Gentle on My Mind by
Kim Campbell is a highly readable memoir of the author’s life with the
entertainer Glen Campbell. This is a story of fortitude for the four-time married
singer who was 23 years older than his ballerina wife. They faced many
challenges during their 34-year marriage including substance abuse, alcoholism,
spousal abuse, and finally, Alzheimer’s disease.
A dancer at Radio City
Music Hall when Kim was introduced by a friend to Campbell, she was quickly
attracted to Glen although she had some misgivings. Kim had her first glimpse
of his alcohol-fueled bad behavior at the end of their very first date. After a
few missteps on Glen’s part, including rebounding to the singer Tanya Tucker
for a brief interlude, Glen swept Kim off her dancing feet and away with him.
Kim peels away all the
veneer from the relationship and exposes both the highs and the lows of their lives
together. Her faith in God sustained her through the lows while other women would
have left the marriage. Her story is a heart-breaking yet loving tribute to a
very complicated, troubled man.
Her candid telling of
Glen’s life both before she met him and through their enduring marriage is a testimony
to her patience and strength. Her endurance through Glen’s decline into
dementia is extraordinary as is the support of their family and friends during
this nightmare experience.
Kim Campbell, the
mother of three of Glen’s eight children, is the founder of Careliving.org, “a
blog, lifestyle guide, and social movement designed to inspire, encourage and
empower caregivers to care for themselves while caring for others.” For fans of
Glen Campbell, this is a must read.
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