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jansbookcorner's review
4.0
Lisa Genova does a great job telling stories about people whose lives are deeply affected by disease. She tells it in a realistic feeling, non-sappy way. I have now read all of her fiction books and can say none of them disappointed. The O’Briens were a family I could sympathize with and understand their reactions. The book is perfectly named as we get to know them inside the family and also inside their bodies. I’m glad I randomly came across this in our library.
daleydale's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
3.75
chelseatm's review
5.0
I'm speechless. This book was incredible in so many ways. It was heartfelt, honest, and poignant. At times I felt my heart being wrenched and then elated. The characters were well-formed and I found myself really loving Joe O'Brien for how he both fit and defied the Boston Irish stereotype. I felt that Katie could have been structured a little differently. She was very weak and meek, to show the starting point before growth but I found it strange that Lisa Genova didn't really seem to give her any positive traits. Perhaps that's just how I read her.
Anyway, this is a great book that will have you playing hypothetical situations in your head. Cannot recommend it enough!
Anyway, this is a great book that will have you playing hypothetical situations in your head. Cannot recommend it enough!
rjwilliams911's review against another edition
emotional
informative
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
suvata's review
4.0
Continuing my TBR project:
This is one the oldest selection on my TBR list - Originally added October 3, 2015.
Authentic, heart-breaking and informative story about a family in Boston that is plagued with Huntington’s Disease. I’ve heard about HD on a few television medical dramas but had absolutely no idea how devastating this disease is or how it runs in families. I loved this novel and all its memorable characters!
This is one the oldest selection on my TBR list - Originally added October 3, 2015.
Authentic, heart-breaking and informative story about a family in Boston that is plagued with Huntington’s Disease. I’ve heard about HD on a few television medical dramas but had absolutely no idea how devastating this disease is or how it runs in families. I loved this novel and all its memorable characters!
book_concierge's review
5.0
Digital audiobook performed by Skipp Sudduth
Joe O’Brien is a Boston police officer, with a loving wife and four great kids, when he begins experiencing episodes of fidgeting, uncontrolled tics, and emotional outbursts. He dismisses these as the results of the stress of the job, but eventually he agrees to see a doctor. The stunning diagnosis of Huntington’s Disease makes Joe recall his mother’s last years and death and makes him fear for his children.
Genova writes so well about neurological disorders, making the story incredibly personal. She both entertains and informs in her novels. I really felt as if I knew Joe, Rosie (Joe’s wife), his daughter Katie and the rest of the characters. There were scenes that were very emotional and heart-wrenching, as well as scenes of humor and love and tenderness. I cried with them, I laughed with them, I was frustrated and even found some measure of hope along with them.
It certainly made me think: “What would I do?” How would I tell my family? Would I retreat into myself? Would I quit my job and head for Africa and /or Australia (two continents on my bucket list)? Would I consider suicide?
While it did not have the same emotional wallop as Still Alice for me, I still give it five stars.
Skipp Sudduth does a fine job performing the audiobook. He really brought these characters to life for me.
Joe O’Brien is a Boston police officer, with a loving wife and four great kids, when he begins experiencing episodes of fidgeting, uncontrolled tics, and emotional outbursts. He dismisses these as the results of the stress of the job, but eventually he agrees to see a doctor. The stunning diagnosis of Huntington’s Disease makes Joe recall his mother’s last years and death and makes him fear for his children.
Genova writes so well about neurological disorders, making the story incredibly personal. She both entertains and informs in her novels. I really felt as if I knew Joe, Rosie (Joe’s wife), his daughter Katie and the rest of the characters. There were scenes that were very emotional and heart-wrenching, as well as scenes of humor and love and tenderness. I cried with them, I laughed with them, I was frustrated and even found some measure of hope along with them.
It certainly made me think: “What would I do?” How would I tell my family? Would I retreat into myself? Would I quit my job and head for Africa and /or Australia (two continents on my bucket list)? Would I consider suicide?
While it did not have the same emotional wallop as Still Alice for me, I still give it five stars.
Skipp Sudduth does a fine job performing the audiobook. He really brought these characters to life for me.
alidottie's review
5.0
I want more!!! As painful as this story could be at times, I wanted to know more about how the O'Briens are doing! Lisa Genova is such a great story teller in her genre of neurological illness. I love that we learn so much while reading a story. I hope I never need to know what I've learned about Huntington's and my heart goes out to families that carry this gene.
Some profanity that fits the characters.
Some profanity that fits the characters.