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3.47 AVERAGE
3.47 AVERAGE
Interesting from the perspective of how the mind works as it digresses into the disease (Alzheimers).
I really enjoyed this book. Presented as a murder mystery, what the reader is presented with instead is the deterioration of the protagonist's mind as she slowly succumbs to Alzheimer's (plus a murder mystery). Dr. Jennifer White, an incredibly successful hand surgeon, is unable to remember who killed her best friend, Amanda. Unfortunately, she's the prime suspect. As the story weaves in and out, we learn more about her relationships with her friends, her two children, her husband, and the world around her as she loses her memories.
The book is separated into four sections (there aren't really chapters): two long ones and two short ones that almost read like appendices. The tone of the book is ALMOST stream-of-consciousness, with conversation alternating between italics and normal font. I found that this helped the flow of the story as it felt like you were there as the events happened.
There were some weak spots, of course. The live-in nurse's story was really superfluous to the plot and went nowhere. Also, I found it incredibly convenient that one of the cops in this story had dealt with Alzheimer's before and therefore, was very sensitive about how they treated Dr. White. In addition, there should have been no way that the cops could have talked to Dr. White while she was alone in the nursing home. It was just way too unbelievable. Finally, the whodunit aspect of the story was pretty predictable; I could see what was coming from a mile away. That's okay though, since it was there just to create tension and start the ball rolling.
I'd suggest this book to anyone who is interested in deep character analysis without concern for a heavy plot. It's an excellent yarn and a good way to pass the time while you're traveling somewhere.
The book is separated into four sections (there aren't really chapters): two long ones and two short ones that almost read like appendices. The tone of the book is ALMOST stream-of-consciousness, with conversation alternating between italics and normal font. I found that this helped the flow of the story as it felt like you were there as the events happened.
There were some weak spots, of course. The live-in nurse's story was really superfluous to the plot and went nowhere. Also, I found it incredibly convenient that one of the cops in this story had dealt with Alzheimer's before and therefore, was very sensitive about how they treated Dr. White. In addition, there should have been no way that the cops could have talked to Dr. White while she was alone in the nursing home. It was just way too unbelievable. Finally, the whodunit aspect of the story was pretty predictable; I could see what was coming from a mile away. That's okay though, since it was there just to create tension and start the ball rolling.
I'd suggest this book to anyone who is interested in deep character analysis without concern for a heavy plot. It's an excellent yarn and a good way to pass the time while you're traveling somewhere.
While this book did deal with the subject of Alzheimer's Disease in a fascinating way, I didn't enjoy "Turn of Mind". The plot was predictable and sad - not in a good way.
In the mind of a person with dementia... and unraveling the mystery of who killed the main character's best friend. Compelling, interesting - incredible how so much could be told believably through this narrator. Well done.
Extremely confusing to read, no chapters within the book, and not a single likable character. I stuck with it for the mystery surrounding the murder, but the ending did not make it worth the time investment or the confusion as the reader.
I enjoyed reading Turn of Mind. One thing I enjoyed most was that it was written in the fragmented point of view of a woman who was a strong, no nonsense doctor now caught in the clutches of Alzheimer's Disease. The woman who is considered to be her best friend is murdered and she is the prime suspect. The only problem is: no one knows if she did it. Not even her!
Although the main character, Jennifer, is not the type of main character who I could traditionally sympathize with, I still found her story engaging. It was easy for me to lose track of time while reading this book and that is the mark of a good book for me.
Although the main character, Jennifer, is not the type of main character who I could traditionally sympathize with, I still found her story engaging. It was easy for me to lose track of time while reading this book and that is the mark of a good book for me.
The writing in this book is brilliant. The book is framed from such an interesting vantage point, and LaPlante managed to capture what it must be like to be trapped in the mind of a dementia patient amazingly well. I spent five years working with Alzheimer/dementia patients and couldn't have done it half as well.
I was very curious as to how someone would write in the first person about a woman with Alzheimer's. Well done, La Plante! This is a sober book, with grim characters about a grim topic. It gave me some insight into this despicable disease and did keep me guessing as to who committed the murder.
Turn of Mind is a book you will not be able to put down. I'd rank it top ten in my favorite reads for this year. LaPlante attempts to capture the thoughts and struggles of an orthopedic surgeon suffering from early onset Alzheimer's. Unlike Still Alice, Lisa Genova's masterful book featuring another Alzheimer subject, Dr. Jennifer White is suspected of murdering her neighbour and best friend. A beautiful if frightening read.