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kschmoldt's review
4.0
This book was very difficult for me to read. I was in tears multiple times while reading, but I loved it. Usually when a well known author attempts to tackle the subject of autism, it makes me cringe because they just don't quite get it. Often, although I am a parent of a child with autism, I just can't relate to the story. Love Anthony is different. Lisa Genova gets it. I've never read about a character closer to my son than Anthony. My son Ben is 11, non verbal and severely autistic. I found myself highlighting passage after passage on my kindle, finally basking in the fact that Genova was able to put into words many of my feelings, as well as those of many other mothers of children with special needs. The book deals with the aftermath of Anthony's death, and the healing of his mother, Olivia. Set in Nantucket, it is divided into two different story lines, Olivia's, and that of another woman, Beth, who is dealing with her own family issues. Beth becomes the author of a story of a little boy with autism, but neither woman realizes how their lives are entwined. This was an excellent read.
lurdesabruscato's review
4.0
Author Lisa Genova has parlayed her PhD in neuroscience into a most unique book genre: fiction that explores complex neurological issues (autism with this book, Alzheimer's with "Still Alice," traumatic brain injury in "Left Neglected"), but through deeply emotional and poignant story lines. As her characters in "Love Anthony" undergo turmoil, introspection and ultimately enlightenment, she, in turn, enlightens the reader on the inner workings and outward manifestations of autism.
machadofam8's review
3.0
Good, I felt she captured the spirit of autism well and I loved the way she wrote using Anthony's voice. A little bit too much of Jodi Picoult at the end, though.
maryehavens's review
3.0
Soooooooo
My 3rd Lisa Genova and I think I'm going to need a break.
I wanted to read this because I really like her writing style. But 25 pages in, I had to put it down because I was overcome with emotion. Three books later, I picked it up again and got through.
It was easy to read. The subject matter was autism and I was interested in that, specifically, because I know nothing about it.
The parts where Beth was writing as Anthony were very hard to read. The passages are good in that they get you into an autistic mind but the repetition was killing me. And that's the point, right? But it doesn't make it any easier to read and deal with. Which, again, is the point.
The other parts, with the infidelity, self-discovery, etc. were good and I related to it. But it just kind of limped along for me. At one point, Genova writes "She held her sandals in her peace fingers" and that made me want to abandon the book right there. But I stuck with it because I had 30-ish pages left.
Bottom line: meh. It wasn't terrible and I'm glad I read it for the insight into autism. I would like to read a really good autism book next. I guess this was kind of a primer.
My 3rd Lisa Genova and I think I'm going to need a break.
I wanted to read this because I really like her writing style. But 25 pages in, I had to put it down because I was overcome with emotion. Three books later, I picked it up again and got through.
It was easy to read. The subject matter was autism and I was interested in that, specifically, because I know nothing about it.
The parts where Beth was writing as Anthony were very hard to read. The passages are good in that they get you into an autistic mind but the repetition was killing me. And that's the point, right? But it doesn't make it any easier to read and deal with. Which, again, is the point.
The other parts, with the infidelity, self-discovery, etc. were good and I related to it. But it just kind of limped along for me. At one point, Genova writes "She held her sandals in her peace fingers" and that made me want to abandon the book right there. But I stuck with it because I had 30-ish pages left.
Bottom line: meh. It wasn't terrible and I'm glad I read it for the insight into autism. I would like to read a really good autism book next. I guess this was kind of a primer.
erinkayata's review
5.0
I was hesitant to read this as I’ve had mixed opinions on the books I’ve read from this author so far (LOVED still alice, didn’t love every note played), but this one made me a solid fan once more. While the parallel stories aspect was a little confusing, I think it compelled me to keep reading so I could see how it all came together. And ultimately, the message was beautiful. I really love how the author taps into the human side of neurological conditions and reminds us it’s still possible to connect with loved ones who have them. That connection might just look different. I appreciate her work so much.
colorfulleo92's review
4.0
I'm conflicted on what star rating I should give. 3 or 4. I loved the parts dealing with Anthony's autism and he's mother struggles, gave me a real insight on how it's like to be a parent for a kid's with autism. That's a 4.
But the story that went besides that, I just didn't enjoy it as much and that is a 3 for me.
But the story that went besides that, I just didn't enjoy it as much and that is a 3 for me.
chefd's review
4.0
Loved the character of Anthony and the ending. She tells a great story and in the process you get to learn something. Great combination.
expatally's review
4.0
Love the last sentence "The spectrum is long and wide, and we're all on it. Once you believe this, it becomes easy to see how we're all connected."
jesassa's review against another edition
4.0
❤️ Love. So much love. I'm not ready to write a review yet, but I will. And it will be glowing.
Update: 12/24/15
Such a great book! It wasn't what I expected it would be but I loved it. As always, Lisa Genova is stellar and I adored the characters. I always feel like I've learned something when I finish one of her books and this was no different. What a read!
Update: 12/24/15
Such a great book! It wasn't what I expected it would be but I loved it. As always, Lisa Genova is stellar and I adored the characters. I always feel like I've learned something when I finish one of her books and this was no different. What a read!