SPRINGFIELD ON SOUL

After selling 112 million copies in 40 languages, the popular Chicken Soup for the Soul book series is a household name. And soon, two Springfield authors will appear in the latest installment: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Family Caregivers, due out March 13. Kathleen H. Wheeler of Springfield contributed her story, “Changing My Expectations,” which details a visit to a nursing home to care for her late mother in the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The story is an excerpt from a Wheeler’s soon-to-be-published book, Brought to My Senses, on learning to cope with dementia as a family. Wheeler says she used to read Chicken Soup for the Soul to her mother, who died two months after the visit detailed in her story. In a story titled “Dry Her Tears,” Springfield author Jean Ferratier details the challenges and rewards of caring for an adult daughter who suffered a debilitating work injury. Ferratier also has a story in a previous installment of Chicken Soup. The series actually brought the two women together: Wheeler introduced herself to Ferratier after reading Ferratier’s previous story. Both authors will read excerpts and sign copies of the book at Barnes & Noble, 3111 South Veterans Pkwy, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on March 24.