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rmarcin's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this novel, and appreciate the care that Genova took with this delicate subject.
#EveryNotePlayed #LisaGenova
hyphenating's review against another edition
- 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
krobart's review against another edition
4.0
https://whatmeread.wordpress.com/2021/03/01/review-1622-literary-wives-every-note-played/
sarah_amy's review against another edition
- 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
'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.
Graphic: Ableism, Body shaming, Chronic illness, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Terminal illness, Excrement, Vomit, and Grief
Moderate: Cancer, Cursing, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Infertility, Mental illness, Racism, Religious bigotry, Cultural appropriation, Alcohol, and Pandemic/Epidemic
mearoeb's review against another edition
5.0
achi1's review against another edition
4.0
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
- 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
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 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.