Her first book is entitled Still Alice and it is every bit as well written and interesting as LEFT neglected. Definitely a page turner! It's about a woman who finds out that she has early-onset Alzheimer's -- she is only 50 -- and is a psychology professor at Harvard. Alzheimer's is a harsh disease usually affecting the elderly so to read this from the point of view of a younger person was really an eye-opener.
I really found myself paying attention and taking the memory tests put forth by Alice's neurologist (and passed them all) because, just like we all do as we age, I occasionally forget names (usually singers and actors, not friends and acquaintances) and have to run down the alphabet until suddenly the right name pops into mind! I don't know why I forget singers and actors -- just not so important I guess. Or I go into another room to get something and then can't remember why I went there. So I have to retrace my steps, and then the thing I was going to get pops into mind! Anyhow, I did the tests and repeated the memory phrases with flying colors. Thank the good Lord.
John Black, 42 West Street, Brighton. There!! I still remember it!!
Alice has her own set of questions which she keeps in her Blackberry and looks at every day. What month is it? Where do you live? Where is your office? When is Anna's birthday? How many children do you have? And as the book, and her disease, progresses, the answers get more and more vague.
Ms. Genova does her homework and is very factual in the medical end of things. The book has even been endorsed by the National Alzheimer's Association. She has done an excellent job of writing with compassion and a bit of humor.
If you belong to a book club, this would be an excellent one to read. Included is a Reader's Club Guide with sample questions and "A Conversation with Lesa Genova" where she details why she wrote the book.
I'll definitely be watching out for a new book from Ms. Genova!
6 comments:
Looks like a great read -- thanks for sharing!!!
:)maureen
Yesterday I visited my 92 year old aunt in a nursing home. I got to see first had several Alzheimer patients. It is a very sad disease. Thank you for sharing this book as it will be my next read! Your follower from EBT, welcome.
This book is sitting on my shelf, waiting to be read, so I'm glad to hear someone else confirm it is a good read. I picked up the book because there is a history of Alzheimers among the men in my family, on both sides. I think the most terrible time, with regard to this disease (from the patient's point of view) is when you realize that you are losing your capacity to remember.
Interesting book-will definitely add to the must read list!
Sounds like a very good book! Thank you fo sharing this with us!
Love, Pennie
I have added her to my must read list. I hope to go to the library on Thursday...maybe I'll find one! Thanks for sharing.
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