It’s time to read and reminisce about what we drank in the past (both with and without alcohol) – and of course, some of these drinks are still popular today. These books make a great talking point during visits, and are especially useful for loved ones with dementia, who may not be able to chat about what they did this week, but can absolutely remember what they served or handed round at parties when they were young.

The text is from a chatty, magazine-style perspective, looking back how things were ‘back in the day’.

However, there are just three large print paragraphs per illustrated page, and no need to remember what was on the page before.

Obviously, memories of the past will differ – and mine are more UK and Australian, though I’ve tried to acknowledge the US/Canadian experience. 

What I’ve noticed is that everyone who reads these books either says “Oh, yes, I remember fruit punch at every party!” or “Yes, but that’s not quite how we made it…” – and then they start reminiscing!

All the reading books are 40 pages, with extra large bold print and vibrant photographs, 8 x 10 inches.

There is no reference to dementia or other illness inside the book, or on the cover. The back cover says simply: “Enjoy these tales of the good old days and share your own stories! Keep your mind active as you read aloud or read along.”

[JUST A QUICK ALERT: Obviously, this would not be the right book to offer to anyone living with alcohol use disorder.]

You can find Drinks to Try from Days Gone By on Amazon by clicking on this universal link: https://mybook.to/DrinksToTry – or why not try your local library? (Tell them it’s ISBN number 9781922191670.)