Events Dinner Program and Book Discussion

Nancy Stearns Bercaw, Renowned Author

Dinner Program at The Thompson in Conjunction with The Kick-Off of Bookstock

Monday, July 23, 2018

6:00 pm Dinner, followed by 7:00 pm Book Presentation

Cost: $20 for Dinner, Reservations at 457-3277

In her book, “Brain in a Jar: A Daughter’s Journey Through Her Father’s Memory,” Nancy Stearns Bercaw recounts her father’s battle with Alzheimer’s.  This unflinchingly honest memoir recounts her life with Dr. Beauregard Lee Bercaw, or "Beau," who became a neurologist in response to watching his own father deteriorate and die of Alzheimer's. For many years Beau kept an autopsied brain in a jar on the desk in his office as a constant reminder of the struggle that he waged against the disease first with his patients, and ultimately for himself as he succumbed to its effects. This is also the story of the author's own struggle to establish her identity and to navigate the treacherous and ever-changing emotional terrain of her relationship with her father, as she literally traveled the world in her quest to make sense of both of their lives.

"“Brain in a Jar is an American Gothic tale of love, grief, genetics, obsession, adventure, fear and courage. The Bercaws might break your heart, but they’ll also remind you why Alzheimer's disease must take center stage in politics, medicine, and art." --Bob Kerrey

Nancy Stearns Bercaw has written for publications around the world including the New York Times, the Huffington Post, the Korea Herald, the Atlanta Journal Constitution, MariaShriver.com, Seven Days, and U.S. News & World Report. She is the author of “Brain in a Jar: A Daughter’s Journey through Her Father’s Memory" and “Dryland: One Woman’s Swim to Sobriety.” In 2009, Nancy was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at the University of South Florida where she swam on scholarship from 1982-1986 and was a 17-time All-American, National Champion and Olympic Trials qualifier. After graduating from USF, Nancy served as a teacher in the United States Peace Corps in Kenya. Since then, she has lived and worked all over the world – from South Korea to the Middle East. Currently, Nancy is Chief of Staff at Ajman University in the United Arab Emirates.