Spin Cycle

Notes from a Reluctant Caregiver

By: Alfredo Botello

Narrated by: Brian Callanan

High school math teacher Ezra Pavic is having a hard time. His wife left him, his son barely tolerates him, and now he's being blindsided by something he never saw coming: the emotional spin cycle of parenting a parent. His mother Irene has dementia, and it's exhausting. Caring for her is a constant source of frustration, resentment, and guilt. Lots of guilt.

Overwhelmed by it all, Ezra opens a strip-mall school to help others-and himself-become better caregivers. As he learns to handle the personalities of his nine misfit students, Ezra must also navigate the complex feelings he has toward his mother. It doesn't help that she adores his do-nothing slacker brother.

But Ezra hasn't told his students that he also has an agenda beyond becoming a more compassionate caregiver. And, it turns out, so does one of his students. Ezra confides the entire tale to his childhood friend Danny as he attempts to sort it all out and find room in his heart again for compassion and love.

©2024 Alfredo Botello (P)2024 Alfredo Botello

Smart, funny, suspenseful and engaging.

Smart, funny, and emotionally engaging. Spin Cycle blends sharp humor with relatable characters and real-life struggles. Alfred Botello delivers a fast-paced, thoughtful story that’s both entertaining and meaningful. A great listen from start to finish.”

Story of my life

“Spin Cycle” is a great book. I read the description and thought, this is my life. I wondered if I could learn something from a book of fiction. Truth is, many of us find ourselves in this position, feeling alone and unfit, caring for a sick or elderly parent. I appreciate the honesty of the situation. And the ending, I wasn’t expecting that!

Wow! Powerful!

I have worked with dementia patients and other disabilities all my life and I could so relate to the main character. Just like him I learned so much about myself and others through the lifelong process. It was very affirming to have that huge variety of intense emotions validated.