
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I can not give this an honest review because I have not read it yet. But I am sure that it is a good book.Interesting
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James W Powell
5.0 out of 5 stars outstanding
Reviewed in the United States on 2 March 2026
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It was wonderful reading about things you could use. My wife didn’t have ftd she had multiple myloma but if this book had been written earlier it would have made taking care of her easier. At least it can now help those in involved in the caring of family
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Alice in Amazonland
5.0 out of 5 stars Much appreciated gift.
Reviewed in the United States on 26 March 2026
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I sent as a gift.
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Marilyn Millman
5.0 out of 5 stars Written from the heart
Reviewed in the United States on 12 February 2026
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This book is a tender personal story, and also a manual for trying to navigate your own caregiving journey. It reminds you to continue living your own life, and to keep replenishing your own needs in order to be able to give to your loved one. It validates the emotions of anger and resentment and thus eases and helps transform those emotions into lighter ones. So very helpful.
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L. Franklin
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read
Reviewed in the United States on 14 March 2026
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Amazing book. Full of documented research and tips.
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Ann M Peterson
5.0 out of 5 stars This book helped me reclaim my
Reviewed in the United States on 29 September 2025
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I’ve read a lot of books during my husband’s five-year struggle with primary progressive aphasia because of Alzheimer’s. None of them shined a mirror on my life the way this book did. My family’s experience has been eerily similar with one exception — I never made self-care a priority partly because it seemed too daunting and impossible in the chaos of my life.
Emma Heming Willis has written a caregiving guide that is relatable. The research is extraordinarily but where this book sets itself apart is in how she ties it to the situations we all experience. Suddenly I can see why prioritizing my own well being is essential to my care for my husband and two daughters. More importantly, I know how to do it with manageable steps that can start with a 15 minute walk a day.
This book was also a blessing because it addresses a major need in a market short on resources for parents of school-age children who have a parent with dementia. I wish this book had existed when my daughter was 9 and we got the diagnosis. I would have done things differently had I known what Emma shares. But I’m grateful for the guidance now. Better late than never.
If you’re like me, wondering how you will find time to read in the crazy life of caring for someone with dementia, make this your must-read. For the first time in years I feel like I’m reclaiming part of my life and my family is better for it. I needed this book to show me how.
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beyond the wall
5.0 out of 5 stars Thoughtful, informed and inspiring
Reviewed in the United States on 3 February 2026
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I wish I had a book like this available to me and my family when my father in law was diagnosed with Parkinson's and later Lewy Bodies Disease. I have already gifted this book to others on similar journeys. Bravo Emma, you and Bruce are positively impacting others with your honest sharing of dealing with this devastating condition.
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Greg
5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable! Get it!
Reviewed in the United States on 9 January 2026
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I can’t say enough about this book! It’s helpful on so many levels. I wish every doctor who diagnoses a patient with dementia would recommend this book to the family and or care partner(s). Emma’s mantras for coping, advice, & insights are invaluable! She will help many have tangible information & feel less alone & cope better by writing this book. If you or anyone you care about is a care partner to, or are processing the diagnosis of dementia of a loved one, do not hesitate to get this book! You or the person you gift it to will be glad you did. THANK YOU Emma!
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April Titus
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for caregivers.
Reviewed in the United States on 27 February 2026
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Bought for my mom and she loved the book.
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Mark
4.0 out of 5 stars Good, but too much Emma self promo.
Reviewed in the United States on 27 December 2025
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A good read on a very overlooked disease.
Very much a “care for yourself” support type book naming resources and stuff. No indwx index in the book so you’ll have to bookmark any topics you’ll want to revisit later.
While I read this, I kept feeling like it’s a bit too much of a self promo book for Emma and setting herself up for a career once Bruce is gone.
Worth a read though.
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C. Saldivar
5.0 out of 5 stars Read this book twice!
Reviewed in the United States on 8 October 2025
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I was excited to pre-order this book in hopes of better supporting my Father-in-Law’s journey with my Sweet Mom in Law, who has advancing Alzheimer’s. He’s literally an angel on earth and the more I read, the more I realized that he’s doing such an astounding thing every minute he’s there for her, present in every way. The first read sent me on many journeys through websites and videos and even local support groups. My husband and I, along with other family members (many) are there for them as much as we can, which I’m sure is never enough. But, I began to understand that, collectively, we are all doing as right by her as we can. I believe she would be proud of all of us, and mostly of her devoted husband, who has become her care partner and done so many things right! For the time being, she is home and deeply cared for. Thank you, Emma, for the tools, ideas, dos and don’ts, lists, references and resources. Most of all, thank you for sharing Yours and Bruce’s journey through this very unexpected journey.
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John F Moreschi
4.0 out of 5 stars thank you
Reviewed in the United States on 16 December 2025
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Thank you Emma. The only bad part about this book is that I am a person who needed to read it. We are on path together, and it is not just a path of pain, it is a path of love, and a path that calls on us to rise up.
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Spino in Colorado
3.0 out of 5 stars A memoir about the caregiver, not the one receiving care
Reviewed in the United States on 18 September 2025
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I bought this book as a serial caregiver for parents with dementia. It does not discuss dementia at all, instead focusing on the caregiver. The advice to caregivers is not particularly profound from my point of view.
Let me explain. Sure, people under stress need resilience, but that is not accomplished just by taking breaks. This caregiver seems to have plenty of resources and a keen awareness of the need to care for herself. It is unclear how this has impacted the person for whom she is caring.
From my point of view as a caregiver and a professional therapist, caregiving is a sacrificial act--giving up personal comfort, independence, and choice in order to meet the needs of someone who can no longer independently meet their own needs. I did not see this coming through very strongly as a noble, other-centered choice. It is the hallmark in my mind of the most successful caregivers, whether or not they are paid and whether or not they have extensive resources.
I still remember inviting one group preparing for international humanitarian assignments to brainstorm strategies for engendering resilience. Unfortunately their strategies mainly revolved around short or long term escapes from the challenge. Breaks however only contribute to resilience if they lead to renewed engagement in the caregiving. The best strategies involve finding meaning and fulfillment in selfless and self-sacrificing acts of care in the face of circumstances that are frustrating and unrelenting.
If you are a caregiver, I encourage you to seek those strategies and enjoy the journey, even though you know it will naturally include pain and disappointment. The strategies mentioned here include getting help, finding allies, and understanding the challenges of both the disease and the care. Ultimately our best caregivers are those who enjoy providing care in the moment, and who find ways to renew that satisfaction day by day as the journey continues. Lowered expectations are also strongly associated with more resilient performance, and that journey of grief is embedded in the title itself--this journey is usually unexpected or at least unwanted, yet it comes all the same.
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Kristen Sachs
5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Book for Caregivers
Reviewed in the United States on 29 September 2025
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I am a caregiver to my husband who has a spinal cord injury, so initially I was unsure if I could relate to Emma's caregiving experience with dementia. But Emma proves that there is an abundance of crossover when it comes to the big issues caregivers face like overwhelm, burnout, and guilt. Something else I appreciate is she acknowledges her position in being able to afford outside help, which many caregivers cannot, and she does so with honesty and integrity. I was worried there might be some tone deafness when it came to that specific topic, but there truly isn't. If you are a caregiver in any capacity, you will find compassion, understanding, and even some helpful coping techniques in this book. I listened to the audio (which Emma beautifully narrates), and I also purchased the hard copy (which I annotated the heck out of). I would give this book 10 stars if I could.
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Kimberly Robinson
5.0 out of 5 stars Take a Breath
Reviewed in the United States on 15 October 2025
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This book has helped me amazingly. My husband has Vascular Dementia which is different than what Bruce has but we are all on this unexpected journey. I am fortunate that my husband has always been a happy soul but this disease can test & rob anyone beyond belief. My patience has always been beyond but certainly has been tested with the loss of my partner being my guy. Thank you Emma for writing this book. So very helpful & great insight in to what WE, the Caregivers go through. Without pouring my heart out, get this book if you find yourself on your own UNEXPECTED JOURNEY. One is 6 have dementia now. Don't let it take you down & ruin your life.
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Carol L. Hoefs
5.0 out of 5 stars So informing and a must have
Reviewed in the United States on 27 September 2025
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This book is written from the heart by Emma Heming Willis about her totally unexpected life change with her husband, Bruce Willis's diagnosis of FTD (frontotemporal dementia). She gives so much information throughout the book that she had received from many different people who are knowledgeable about FTD and she even says she has so much more to learn. No two people with FTD are the same. What works for one may not for another. This is a handbook for anyone who mya be dealing directly or may know someone dealing with FTD. My mother died from FTD and I wish I had known a lot of this information when she first started showing unusual behavior that led up to her diagnosis of FTD. I highly recommend this book.
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Gregory E. McKelvey
5.0 out of 5 stars Caregivers need care too. Things you can do.
Reviewed in the United States on 11 September 2025
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Emma Heming Willis bares her honest soul, sharing what she learned and what worked for her, giving care to her FTD-suffering husband, Bruce. She does not detail what physical and emotional care he needs nor how that grows over time; that is personal and private, as it must be. She does extensive research and enlists an impressive number of qualified professionals to offer how and why a caregiver can navigate this difficult road of FTD or any dementia, for that matter. The statistics quoted document the deadly risks givers of care face if they do not take care of themselves. Her honest, sometimes repetitive homegrown writing style is easy to read and easier to understand. Caregivers are the frontline of physical and emotional support, in need of as much help, support, encouragement, and love as the patient. Read it twice, once from her point of view, and again to apply the takeaways to you.
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aileen
5.0 out of 5 stars Order today if you are a caregiver
Reviewed in the United States on 21 January 2026
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Amazing story that touched my soul....her writing helped me understand my emotions. I suggest it for any care giver.
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CWM
4.0 out of 5 stars A caregiver’s perspective.
Reviewed in the United States on 4 December 2025
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Good insights for caregivers and families. The book is written in more of a woman’s point of view.
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Miriam
2.0 out of 5 stars Not exactly what I wanted
Reviewed in the United States on 27 September 2025
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I wanted to love this book. My mother has frontal temporal lobe dementia combined with anther type of dementia. I guess what I wanted from this book was more of an insight into Bruce, and the dynamic between Bruce and Emma as this disease progresss, not Emma alone. Not to be intrusive, but to compare his day to day practically with my mother's. To compare real life situations with the stuff my family is dealing with. Sometimes, reading about others like situations helps one lighten up on onself. This book I suppose understandably shies away from that probably because Bruce Willis is such a public figure and the family, again understandably would want to protect that image. So, that leaves Emma. This book is really about her and her journey as a caretaker. And while it gives a lot of practical and professional advice from medical professionals, and she tries her best to tell the reader how she felt, it falls short of exposing the real stark intimate tragedy of the loss of a loved one to progressive FTD. There are a host of other references out there that use real people with real caretaker/loved one scenarios that dig deep, with specific day-to-day incidences, getting to the very painful comic/tragic heart of the matter of this incredibly bizarre disease. Specific instances, like when my mom decided to paint her knees pink with nail polish because she thought it would help her knee pain, or when she decided that she should anoint her forearms and forehead with deodorant to get rid of wrinkles, or when she dunked a whole package of candy corn into her glass of wine because she thought it looked dazzling, or her obsession with toilet paper and bread, or when she fell in the street while taking a walk when her cane missed the sidewalk and we had to take her to the emergency room when she spent the night and forever after that she created instead an alternate story of what happened insisting that her memory loss is a result of the horrendous beating that she suffered when "those neighborhood boys" came and hit her with their car leaving her to bleed to death on the sidewalk where we found her and rushed her to the hospital where she says she remembers spent weeks. I wish Emma Heming Willis would have had the courage to expose more of those everday real moments that all of us caretakers experience with our loved ones and which I am sure she has had similar with her husband, so that audience members like me could say, yeah, I totally understand because I've been there, thank ypu for shaing! The Unexpected Journey is not a bad book. It can and has helped, as one can see from other reviews. It could even be a primer for some caregivers. There are good references. There are good incites. I just expected something more real, more intimate, more about the complex day to day journey of the interaction between a caregiver and their lived one, that's all.
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Jules
5.0 out of 5 stars A lifeline and must read for caregivers
Reviewed in the United States on 13 September 2025
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I haven’t been able to put this book down. It’s a must read. As a caregiver for someone with dementia, Emma speaks with a beautifully relatable tone from someone who is walking the walk beside you. I feel seen and heard in a true authentic way and have found the information to be so incredibly helpful. It has been my wake up call to put myself first as I’ve been feeling completely depleted on this journey. You must take care of yourself in order to be there for your loved one. This journey is so isolating, taxing and lonely, and I wish I got help sooner. Do not go it alone, getting help is crucial and you don’t realize how much you’re taking on until it can be very late in the process. I will keep this book close as a reminder. Thank you to Emma for putting her family’s journey out there to help others.
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Pepul
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book
Reviewed in the United States on 21 January 2026
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Very moving, and full of useful information for thoe families dealing with dementia
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Paula
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommend
Reviewed in the United States on 22 January 2026
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Perfect for anyone helping care for someone with dementia.
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Reader Mom
5.0 out of 5 stars An important guidebook every caregiver should read!
Reviewed in the United States on 10 September 2025
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The Unexpected Journey is both memoir and guidebook for navigating the dark forest of dementia. Emma writes humbly from her heart, sharing down to earth wisdom as she admittedly still learns how to navigate caring for a loved one. She writes that every dementia story is unique but the commonalities of caregiving include the essential need for self care. What struck me was how important it is for us to lift caregivers up in an incredibly hard job. Emma’s practical guidance, tips, space for journaling and scripts for how to ask for help, are her hard-won strategies. With her real-life experiences, she teaches us how to avoid some of the challenges. It is well written and infused with kindness. As a palliative care therapist, this is the guidebook I will be recommending to my caregivers.
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M
5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful, brave, helpful. Thank you for writing this book
Reviewed in the United States on 14 September 2025
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Such a great book! Emma has the courage to speak the unspoken, the things caretakers are afraid to say, to admit that they feel or think. She addresses all the hard things and then offers tools and insights into how to deal with them. One of the most helpful books I've read. So often it felt like she was expressing exactly how I feel, especially regarding the guilt for trying to take time away from caretaking to live your own life and actually do fun things. How brave she was to share the decisions made regarding their living situation knowing the criticism that would come. I love the mantra that those who don't have the experience don't get a say, and they definitely don't get a vote. Thank you Emma!
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Perseverance
Reviewed in the United States on 4 December 2025
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What a difficult thing Neurological disease is to have to deal with. Emma has courage and dedication driven by love for Bruce.
I'm so grateful for her sharing this story! I send my gratitude to her for being so open and honest. Sending you and your family warm hugs and prayers for strength and comfort!
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Regular Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Regular
Reviewed in the United States on 17 September 2025
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Well written and should be read by all caregivers should read and l recommend it for those who are cognitive now but have health issues that may later need this kind of care. I love Bruce and knowing how much his wife researched and reached out to others to help him - BRAVO. Read it it’s in simple form and an easy read.
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Sj
5.0 out of 5 stars heart warming and heart wrenching
Reviewed in the United States on 16 November 2025
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Wow, Emma just told our story as well. Thank you, Emma, for putting to words your understanding and work in this area. It finally feels like someone else knows, understands, and experiences what we have been experiencing. Thank you so much for sharing. You have no idea how meaningful this book has been in my life. I appreciate your love story and truly appreciate your insight!
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David Beyer
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Price! Fast Shipping! Recommend Seller!
Reviewed in the United States on 19 January 2026
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Great Price! Fast Shipping! Recommend Seller!
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Ginny S
5.0 out of 5 stars Eye opening
Reviewed in the United States on 23 November 2025
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I appreciate the honesty of this book and the author. I too am a care partner to my husband who has Cerebellum ataxia with Parkinson's like conditions. There is no cure for this degenerative disease. This book has been so helpful for me to see this disease in a new light. Hate the disease not your loved one. Thank you Emma
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Great heart
Reviewed in the United States on 15 November 2025
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Book was very informative and very moving...
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Amy Stover
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful and insightful advice
Reviewed in the United States on 11 September 2025
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This book will help anyone who is in a care partner role. Emma’s description of FTD and its challenges is excellent. This type of dementia is unique and for anyone who has a family member with this horrible disease, she has wonderful advice for strategies and resources. But this book offers good advice for anyone who finds themselves as a caregiver for any form of dementia. We need to start talking about dementia and learn ways to support both the patient and the caregivers. Finding a cure depends on continued funding for research projects already in progress. We need to be a voice for those who cannot communicate due to this disease. Highly recommend.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for a caregiver
Reviewed in the United States on 16 December 2025
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Each of us has a different journey but I could relate to so many of her thoughts and feelings. This book will let you know there are others facing the same challenges.
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mikel athon
5.0 out of 5 stars soulful and from the heart
Reviewed in the United States on 5 December 2025
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Matthew as expected is so much more than an excellent actor. He is a soulful as expected!! Ua Ola Loko I Ke Aloha( love give life within) and Matthew is full of love and life. aloha Mikel athon
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Michelle Heck
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing. THANK YOU!
Reviewed in the United States on 3 December 2025
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This book is EXTREMELY important, informative and reassuring. Especially for those of us, like me, who are in the thick of this caregiver journey. Words cannot express how grateful I am for you and your family to share your journey.
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Kathy
5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for Caretakers at Any Stage
Reviewed in the United States on 21 October 2025
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Whether you are new or experienced caretaker, this book offers a wealth of information that offers hope and gratitude. I’m beginning my sixth year of my caretaking journey with my mom and my aunt. I left a job I loved because I could no longer manage their care. She has assembled an incredible team of researchers in the field, who offer a wealth of information about providing your own emotional, physical, and mental health needs.
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Pambi
5.0 out of 5 stars Review of product
Reviewed in the United States on 3 January 2026
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The book is very good and is helpful if you have a loved one dementia.
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Debsinlove
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful gift to us, from her painful experience
Reviewed in the United States on 30 September 2025
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I was inspired to read The Unexpected Journey, by a brief interview with Emma on TV. Her quiet strength exuded such wisdom & experience. I just finished her book, & it's a treasure chest full of valuable advice, shared with such grace. Being a caregiver by trade, & also family, I hesitated ordering, as I thought it may just be more of what I already knew. It is more than that; it's practical & encouraging, & gives hope for the journey others may be on. Thank you, Emma.
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Holli H
5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read
Reviewed in the United States on 19 September 2025
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This is the best book for anyone who has recently had their world turned upside down from a dementia diagnosis of a loved one. Emma talks about their journey in a way that makes you feel like you’re not alone. She provides helpful insights of things to put in place or be ready to put in place, and encourages and reminds the care partner to seek help along the way with support groups, therapists, caring for self, along with other things. This has given me hope and encouragement when so few around me truly understand this journey.
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Bobbie F.
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect book for caretakers!!
Reviewed in the United States on 17 November 2025
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I love this book, I'm about halfway through it, I love the raw honesty and all the great tips!! Great book, easy to read and I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who is caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer's or any caretaker for that matter!!
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Gis Surpass
5.0 out of 5 stars I'm crying, EMMA You just Healed parts of brokenness in me. Thank you
Reviewed in the United States on 4 November 2025
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Where do I begin. Every caregiver must read this. I cried screamed shared and will soon start a series to share the Great wisdom in this masterpiece, Well
Done Emma for seeing me. I hope to meet you one day
. My son's diagnosis is EPILEPSY yet this book has blessed me.
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Lynda Hills
5.0 out of 5 stars Understanding your feelings with caregiving
Reviewed in the United States on 27 October 2025
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This book I initially purchased because of Bruce Willis and wanting to read about FTD but what I found in reading everything his wife is going through actually touched on family situations in my own life as a caregiver. I highly recommend this book to help understand your feelings and how to work through them. Excellent read!
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Beryl
5.0 out of 5 stars What Bruce and family are Going Thru!
Reviewed in the United States on 7 October 2025
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This book is very informative about the various things Bruce Willis is going thru and the treatment his wife and daughters are providing for him in a daily basis. There will be moments of tears on what is taking place in their lives and recently she had to put him into a home to give him more assistance during this ordeal. Very admirable wife, daughters and yes, even ex-wives.
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Eddie
5.0 out of 5 stars This Book Is A Lifeline
Reviewed in the United States on 17 September 2025
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The Unexpected Journey by Emma Heming Willis is a powerful and compassionate guide for anyone caring for a loved one with dementia. Drawing from her personal experience navigating Bruce Willis’s frontotemporal dementia diagnosis, Emma turns her pain into purpose, offering honest, practical advice and emotional support for caregivers. Blending heartfelt storytelling with expert insights, this book is a lifeline—reminding caregivers that while the road is difficult, they are not alone. Candid, comforting, and deeply human, it’s a must-read for anyone facing the challenges of caregiving.
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Lynn Rosenkranz
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read
Reviewed in the United States on 26 December 2025
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A must read for any family caring for someone with dementia
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Mom@home
3.0 out of 5 stars It wasn’t what I was expecting!
Reviewed in the United States on 15 January 2026
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This book wasn’t what I was expecting it to be. Instead of a story, it ended up being more of a guideline for care. But if you’re living in that kind of situation, I would highly recommend it.
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Dissatisfied
2.0 out of 5 stars Not for all caregivers
Reviewed in the United States on 14 September 2025
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I generally dislike to have to give a negative review to this book. I can understand Ms. Willis emotional pain of a slow loss of someone that she loves and I would never want to add more pain to her suffering. However, this book is not for most caregivers. It does have some good points, but the chapter on finding a community though important is difficult for most caregivers. We do not have the money , resources or high profile, friendships, and contacts that she does. No , money cannot fix her husband, and I’m sure that she would give it all away if it could. However, money can buy you help. It can buy you the right kind of house having other family members around who are capable of helping you .Many of us are alone, older ourselves, and caring in my case for an adult child. There is little of any community because I have no means or time to go to meetings, lunches, have visitors or conversations of other kind. My person is with 99 percent of my life…I get three hours to myself a week. Please I don’t like to come across as unfeeling or cruel, but if you have money, and the kind of contacts (Maria Shriver, Patti Davis, etc.) she has it can make your heart wrenching situation MUCH easier. If you’re a caregiver who is lucky to get a shower on a given day or has had all friends disappear because you situation makes them uncomfortable. This book probably won’t be worth the sleep that you will have to lose to read it. I wish Emma, Bruce and their family the very best….TRULY. However, I can’t recommend this book for most caregivers. But actually, I am writing my own book for myself. Maybe no one will ever read it or buy it on Amazon, but I write it for my own self-care. Take care everyone.🙏
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macbeth51249
4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
Reviewed in the United States on 17 September 2025
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Wow what a moving story it is a good read.
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Patty Conroy
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the hardest journey a loved one can go through.
Reviewed in the United States on 19 September 2025
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Dementia is the hardest journey. This book will help those just starting the course or even in it.
Emma is generous with what she is sharing with the heart to help.
I was happy to read Patti Davis was mentioned as well, for her book "Floating in the Deep end" is also a great read on this awful disease.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars The Unexpected Journey
Reviewed in the United States on 23 December 2025
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Great book, educational
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Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Jam packed with compassionate wisdom.
Reviewed in the United States on 3 October 2025
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Emma Hemming Willis has done a phenomenal job of exploring ways to find meaning, support, and strength despite the slow loss of a loved one suffering from dementia. Family and friends of persons with dementia can learn much about caring for their loved ones, their families, and themselves.
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Annie
5.0 out of 5 stars Caregivers need help too
Reviewed in the United States on 28 October 2025
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This book gave validation to me as a caregiver. My husband has Alzheimer's and we have been on this journey for eight years. I hope any caregivers will take the time to read this book.
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Claudia Williams
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book!
Reviewed in the United States on 15 October 2025
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I bought this book for my Sr in law who is dealing with my brother’s early onset dementia. She read it in one weekend and thanked me twice for it, saying it was very useful. It touched her deeply.
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Tara Tyler
5.0 out of 5 stars Recieved in excellent condition
Reviewed in the United States on 19 December 2025
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Great gift
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Sherry
5.0 out of 5 stars I hope to learn their journey
Reviewed in the United States on 14 September 2025
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I havent read this book yet. I am very anxious to read it! I am thankfully she has noted her and Bruce's journey along their journey. I think there will be many people will benefit from their journey. Many will learn what to expect along their journey.
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Valerie Mansbridge
5.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful!!
Reviewed in the United States on 22 September 2025
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I am so glad that Emma Willis wrote this book. I will be reading it more than once. I actually bought the book and the audiobook. I wanted to listen to it, but I also wanted to be able to refer back to it.
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Karen Kringle
5.0 out of 5 stars A great book
Reviewed in the United States on 19 September 2025
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This book is not just the story of Emma and Bruce's journey but a wonderful resource for caregivers and care partners. Emma shares information from many informative sources in the book in a style that is both heart warming and easy to understand. Love it!
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Pee Wee
5.0 out of 5 stars Worth the money
Reviewed in the United States on 11 December 2025
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Very informative
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Michele Beale
5.0 out of 5 stars Every Caregiver Should Have this Valuable Resiurce.
Reviewed in the United States on 30 September 2025
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The best book on the market for understanding and living with all kinds of mental diseases! Emma Willis has written a thoughtful and concise resource for caregivers who are navigating this epidemic of mental decline.
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AB, Brooklyn
5.0 out of 5 stars Take note - this is a large print book
Reviewed in the United States on 4 October 2025
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I didn’t mind the large print of this book - I just wasn’t aware it was large print till I received it. The book is an easy read with valuable information about caregiving.
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Jennifer B
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely wonderful!
Reviewed in the United States on 11 September 2025
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A great book for all caregivers. Thank you for the insight, compassion, and strength. Knowing your not alone goes a long way in a difficult path. This book is one that I know I will pick up many times and reread along my own journey.
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Tracy Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read & Resource
Reviewed in the United States on 4 October 2025
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My mom was just diagnosed. It’s been incredibly helpful to guide us through what’s happening and give us supportive resources. Recommended highly for a tough journey to navigate for caregiver and patient.
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Nora
5.0 out of 5 stars Very informative.
Reviewed in the United States on 20 October 2025
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Excellent book for people in this position. Very informative and helpful. Would highly recommend it for anyone dealing with dementia.
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Pamela Leazer
5.0 out of 5 stars A great read exactly when I needed it
Reviewed in the United States on 24 September 2025
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Easy to read, even through empathetic tears and occasional laughter. I feel this is a must read for anyone who has been touched by all forms of dementia, especially FTD.
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Jennifer Crist
5.0 out of 5 stars Great support for all caregivers
Reviewed in the United States on 18 September 2025
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Great support book for caregivers. My loved one doesn’t have dementia but has a stroke at the age of 52 and was left permanently disabled. I could relate and found it very helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Educational and Inspirational
Reviewed in the United States on 8 October 2025
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Excellent resource for a caregiver! Well written and easy to read. Honest advice. Sharing from her personal experience speaks volumes.
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Mauricio Yepes
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I've read.
Reviewed in the United States on 12 October 2025
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This book was beyond extraordinary. I highly recommend it to anyone who is in a caregiver path or if not.
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