THE HARD QUESTIONS FOR ADULT CHILDREN AND THEIR AGING PARENTS

In a very different format than that of Gail Goeller's, Susan Piver asks the hard questions. Her previous books have addressed marriage and the "authentic life," but her third "hard questions" book, presented in her trademark Q&A format, asks the most difficult ones. With 100 questions, Piver helps the reader explore the challenges and difficulties that arise when parents get older and their children start participating in their biggest decisions. The author's own mother is in her 70s, so the book has the ring of urgency and truth. This is for everyone in the family, with chapters entitled "For Self and Siblings Only" and "For Parents Only," making it clear that some decisions are made together, and some alone. There are chapters on "Family Relationships and Personal History," "Finances," "Possessions, Legalities, and Paperwork," "Health Care and Quality of Life," and "Spirituality," all of which Pivers handles with compassion and clarity. Some of these tough questions: Can children afford managed care or should they have their parents move in? Are parents clear on how their assets are to be distributed? What are your funeral wishes and have you made arrangements? Tough indeed, but essential, and Piver does a great service in outlining the issues and answering the hardest questions in a book that families should share. Piver is particularly media-savvy; she's appeared on Oprah and the Today show and has worked extensively in the entertainment industry. She lives in Boston and is available for interviews.