This is sort of related to what I typically post to The Dementia Chronicles 2.0 so, I hope you don't mind if I post some good news.

My memoir entitled THE HEARTBREAK OF TIME TRAVEL, which will be out November 17th this year, has been getting some amazing and unexpected reviews.

Unexpected because, one, I don't typically write nonfiction and, two, I sort of disobeyed writing rules. All of them. I feel like this is possibly my most artistic sojourn as an author.

HEARTBREAK is a memoir about Bob and me and how we traverse the rocky path of dementia. So, as the book readies for release, the reviews start to come in. Getting reviews is, in my opinion, one of the scariest parts of releasing a book. But, so far so good. My fingers are crossed and my prayers continue. Thank you, God.

Here are some of the things people are saying...

“The Heartbreak of Time Travel is a stirring and fragmented exploration of time, love, and the grit of caregiving. Wingate, through the character Snuffy Cod, navigates a memoir of a woman caring for her husband, who is slowly losing his faculties due to dementia. Each chapter peels back the layers of their relationship as she blends biting humor with raw confessions, touching on everything from the mundane rituals of caregiving to existential reflections on time, memory, and impending loss. It’s a contemplative journey that often leans into the absurd, embracing life’s messiness and fragility with a sense of irony and defiant grace.

Wingate’s writing is both immersive and jarring. She employs a conversational, almost stream-of-consciousness approach that pulls readers into Snuffy’s headspace. This approach initially feels chaotic, especially when Snuffy switches between the first and third person, but it mirrors her fractured reality and internal conflict. Her desperate wish for her husband’s peaceful passing is heartbreaking yet brimming with love. This rawness makes the book feel personal and relatable. There’s no filter, no sugarcoating, just Wingate’s unvarnished truths laid bare.

One of the most memorable aspects of the book is Wingate’s handling of time. She weaves past memories, present duties, and future dreams as if they’re interchangeable, which feels appropriate for a book centered on time travel. In one chapter, Snuffy imagines time reversing so she and her husband can relive their “first kiss,” sparking a fresh, almost whimsical hope amidst the grimness of daily routines. This blend of longing for the past and dread for the future emphasizes the book’s title; it’s the heartbreak of reliving what can never be again, despite her attempts to “zip to future” or “zip to past.”

The humor in this book is one of its strongest elements. Even in moments of frustration, Wingate finds comedic relief. This humor doesn’t detract from the emotional weight. Instead, it makes Snuffy’s pain and resilience feel even more real, grounding the narrative in the strange ways people cope.

The Heartbreak of Time Travel is a challenging yet rewarding read for anyone who’s faced caregiving, loss, or the relentless passage of time. Wingate’s unfiltered and witty approach brings authenticity to every page. I think it’s ideal for readers who appreciate memoirs that are as humorous as they are haunting, as reflective as they are raw.”

Rating: 5 Stars ~Thomas Anderson, Editor In Chief, Literary Titan

 Here's another...

"Like the quote from Kurt Vonnegut at the beginning of the book, “All time is all time” (SLAUGHTERHOUSE-FIVE), this book feels as though it is running smoothly even while time is jumping between past, present, and future. This book is more than the sum of its parts. The emotions are real, the lives are strained, and the writing is beautiful." ~Terry Persun, multi-genre author and Amazon bestseller

And another...

"I love what Susan Wingate writes. She can be so dark yet touching, and funny. She is such a special writer. Her latest story The Heartbreak of Time Travel is brilliant, rich—so powerful and interesting, smart and caring.” ~Marilyn R. Atlas, film manager/producer and co-author of "Dating Your Character"

And still more...

The Heartbreak of Time Travel by Susan Wingate (A Review by Rahki Verma)

September 22, 2024

My Take: What would you do if you could travel through time?

In The Heartbreak of Time Travel by Susan Wingate, we are invited into a unique, emotional journey that blends reality and perceived time travel.

The book masterfully explores the delicate balance between caregiving, grief, and hope, making it a gripping read that kept me hooked from the first page.

What truly captivated me about this book was the way it approached time travel, not as a grand sci-fi spectacle, but as a deeply personal and introspective experience. It feels raw and honest, with the weight of loss and love making each moment resonate. The storyline is not just about jumping between timelines, but about navigating the complexities of the human heart.

The author’s writing is simple yet profoundly evocative. Each page draws you in with its emotional depth, and the vivid depiction of grief and love is remarkable. The language is so accessible and heartfelt that it feels like a conversation with a close friend.

This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys stories that explore the nuances of love, loss, and time. I found it to be deeply moving and thought-provoking, a perfect read for those looking for something emotional yet hopeful.

Overall, it’s an immersive and unforgettable read.

INSPIRE READS's review, Oct 03, 2024

This novel offers a unique blend of science fiction and emotional realism, taking readers on an introspective journey through time and memory. The author’s use of time travel is not just a plot device but a metaphor for the protagonist’s coping mechanisms in the face of her husband’s slow decline. The narrative moves effortlessly between the past, present, and future, creating a disorienting but engaging experience that mirrors the protagonist’s fractured state of mind.

The writing is eloquent and evocative, drawing readers into the protagonist’s inner world, where grief, hope, and denial coexist. The way the author handles the complexities of caregiving is brutally honest yet tender, capturing the loneliness, fear, and love involved in watching someone you love slowly fade away.

Readers will appreciate the unique approach to storytelling and the emotional depth of this narrative. It’s a book that invites reflection on how we handle time, loss, and the inevitability of death. For those who enjoy introspective reads that challenge conventional narratives, this is a must-read.

Moutrisha Sardar's review, Oct 03, 2024

This deeply moving narrative draws readers into a heart-wrenching journey of caregiving, time, and the fragility of life. The author skillfully portrays the emotional rollercoaster of being a caregiver, blending it with an intriguing element of time travel. The protagonist’s sporadic popovers to the past and future create a surreal atmosphere that mirrors her internal turmoil and desperation.

The writing is beautifully crafted, with vivid imagery that immerses you in the protagonist's world, where every fleeting moment of hope is balanced with an aching sadness. The author’s handling of themes like dementia, love, and grief is both raw and profound, making you reflect on the difficult choices people face in life and death situations.

This book is not just about time travel—it’s about the emotional complexities of caregiving and the inevitable confrontation with loss. The author’s ability to convey this pain with such depth makes it a powerful read for anyone who’s ever felt trapped between hope and heartbreak. A beautifully crafted narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is emotional.

See what I mean? I'm touched to the soul by what people are saying and couldn't be more humbled by them at the same time. I'm blessed by them.

But also, these reviews also teach me something. They teach me that people want to learn about other people and what they might be going through. But HEARTBREAK isn't only a tale about hardships. It's a love story. Bob and my love story. From the past, the present, and the future. This is God's blessing.