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bethgiven's review against another edition
2.0
A dual story of loss and learning to live again: one of a woman mourning her autistic child who died of a seizure, another of a woman who lost her marriage when she discovered her husband's affair.
While this was very readable (like all of Genova's novels), I didn't like this book. Too much moping around, too much alcohol (maybe this is how the rest of the world lives -- with fancy mixed drinks in their hands?). Too many easy answers (Olivia spent lots of time grieving her son, but hardly any time processing her divorce). And too much manipulation by the author to craft a tear-jerker of a story ... though to be fair, I realize I'm not a very sentimental reader.
Also: it always bugs me when the author writes about a character who is an author who writes some Amazing Novel seemingly effortlessly (see also: [b:The Winter Sea|3392089|The Winter Sea (Slains, #1)|Susanna Kearsley|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1410915489s/3392089.jpg|3723657], [b:Unwritten|15791114|Unwritten|Charles Martin|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1360100324s/15791114.jpg|21512694]). The part where Beth's book club friends gush over her book (especially "the perfect ending" that has yet to be revealed to the reader) was just way over the top.
Clean readers: references to sex, including one brief scene, plus some language.
While this was very readable (like all of Genova's novels), I didn't like this book. Too much moping around, too much alcohol (maybe this is how the rest of the world lives -- with fancy mixed drinks in their hands?). Too many easy answers (Olivia spent lots of time grieving her son, but hardly any time processing her divorce). And too much manipulation by the author to craft a tear-jerker of a story ... though to be fair, I realize I'm not a very sentimental reader.
Also: it always bugs me when the author writes about a character who is an author who writes some Amazing Novel seemingly effortlessly (see also: [b:The Winter Sea|3392089|The Winter Sea (Slains, #1)|Susanna Kearsley|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1410915489s/3392089.jpg|3723657], [b:Unwritten|15791114|Unwritten|Charles Martin|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1360100324s/15791114.jpg|21512694]). The part where Beth's book club friends gush over her book (especially "the perfect ending" that has yet to be revealed to the reader) was just way over the top.
Clean readers: references to sex, including one brief scene, plus some language.
cindypager's review against another edition
4.0
Lisa Genova's novels are amazing. As a neuroscientist, she brings her amazing knowledge to exploring various conditions. Love Anthony explores the mystery of Autism with the kind of caring that Genova brings to all of her novels.
melissapalmer404's review against another edition
5.0
#2 Book Read in 2013
Love Anthony by Lisa Genova
Lisa Genova has become one of my favorite authors. Her previous books, Still Alice and Left Neglected, were powerful reads that showed her background in science before beginning her writing career. Her new book, Love Anthony, shows growth as an author. While less scientific than her other two novels, this book did not disappoint as Genova took a more spiritual bent to her writing.
In Love Anthony, Olivia is dealing with the death of her autistic young son, Anthony. Her marriage has broken up and she has moved to their former vacation home on a pretty isolated island. While there, she begins a photography business. One of her clients is Beth, trying to deal with the fact that her husband had recently cheated on her. Beth is trying to find her way back to herself and begins to write again. She almost feels compelled to write her novel, telling the story of an autistic boy named Anthony. However, Beth does not know anything about Olivia's son while she is writing her book. Eventually the two cross paths about the novel and both are amazed by the connections.
This was a good read. Genova's writing is getting stronger with each book, in my opinion. I recommend all of her books. I cannot wait to read anything else she writes.
I received this book to review through the Amazon Vine program.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
Love Anthony by Lisa Genova
Lisa Genova has become one of my favorite authors. Her previous books, Still Alice and Left Neglected, were powerful reads that showed her background in science before beginning her writing career. Her new book, Love Anthony, shows growth as an author. While less scientific than her other two novels, this book did not disappoint as Genova took a more spiritual bent to her writing.
In Love Anthony, Olivia is dealing with the death of her autistic young son, Anthony. Her marriage has broken up and she has moved to their former vacation home on a pretty isolated island. While there, she begins a photography business. One of her clients is Beth, trying to deal with the fact that her husband had recently cheated on her. Beth is trying to find her way back to herself and begins to write again. She almost feels compelled to write her novel, telling the story of an autistic boy named Anthony. However, Beth does not know anything about Olivia's son while she is writing her book. Eventually the two cross paths about the novel and both are amazed by the connections.
This was a good read. Genova's writing is getting stronger with each book, in my opinion. I recommend all of her books. I cannot wait to read anything else she writes.
I received this book to review through the Amazon Vine program.
http://melissasbookpicks.blogspot.com
sgreising's review against another edition
5.0
“we have pills for headaches. we have antidepressants for sadness. we have god for believers. we have nothing for autism” one of my favorite quotes from this book. it offered really good insight on what it is like to be a parent of a child with a disability
nikkieff's review against another edition
Love this tale. If you haven't read it, it is a must!
amicidicarta's review against another edition
5.0
http://amicidicarta.blogspot.it/2014/09/genova-lisa-tre-sassi-bianchi.html
irishlass18's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book. I had no idea what it was about before I read it on my Aunt's recommendation. So many emotions after reading it. I highly recommend.
lynnmarie78's review against another edition
5.0
Wasn't sure I liked it at the beginning...where was this going? Crying by the end. I LOVE books by Lisa Genova.
marilynmalloy's review against another edition
5.0
I fnished Left Neglectedby Lisa Genova about two weeks ago, I was looking forward to this book, but did not think anything could top what I had just finished at the time. Boy was I wrong.
I absolutely love this book. I was drawn in from the first chapter, and almost read it in one sitting, I could not put it down and it has been a while since a book has drawn me in that much.
I work with autistic children in my daily job, so this was of no surprise of me. I knew the therapies being discussed, in detail, and I loved the way they where discussed in the book. With the focus given to them, I was wondering if I was the only one who viewed these as ‘training a dog’. They can have tremendous value, but at what cost. I also completely agreed with Lisa’s questioning of the therapy’s that remove ‘unwanted’ behaviour, and questioning whether they are truely beneficial to the child (or adult) who is autistic. For a while many professionals felt my own son was autistic, and I fought the label, and the therapy to ‘remove’ how he was communicating, as I felt it was wrong for my son. And in my situation I am fortunate, and my son is not autistic, I applaud Lisa Genova for raising questions with these techniques we currently use with children. Why take a way their way of communication just because they are inconvient or not-normal. Why take away something they enjoy? Is it really healthy some of these techniques?
Lisa Genova brought up so many valid points, and did it in a way that wasn’t confrontational or negative. Once again this is a book that will stay with the reader long after they turn the last page. It is a wonderful book. I recommend it to anyone who has been touched by autism in any way. People as a whole need to be more understanding and knowledgeable on the topic. And I praise her for pointing this out. In detail, and without sugar coating it.
This book is about more than autism. It is about family. A family going through seperation, and a cheating spouse, and refinding themselves and where it takes them. It is about another family dealing with the death of a son they loved dearly, and unconditionally; and trying to cope as best they can in the aftermath. This is a book about finding the joy in what we have. Not just want we want, or wish we had. It’s about finding the true pleasures in life, and the simple things. Going with the flow when a shirt gets stained, or breakfast is one French Toast stick short. About loving eachother, and loving yourself. About doing what is right, despite needs, wants or desires. About listening to your heart, and not just what your head thinks is your heart. Its about falling apart and becoming whole again. About growing into who we are meant to be today – even if we are going to grow again tomorrow. And to paraphrase Oliva, to be Complete, not Perfect.
Thank you Lisa Genova for another great read. I will be in line the day another of your books hits shelves. You are an amazing writer, and an inspiring woman. May this book be a bestseller for weeks to come!
I absolutely love this book. I was drawn in from the first chapter, and almost read it in one sitting, I could not put it down and it has been a while since a book has drawn me in that much.
I work with autistic children in my daily job, so this was of no surprise of me. I knew the therapies being discussed, in detail, and I loved the way they where discussed in the book. With the focus given to them, I was wondering if I was the only one who viewed these as ‘training a dog’. They can have tremendous value, but at what cost. I also completely agreed with Lisa’s questioning of the therapy’s that remove ‘unwanted’ behaviour, and questioning whether they are truely beneficial to the child (or adult) who is autistic. For a while many professionals felt my own son was autistic, and I fought the label, and the therapy to ‘remove’ how he was communicating, as I felt it was wrong for my son. And in my situation I am fortunate, and my son is not autistic, I applaud Lisa Genova for raising questions with these techniques we currently use with children. Why take a way their way of communication just because they are inconvient or not-normal. Why take away something they enjoy? Is it really healthy some of these techniques?
Lisa Genova brought up so many valid points, and did it in a way that wasn’t confrontational or negative. Once again this is a book that will stay with the reader long after they turn the last page. It is a wonderful book. I recommend it to anyone who has been touched by autism in any way. People as a whole need to be more understanding and knowledgeable on the topic. And I praise her for pointing this out. In detail, and without sugar coating it.
This book is about more than autism. It is about family. A family going through seperation, and a cheating spouse, and refinding themselves and where it takes them. It is about another family dealing with the death of a son they loved dearly, and unconditionally; and trying to cope as best they can in the aftermath. This is a book about finding the joy in what we have. Not just want we want, or wish we had. It’s about finding the true pleasures in life, and the simple things. Going with the flow when a shirt gets stained, or breakfast is one French Toast stick short. About loving eachother, and loving yourself. About doing what is right, despite needs, wants or desires. About listening to your heart, and not just what your head thinks is your heart. Its about falling apart and becoming whole again. About growing into who we are meant to be today – even if we are going to grow again tomorrow. And to paraphrase Oliva, to be Complete, not Perfect.
Thank you Lisa Genova for another great read. I will be in line the day another of your books hits shelves. You are an amazing writer, and an inspiring woman. May this book be a bestseller for weeks to come!
thepoemreeder's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5