Author:C.O. Moed

Publisher:Rootstock Publishing

ISBN:978-1-57869-165-4

Atits heart, It Was Her New York: True Stories & Snapshots by C.O.Moed recounts the author's relationship with her mother, FlorenceDeutsch Moed—a Juilliard-trained pianist battling the devastatingeffects of dementia. Set against the backdrop of a disappearing LowerEast Side in New York, the book is a deeply personal memoir about amother's deteriorating mind and body.

Thefusion of past and present crafts a compelling narrative thatexplores both the author’s coming-of-age journey and her mother’sstruggle with cognitive decline. Candid photographs capture unposedmoments of urban life and complement the text, reflecting the book'sdual themes of impermanence and resilience.

Moed'swords and images create a powerful depiction of aging, family ties,and the raw truth of caring for a loved one as they decline. Foranyone who has witnessed the unraveling of a loved one’s mind,Moed’s memoir resonates deeply.

Asshe writes, "We are all clutching the remnants of someone asthey slip through our fingers and plummet into insanity that onlyarises when something inside the head starts eating the brain forbreakfast, lunch, and dinner." 

In her own words, Moed shares,"The topics of growing old, love in the pre-Stonewall Gay andLesbian community, the experiences of my fellow NewYorkers—immigrants, native-born, and from every walk of life—alongwith the landscape of an ever-changing city are hugely important tome. I chose to showcase these in a combination that feels like amemoir married with a graphic novel."

Thisrare combination not only brings visibility to diverse andunderrepresented communities—particularly older adults—but alsohonors the men and women who, in pursuit of the American Dream,sustain the heartbeat of the city. Moed's narrative unfolds withhumor and unflinching honesty, interspersing sketches from herchildhood with the raw realities of caregiving.

Throughthese vivid recollections, we meet Florence in her prime—a feisty,resourceful woman who would walk a mile to save a nickel and insistedon the proper use of English, instilling both discipline andresilience in her daughter. 

These glimpses of Florence’s vivaciousspirit add emotional depth, reminding readers of the stark contrastbetween who she was and who she has become as dementia takes itstoll. This starkly poetic truth underscores the heartache ofcaregiving—a balancing act of love and labor performed even as theperson we knew fades into an unrecognizable shadow.

Forinstance, a trip to the doctor’s office unfolds as anexcruciatingly real scene: Florence’s sudden need for the bathroom,the chaotic dash to maintain dignity, and the desperate negotiationto avoid a missed appointment. These moments, though uncomfortable,are steeped in humanity, portraying caregiving as an act of bothfrustration and fierce devotion.

Thedescriptions are painfully realistic, written with unflinchinghonesty and precision, making the experiences and emotions deeplyrelatable. Readers who have faced similar caregiving roles will findthemselves nodding in recognition, while others will gain a profoundunderstanding of the emotional labor involved.

Thisbook appeals to a broad audience: caregivers grappling with thecomplexities of supporting a loved one, readers drawn to intimate anddeeply personal memoirs, and those interested in stories ofresilience within diverse and underrepresented communities.

Itsexploration of aging, memory, and identity resonates universally. Atthe same time, its vivid evocation of a disappearing Lower East Sideoffers a rich, nostalgic portrait of a unique time and place. 

Throughher vivid storytelling and visual artistry, Moed shines a light onthe grit and grace of New York’s disappearing Lower East Side whilecelebrating the resilience of its people. 

Her photography mirrors hernarrative themes, showcasing not only the quiet struggles ofcaregiving but also the vibrant diversity of a city shaped byimmigrants, queer communities, and dreamers.

Thisis more than a memoir; it is an ode to the people, places, andmoments that shape us, even as they fade or slip away. Moed’scandid storytelling, evocative photography, and heartfelt vignettescreate a timeless tribute to love, memory, and the enduring humanspirit.

Follow Here To Read Norm's Interview With C.O Moed