Saving Milly

Love, Politics, and Parkinson's Disease

By: Morton Kondracke

Narrated by: Michael Prichard

Morton Kondracke never intended to wed Millicent Martinez, but the fiery daughter of a radical labor organizer eventually captured his heart. They married, raised two daughters, and loved and fought passionately for twenty years. Then, in 1987, Milly noticed a glitch in her handwriting, a small tremor that would lead to the shattering diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Saving Milly is Kondracke’s powerfully moving chronicle of his vital and volatile marriage, one that has endured and deepened in the face of tragedy; it also follows his own transformation from careerist to caregiver and activist, a man who will “fight all the way, without pause or rest, to ‘save’ his beloved Milly.” *


(* Linda Bowles, The Washington Times)©2001 Morton Kondracke; (P)2001 Books on Tape, Inc.

Critic reviews

“One of those uncommon books that manages to ennoble its author and its reader alike.”
–The Wall Street Journal


“A TRULY COMPELLING READ . . . AN INTENSELY PERSONAL MEMOIR . . . There is only one Milly. And from what I learned in her husband’s splendid book, she is a treasure.”
–National Review

“HONEST AND WISE . . . A love story that, without mushiness, plumbs the meaning of marriage . . . A tender tell-all that grabs one by the throat from the first paragraph to the last.”
–The Oregonian

“ONE OF THOSE BOOKS YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF TO READ. . . . It is a moving testimonial to a brave woman. . . . It’s a beautiful book. Do yourself a favor and read it.”
–Wisconsin State Journal

“WARM, LOVING, TENDER . . . IMPOSSIBLE TO PUT DOWN.”
–LARRY KING, USA Today

“POWERFUL, UNVARNISHED, HEARTRENDING.”
–Chicago Tribune

Educational and entertaining

I had never heard of the author or his wife but of course have heard of MJ Fox. My wife was recently diagnosed with PD at age 43. Not knowing what the future holds this book showed me the importance of not wasting the good time we have now before the symptoms advance. Also, there may never be a cure. Twenty years ago Millie was told a cure was 5-10 years away. All they needed was money and time. Millions of dollars and 20 years later the docs still say 5 years to a cure. Hope for the best prepare for reality.

Loved the political & truth about Parkinson's

If you could sum up Saving Milly in three words, what would they be?

Love Politics & Parkinsons

Who was your favorite character and why?

Milly ... she was a fighter for life.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

This book made me think about the truth of Parkinsons and what people (our surviving loved ones) go through when caring for those stricken with the disease. This book shows true Love, & the political fight for research. How Hollywood helped with Michael J. Fox at the forefront to bring awareness.

very detailed account

The author relays in detail his wife's ordeal with Parkinson's... very informative, easy listen. As a healthcare worker, I enjoy hearing the patient perspective. Bonus political history of disease research funding.