Gentle on My Mind: In Sickness and in Health with Glen Campbell by Kim Campbell

When I first heard that Kim Campbell wrote a book about her life with Glen Campbell I thought, really? So much was already known about his life and much of it was told in his book Rhinestone Cowboy from 1994. I knew his story regarding the Alzheimer\’s diagnosis and wondered why she wanted to put herself through the retelling of such a horrific nightmare. I was wrong…this book is important on many levels. First and foremost, it is a true story of love, courage, bravery, sacrifice and the human spirit. I know, because I have lived this story and what Kim writes is almost a carbon copy of my own experience with my beloved partner of 20 years…ending in the long dark road of Alzheimer\’s Dementia as well as Frontotemporal Dementia. The experiences, the behaviors, the emotional suffering…all of it. The only difference between Kim\’s story and mine is the fame and fortune. Glen Campbell was my first celebrity crush when I was a very young teen. I loved his music and his style. I loved everything about him and I still do. After my loved one passed in 2018, it was Glen\’s music that helped me get through the loss and never realized that while I was listening and remembering better times, I was living the exact same nightmare as Kim. She tells the story of her life with Glen in loving and honest terms. She stood strong in the face of the worst disease that can happen to a human and never stopped supporting the man she loved. I admire and applaud her in every way possible. Nothing said in this book in any way detracts from the amazing and phenomenal talent that Glen had. Any criticism regarding her deep faith is misplaced. Unless you personally live the nightmare of this disease, not to mention the alcoholism, you have no understanding of the toll it takes on the lives of those who make the choice to stay and support and honor their loved one. While reading this book I cried my eyes out because while writing her own story, she inadvertently wrote mine as well. Thank you Kim for sharing and I pray that you find peace by whatever means possible. Your belief in God will keep you strong and your love of family will help you move forward. Glen referred to you as his Angel and in my opinion, you certainly earned that title.

Having just finished reading Kim Campbell’s heart wrenching “Gentle on My Mind: in Sickness and in Health with Glen Campbell”, I want to say Thank you to Kim for the courage to write this book. I am aware that Kim lived her live in the ultra high level of “well to do”, but for her to live with the man who was the love of her life dealing with his two horrible diseases: Alcoholism and Alzheimer’s is almost unbearable..being a life long Glen Campbell fan of his records and concerts(over 20 of them), I never fully realized the gravity of his addictions. Having recently lost my wife of 42 years to ALS, I was her primary caregiver for 14 months and I still can’t sleep through the night two years later, but for this woman and unfortunately millions more women and men throughout the country and the world to endure these diseases of their loved ones day after day, month after month, and year after year is just heartbreaking. I urge everyone reading this review to obtain a copy and read how Kim coped and cared for Glen…

As I read this book I had to wonder many times if Glen had not been GLEN CAMPBELL would Kim have put up with as much as she did. Who knows. If the WalMart greeter had wanted to start a relationship with her, considering their age difference, would she have gone for it? Her dad was fine with the age difference after he found out who the 45 year old guy was. Kim took very good care of Glen and I admire that. Was the sexy picture of her at the end of the photo section necessary? Nah. I had many questions and many cynical possible answers. RIP Glen.

Unlike some other reviewers, I did not like the writing style or the numerous Bible Scripture quotes throughout the entire book. The Kindle sample did not offer the usual preview of the first few pages or I would not have purchased it.

A bit heavy on the religious aspects, but not really a distraction. If you watch the documentary first, as I did, the book does justice to the earlier years. If you haven\’t seen the documentary, read the book first. All in all, a comfortable and informative read.

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