LAUNCHES HER FIRST BOOK . . .

I Didn't
See It
Coming

Available now on AMAZON

Publication date
October 3, 2023
by East End Press

IN THE AUTHOR'S OWN WORDS

Hear from Mary Lou Falcone, in her own words, how the experiences of her 10-year-old self and the many influential forces throughout her life prepared and shaped her for the love of her life and ultimately the loss of her life. Sharing her journey and struggle as a caregiver for her LOVE through Lewy body dementia (LBD) was possibly the most important role of her life. An extraordinary life lived…a love story that needs to be shared.

AUTHOR AND ILLUSTRATOR
Mary Lou Falcone is an internationally known classical music publicist/strategist who for five decades has helped guide the careers of many prominent artists and institutions. Combining her communication skills with her background as a performer and educator, she now adds another layer: being an advocate for Lewy body dementia (LBD) awareness.

Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Zann, who died of LBD in 2020, was the inspiration for this book. A popular 1950s rock ’n’ roll musician who became a world-renowned cartoonist, illustrator, and painter, his work has been credited with being the inspiration for Roy Lichtenstein. Mary Lou and Nicky were a couple for 37 years.

BOOK SYNOPSIS
In this memoir of love, loss, and Lewy body dementia (LBD), Mary Lou Falcone takes readers on a cathartic journey of caregiving that is filled with hope, laughter, and tears, making stops along the way for music, romance, and surprises. Written to inspire and give hope, Mary Lou unflinchingly shares in detail her late husband’s struggle with LBD, providing informative, compassionate, and inspiring insights into dementia. As she emerges transformed and energized, so will the readers of I Didn’t See It Coming: Scenes of Love, Loss, and Lewy Body Dementia.

WHY THIS BOOK? WHY NOW?
It’s time to put a worldwide spotlight on dementia in general and LBD specifically, as it is the second most common form of progressive dementia after Alzheimer’s disease and is widely misdiagnosed. As Mary Lou says in her first chapter, “The arc of life has taken some dramatic turns that I didn’t see coming, and my heart tells me it’s time to share.”

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
“A beautiful story of music, faith, compassion, friendship, and undying love.”
– DAVID HYDE PIERCE, Actor

“…a beautifully rendered, inspiring chronicle of determination, resilience, and boundless love.”
– RENÉE FLEMING, Soprano

“…An important book for caregivers who are struggling with someone affected by dementia…”
– JAAP VAN ZWEDEN, Music Director, New York Philharmonic
– AALTJE VAN ZWEDEN, Author and Founder, Papageno Foundation