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rmarcin's review against another edition
4.0
Beautifully told story of a celebrated pianist who is dying of ALS, and its effect on everyone around him. I really learned a lot about the physical symptoms of this disease. Lisa Genova paints a descriptive picture of the toll the disease takes on the patient and the family.
I enjoyed this novel, and appreciate the care that Genova took with this delicate subject.
#EveryNotePlayed #LisaGenova
I enjoyed this novel, and appreciate the care that Genova took with this delicate subject.
#EveryNotePlayed #LisaGenova
hyphenating's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Very informative about ALS but not a well-developed, engaging story
krobart's review against another edition
4.0
See my review here:
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2021/03/01/review-1622-literary-wives-every-note-played/
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2021/03/01/review-1622-literary-wives-every-note-played/
sarah_amy's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
'She was ecstatic to see the wheelchair go. In her thirty-two years in the real estate business, she says that nothing ruined the feng-shui of a home more than a power wheelchair.'
'He hoped they wouldn't have to spend money on an unwanted construction project, an ugly, utilitarian ramp extending from the front door to the driveway, announcing his handicap to the world.'
'So here he sits, Mr. Potato Head without arms or legs, a bobblehead on a breathing torso.'
*Fumes*
Ok. First of all, I can appreciate the author bringing awareness to ALS, the progression of the disease and the need to find a cure. I knew very little about it and now have some sense of what the symptoms look like.
HOWEVER, as someone with disabilities, both born with and acquired, and a motorised wheelchair user, this read extremely ableist.
I understand there's times where stress and depression are very apparent living with and caring for someone with a disability, particularly in the earlier days and for some, nearing the end if it is progressive.
BUT more often than not, there is a level of acceptance and adjustment to doing life a new way. There are changes, there are some losses, but there are also some gains - new friendships, new hobbies, new outlooks on life.
The way the protagonists viewed ALS and all the symptoms with it - whether mild (God forbid you need to start using a wheelchair) or extreme, was offensive. There was never a point of acceptance. Never at any point was there a moment of trying to enjoy life while they still had it, no exploring ways to still participate in old hobbies or explore new. Just how awful life was for Richard and all the people who cared for him.
It gave the impression that people with disabilities don't really have a reason to live and would be better off dead. They are a burden to their loved ones and carers.
Genova might have studied about ALS and talked to people with the condition, but this does not mean they necessarily understood anything about the individuals outside of their symptoms.
In the wrong hands, particularly those who struggle with self-acceptance around disability or disease, this could be a very harmful book.
'He hoped they wouldn't have to spend money on an unwanted construction project, an ugly, utilitarian ramp extending from the front door to the driveway, announcing his handicap to the world.'
'So here he sits, Mr. Potato Head without arms or legs, a bobblehead on a breathing torso.'
*Fumes*
Ok. First of all, I can appreciate the author bringing awareness to ALS, the progression of the disease and the need to find a cure. I knew very little about it and now have some sense of what the symptoms look like.
HOWEVER, as someone with disabilities, both born with and acquired, and a motorised wheelchair user, this read extremely ableist.
I understand there's times where stress and depression are very apparent living with and caring for someone with a disability, particularly in the earlier days and for some, nearing the end if it is progressive.
BUT more often than not, there is a level of acceptance and adjustment to doing life a new way. There are changes, there are some losses, but there are also some gains - new friendships, new hobbies, new outlooks on life.
The way the protagonists viewed ALS and all the symptoms with it - whether mild (God forbid you need to start using a wheelchair) or extreme, was offensive. There was never a point of acceptance. Never at any point was there a moment of trying to enjoy life while they still had it, no exploring ways to still participate in old hobbies or explore new. Just how awful life was for Richard and all the people who cared for him.
It gave the impression that people with disabilities don't really have a reason to live and would be better off dead. They are a burden to their loved ones and carers.
Genova might have studied about ALS and talked to people with the condition, but this does not mean they necessarily understood anything about the individuals outside of their symptoms.
In the wrong hands, particularly those who struggle with self-acceptance around disability or disease, this could be a very harmful book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Vomit, Death, Chronic illness, Ableism, Excrement, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Blood, Pregnancy, Misogyny, Drug use, Medical content, Physical abuse, Murder, Death of parent, Infidelity, Cancer, Cursing, Injury/Injury detail, Suicidal thoughts, Medical trauma, Sexual content, and Emotional abuse
Minor: Cultural appropriation, Alcohol, Infertility, Religious bigotry, Child abuse, Pandemic/Epidemic, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Racism, and Mental illness
mearoeb's review against another edition
5.0
This book is beautiful and devastating. Lisa Genova’s writing style is brilliant and easy to read, effectively depicting the tragedy of the progression of ALS. I devoured this book in two days.
achi1's review against another edition
4.0
ALS is a monster. Having watched Still Alice, I came to this book expecting a grim end to the character with an incurable disease. And I cried my eyes out every few pages. Yet it was the journey, not the destination, that matters.
I love imperfect protagonists.
4 stars because it felt a bit rushed at times. Or maybe it was meant to be representative of the nature of ALS.
I love imperfect protagonists.
4 stars because it felt a bit rushed at times. Or maybe it was meant to be representative of the nature of ALS.
xishangal's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
bobbykarmakar's review against another edition
5.0
Remember the Ice Bucket Challenge?
Back in the summer of 2014, people were nominated on social media to either pour a bucket of ice water over their head on video to be posted or donate to an ALS association. Some did both. Others gave instead of pouring a bucket of ice water over their head. The point was to raise awareness of ALS. I, for one, still did not know what ALS truly was, the bearing on someone diagnosed with it, and its impact on others. And that is why I am grateful for Every Note Played.
I believe that pouring a bucket of ice water over your head also does not best exemplify what ALS can genuinely do because that indeed was what I thought it felt like to have ALS. Maybe others too interpreted the same. In Every Note Played, Lisa Genova, who is a neuroscientist herself, explores what it actually does to someone with ALS, as well as their families.
This depiction of what a family with ALS can do to someone, whether diagnosed or in some way related, is possibly the best example I would refer others to, like Lisa Genova’s other novels as well, which I all enjoyed. The fiction in a real-life situation provides the best example of a glimpse into a family’s life, let alone the person. Additionally, the writing is also something to be admired for as well that coincides with Richard, our main lead who is unfortunately diagnosed with ALS.
Though Richard and Karina are divorced, and Karina voluntarily becomes his caregiver, there are personal regrets and secrets they both shared. Though I am not supportive in Richard’s faults, this novel gave a glimpse that no matter what anyone does, ALS is undoubtedly a disease that should not be wished upon someone, nor have to face. It is my hope for others who read this story that treatment, and more hopefully a cure, will soon be discovered.
Until then, instead of pouring buckets of ice water, I suggest reading Every Note Played, begin a conversation, and spread awareness.
Back in the summer of 2014, people were nominated on social media to either pour a bucket of ice water over their head on video to be posted or donate to an ALS association. Some did both. Others gave instead of pouring a bucket of ice water over their head. The point was to raise awareness of ALS. I, for one, still did not know what ALS truly was, the bearing on someone diagnosed with it, and its impact on others. And that is why I am grateful for Every Note Played.
I believe that pouring a bucket of ice water over your head also does not best exemplify what ALS can genuinely do because that indeed was what I thought it felt like to have ALS. Maybe others too interpreted the same. In Every Note Played, Lisa Genova, who is a neuroscientist herself, explores what it actually does to someone with ALS, as well as their families.
This depiction of what a family with ALS can do to someone, whether diagnosed or in some way related, is possibly the best example I would refer others to, like Lisa Genova’s other novels as well, which I all enjoyed. The fiction in a real-life situation provides the best example of a glimpse into a family’s life, let alone the person. Additionally, the writing is also something to be admired for as well that coincides with Richard, our main lead who is unfortunately diagnosed with ALS.
Though Richard and Karina are divorced, and Karina voluntarily becomes his caregiver, there are personal regrets and secrets they both shared. Though I am not supportive in Richard’s faults, this novel gave a glimpse that no matter what anyone does, ALS is undoubtedly a disease that should not be wished upon someone, nor have to face. It is my hope for others who read this story that treatment, and more hopefully a cure, will soon be discovered.
Until then, instead of pouring buckets of ice water, I suggest reading Every Note Played, begin a conversation, and spread awareness.
treasureboxofbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I cried. I never cry while reading books!
I am one of those "ADD Book readers" who must have action-packed stories that keep me on the edge of my seat. (And if it doesn't keep me interested, say if there is a chapter or two of boring, lingering "descriptive" writing - ahem...I'm talking to you, Stephen King! LOL-, then I will put a book down in a heartbeat and move on to the next.) I love Mystery/Thriller books because the "whodunit" factor is what keeps me reading. This book is none of that. At all. But, somehow, it still kept me wanting to turn the next page.
This book will get you really thinking about life... your own life....and the life of others and how every day is not a guarantee.
Even if you don't know anyone with ALS (as I don't) this is a book everyone should read. No one is invincible.
I am one of those "ADD Book readers" who must have action-packed stories that keep me on the edge of my seat. (And if it doesn't keep me interested, say if there is a chapter or two of boring, lingering "descriptive" writing - ahem...I'm talking to you, Stephen King! LOL-, then I will put a book down in a heartbeat and move on to the next.) I love Mystery/Thriller books because the "whodunit" factor is what keeps me reading. This book is none of that. At all. But, somehow, it still kept me wanting to turn the next page.
This book will get you really thinking about life... your own life....and the life of others and how every day is not a guarantee.
Even if you don't know anyone with ALS (as I don't) this is a book everyone should read. No one is invincible.