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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.
kismazsola's review against another edition
4.0
This book is basically perfect. It's me, not the book. But I was so devastated by the whole topic (that I knew in advance btw), that I couldn't read much in one sitting still I wanted it to end.
barbaraskalberg's review against another edition
4.0
Another exceptional narrative about another devastating brain issue. I only know of two people several removed from me with ALS. This novel paints insight and emotion for both the one with ALS and his for his caregiver. An excellent read. Now I wait, not so patiently, for her next gut-wrenching novel.
stones_books's review against another edition
4.0
This was a moving book that I really believe captured the agony and incremental losses of this horrible disease. That much more meaningful after having to witness a family member struggle for several years before finally succumbing from it. Heartbreaking for all involved.
littletaiko's review against another edition
5.0
Took advantage of having the day off to read the latest Lisa Genova book. I love her books and have been looking forward to the latest for quite some time. Once again she does a wonderful job of giving a very realistic portrayal of what life is like for someone diagnosed with a neurological disease, this time around it's ALS. Richard is a famous classical pianist who is diagnosed with ALS. Karina is his ex-wife who finds herself somehow in the role of caregiver. The story alternates between their POV allowing us to see their struggles, accomplishments, as well as their flaws. Karina's story had me wanting to shake her and tell her to stop being such a martyr. However, whether she realizes it or not, that is how she has been for most of her adult life. Richard is a jerk, but we are allowed to see the anxieties and thoughts that shaped him. This book does not shy away from the difficulties involved for those having the disease as well as those who care for them. It's very real and compassionate.
quiltmom14's review against another edition
3.0
I learned a lot about ALS, and the author is able to truly put you in the body of someone stricken with the disease at the prime of his life. The reason this didn’t get more stars from me is because I come from a musical background and felt the author was trying way too hard to prove she knew names of composers and concert halls, understood nuances of interpretations, and “got” the physical and emotional feel of sitting at the keyboard. I felt there was just too much “let me show you I know all about this” and ended up skimming many of those descriptions. I wish she would have used all that space to flesh out more of the story between the ex-spouses. Kind of recommend...
cmcclure9's review against another edition
4.0
I love Genova's ability to give readers a glimpse of what it must feel like to suffer from a neurological disease. Still Alice has stuck with me for years and I'm sure this will as well.
smittenforfiction's review against another edition
4.0
Author of Still Alice has a new book out this month called Every Note Played. I received an advanced copy in exchange for my honest, unbiased opinion. This review is spoiler-free 🙂 Thank you to the publisher, author, and NetGalley, for allowing me to review.
After thoroughly enjoying Still Alice (about early onset Alzheimer’s disease) and Left Neglected (about traumatic brain injury), I was extremely excited to receive a complimentary copy of Lisa Genova’s new novel Every Note Played. This is a heart-breaking drama about Richard’s struggle with ALS, told from both his perspective and that of his ex-wife Karina. When we meet Richard he is at the top of his game, preparing for yet another big concert where he gets to flaunt his fantastic piano playing. He’s a narcissistic, sexist jerk, and I thought there was no way I could ever care about him. Flash forward to me, crying many tears many times while reading this touching story.
Richard and Karina have a daughter, Grace, who is attending University. After the divorce Grace distanced herself from her father because while growing up it seemed like he was never home. Richard is lucky enough to have an amazing care worker named Bill, a strong, professional, compassionate, homosexual man who made me chuckle and weep.
I didn’t know a lot about ALS going into this, and feel grateful to read a novel that gives a description in a clear way that the average reader could understand. Although this is a somber story about disappointment, resentment, and betrayal, it’s also about love, forgiveness, and hope. I am left in awe of the ALS warriors and the champion care-givers.
After thoroughly enjoying Still Alice (about early onset Alzheimer’s disease) and Left Neglected (about traumatic brain injury), I was extremely excited to receive a complimentary copy of Lisa Genova’s new novel Every Note Played. This is a heart-breaking drama about Richard’s struggle with ALS, told from both his perspective and that of his ex-wife Karina. When we meet Richard he is at the top of his game, preparing for yet another big concert where he gets to flaunt his fantastic piano playing. He’s a narcissistic, sexist jerk, and I thought there was no way I could ever care about him. Flash forward to me, crying many tears many times while reading this touching story.
Richard and Karina have a daughter, Grace, who is attending University. After the divorce Grace distanced herself from her father because while growing up it seemed like he was never home. Richard is lucky enough to have an amazing care worker named Bill, a strong, professional, compassionate, homosexual man who made me chuckle and weep.
I didn’t know a lot about ALS going into this, and feel grateful to read a novel that gives a description in a clear way that the average reader could understand. Although this is a somber story about disappointment, resentment, and betrayal, it’s also about love, forgiveness, and hope. I am left in awe of the ALS warriors and the champion care-givers.