By Lisa Genova
Genre Adult contemporary
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Synopsis
Alice Howland is a professor at Harvard, a mother of three and living her perfect life in Boston. It seems nothing could go wrong. Until Alice starts forgetting things. When she's diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's her world is shattered.
First Sentence
Even then, there were neurons in her head, not far from her ears, that were being strangled to death, too quietly for her to hear them.
Another book club book. I actually voted to read this book even though I knew it would be sad. Most people in my book club weren't overly excited to read it but, in the end, they loved it. I loved it too.
It was heart wrenching to read. And while I didn't cry, the book certainly pulled on my heartstrings. I hate to use the train wreck cliche but there's just no better way describe reading this book. I just simply couldn't look away.
In the beginning, Alice reminded me of Joan Didion from The Year of Magical Thinking. She had this unreal life that just seemed too perfect and she came off as arrogant. Mind you, Alice is fictional and Joan isn't but I saw plenty of similarities and I was a bit worried I wouldn't be able to have any compassion for poor Alice. I did. It was so hard to read about her mind and memories slipping away. I can't even imagine.
The ending of the book was my absolute favorite part. Because here you are reading this dreadfully sad book and then that ending!!! It just made me feel good. Loved it!
The discussion came up in book club of what exactly the purpose of this book was. Some people thought it was just too sad and that it left them feeling depressed. Was that its purpose? I think it was just to educate us about Alzheimer's. And it did. And it gave me a lot more compassion for those suffering from it.
Should you read it?
I hate to sound like one of "those" people but I think everyone should read this book.
I don’t read a lot of serious issue types of books, but I’m glad to hear this one was good. I love it when a book can tackle an important topic while still telling a compelling story.
ReplyDeleteThis one did a great job of both.
DeleteI agree with you that I think its purpose is to educate. While it was sad and hard to read, I do have a lot more compassion for people with Alzheimer's and dementia. I hope I won't feel awkward around them anymore because of this book.
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteI really should probably read this at some point. It just because less of a priority after I saw the movie! Glad to hear it is good!
ReplyDeleteNow that I've read the book I want to watch the movie. Just to see how they did.
DeleteI've heard this book is really good. Have you seen the movie?
ReplyDeleteI'm sad I missed book club for this one. The book was sad, but it wasn't overly sad. I didn't feel depressed while reading it. I was just really absorbed and intrigued. I agree that the purpose was for the book to be educational. I want to watch the movie really bad now.
ReplyDeleteThis book as been on my TBR pile for a LONG time! I think I'm saving it for a day when I can use a good cry.....or for when I have a Costco sized supply of kleenex ready lol
ReplyDeleteAnd you intrigue me! Everyone should read it? Gues I'd better add it to my TBR then. :)
ReplyDeleteI've been afraid to read this one because I'm pretty sure it will make me cry. Maybe I'll try and watch the movie instead, as books usually have a bigger impact on me. Either way, glad that you were able to talk your book club into reading it!
ReplyDeleteI was just commenting on Kami's blog about this book. I want to read it, but I'm not sure if I should right now. I have a loved one just recently diagnosed with a form of dementia and it might be too hard to read at the moment. I might relate a little too much.
ReplyDelete