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3.47 AVERAGE
3.47 AVERAGE
It's very similar to Still Alice, but instead of seeing the Alzheimer's develop, it's already in full-force you and you see the quick deterioration of the mind. Again it's told in the first person, and shows why people with dementia act the way they do, and can be quite stubborn. This book also almost made me cry. I'm not sure why, but I think it's because I find it so sad that someone who was so intelligent was ripped down to almost nothing mentally. She might still be smart, but forgetting her own family, and living obstinately in the past and refusing to be brought back to reality seems sad to me. I know that really, living in the past and refusing reality isn't truly her fault, but I find it sad that she got so upset when people tried to pull her back to reality (not that she remained there for long).
This book followed the character Dr. Jennifer White who had been a orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hands. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, and she was progressively going downhill. Her best friend Amanda (who could be a bit of a bitch) was murdered, and the police began to investigate. One thing lead to another, and the police labeled Dr. White a 'person of interest'. It continues with the investigation, and then leads to Dr. White being put in an institution because her mental health had deteriorated so far, and she was no longer competent and was considered a danger to herself and society.
This book followed the character Dr. Jennifer White who had been a orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hands. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease, and she was progressively going downhill. Her best friend Amanda (who could be a bit of a bitch) was murdered, and the police began to investigate. One thing lead to another, and the police labeled Dr. White a 'person of interest'. It continues with the investigation, and then leads to Dr. White being put in an institution because her mental health had deteriorated so far, and she was no longer competent and was considered a danger to herself and society.
This is a book that I had picked up on audio a few years ago for a pop-sugar challenge because we have the same initials. I dropped it for some reason or another at the time and always meant to go back to it, but just hadn't. This year, it fit for one of the "go the extra mile" challenges. Anyways, I think I get why it wasn't for me now. It was slightly predictable despite the premise being unusual.
Fascinating book told from the point of view of a smart woman with progressing Alzheimer's. When I finished, I felt slightly deflated, even though I thought the book so well done. I decided it was because each and every one of the characters is a highly unlikable, immoral person.
Murder-mystery that's more about the mental stability of the main character than the murder itself. Decent writing and touching in a way I wasn't expecting. I found the book frightening because it makes you wonder what's to come in life.
One of my majors in college was Pschology (the other was Math), so I've always been interested in how people think and act. Perhaps that's why I enjoy psychological thrillers and unreliable narrators so much! I have had a special interest in Dementia and Alzheimers since my Grandmother was diagnosed with Dementia a number of years ago, so when I heard about the book Turn of Mind by Alice LaPlante, I put it on my to-read list (you DO have a to-read list, don't you?. I actually have 2, one through the library's catalog, and one at Goodreads.) I was able to get Turn of Mind as an eaudiobook, so I had the pleasure of listening to it while on a long ride.
The narrator of the book, Jennifer, has been recently diagnosed with Alzheimers. She had been a very successful hand surgeon, but has had to retire because of the disease. Jennifer is not a touchy-feely type person. She is currently living with a caregiver, because she is a widow and her children have full time jobs. She is at the stage of the disease where she has many lucid periods, but can not be left alone. She describes how she feels when she can't remember things and how she keeps a diary so she can refer back to it. We also get to experience what it is like for her when she is having an "episode."
We also learn that her best friend, Amanda, has been murdered. Jennifer is being questioned by the police, but every time they come, it is a surprise to her that Amanda is dead. As the investigation continues, Jennifer slides deeper into Alzheimers. Her children must decide whether keeping her in her home or putting her in a nursing home is the best course of action. The police continue to question her. We learn that her son is having difficulties and watch as he tries to get money from his mother. We see how hard it is for both her children to come to terms with her continually diminishing capacities. And the police continue.
It is a heartbreaking story of loss, and an intellectually challenging murder mystery, all rolled into one.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was a little better than just okay — and I applaud the author's handing of this unique voice/pov — but I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as Emma Healey's "Elizabeth is Missing," another book with a first-person narrator who is slipping deeper into dementia. The reveal was not a big surprise; even so, the rationale was not well enough developed ahead of time. Also, I found some of the narrator's disquissitions on medical matters pretty implausible, given how far gone she was.
Alice LaPlante, New York Times, author of acclaimed psychological thrillers--distinguished by their stunning synthesis of family drama and engrossing suspense-- delivers a stunning debut, TURN OF MIND. A middle-aged surgeon suffering from early onset Alzheimer’s, blurring the lines between fact and fiction.
Dr. Jennifer White is a former successful orthopedic surgeon, now in her early sixties, is forced to retire, due to her news of early dementia. Jennifer’s mind is deteriorating and each day she experiences an array of emotions from reality, confusion, to fear.
To further complicate her uncertain life, her best friend Amanda has been murdered. During a surgical procedure, four fingers were removed from her friend’s hand. Jennifer is the prime suspect; however, she cannot imagine how this could have happened.
Narrated by Jennifer we hear this haunting and complex tale, of two friends, and a disease which has taken over her mind. She is angry, frustrated, shamed, and overwhelmed, as not only is she losing part of her mind, her life, and her best friend. Is she capable of murder? Is she hiding behind her Alzheimer’s or can she really not remember the events? Why the fingers?
We meet her children, her caregiver, her husband, parents, and Amanda. A disturbing world as Jennifer tries desperately to piece together the puzzle of her mind, with twist and turns leaving you guessing as to the motives of the killer.
A poignant debut of a woman’s disintegrating unstable mind, filled with blurred memories, in a compelling and gripping saga---a lyrical psychological suspense with a mystery of whodunit. Skillfully written, and haunting – A tour de force!
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Jean Reed Bahle, delivering an outstanding performance as you follow the confused mind of Jennifer. Looking forward to reading, Alice LaPlante’s Coming of Age at the End of Days, coming Aug 4, 2015.
If you enjoyed TURN OF MIND, recommend reading: Paul Cleave’s TRUST NO ONE (crime writer, Alzheimer’s), Lisa Genova’s STILL ALICE (professor, Alzheimer’s), and Maggie Barbieri’s ONCE UPON A LIE (retired cop, father, Alzheimer’s). Both Cleave and Barbieri add quite a bit of wit and humor, mixed with murder.
JDCMustReadBooks
Dr. Jennifer White is a former successful orthopedic surgeon, now in her early sixties, is forced to retire, due to her news of early dementia. Jennifer’s mind is deteriorating and each day she experiences an array of emotions from reality, confusion, to fear.
To further complicate her uncertain life, her best friend Amanda has been murdered. During a surgical procedure, four fingers were removed from her friend’s hand. Jennifer is the prime suspect; however, she cannot imagine how this could have happened.
Narrated by Jennifer we hear this haunting and complex tale, of two friends, and a disease which has taken over her mind. She is angry, frustrated, shamed, and overwhelmed, as not only is she losing part of her mind, her life, and her best friend. Is she capable of murder? Is she hiding behind her Alzheimer’s or can she really not remember the events? Why the fingers?
We meet her children, her caregiver, her husband, parents, and Amanda. A disturbing world as Jennifer tries desperately to piece together the puzzle of her mind, with twist and turns leaving you guessing as to the motives of the killer.
A poignant debut of a woman’s disintegrating unstable mind, filled with blurred memories, in a compelling and gripping saga---a lyrical psychological suspense with a mystery of whodunit. Skillfully written, and haunting – A tour de force!
I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Jean Reed Bahle, delivering an outstanding performance as you follow the confused mind of Jennifer. Looking forward to reading, Alice LaPlante’s Coming of Age at the End of Days, coming Aug 4, 2015.
If you enjoyed TURN OF MIND, recommend reading: Paul Cleave’s TRUST NO ONE (crime writer, Alzheimer’s), Lisa Genova’s STILL ALICE (professor, Alzheimer’s), and Maggie Barbieri’s ONCE UPON A LIE (retired cop, father, Alzheimer’s). Both Cleave and Barbieri add quite a bit of wit and humor, mixed with murder.
JDCMustReadBooks
I enjoy reading these types of books in which we get an insight into the mind of someone who's experiencing Alzheimer's. I mostly appreciate and find the experience fascinating, except for the brief and quickly passing moments in which I think, "Gee, how possible is it for us to even know what they're thinking or experiencing?" This book not only gave a valuable window into the mind of someone suffering from this debilitating disease, but also provided some fascinating characters and a little mystery. Recommended.