Reviews

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

intute's review

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challenging emotional informative reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

sam_hartwig's review

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2.0

This was a really sad story but just wasn't for me. It did make me think and had me working hard to remember things myself because at times the main character would say one thing and a few pages later would say another. For example
"'John who is this?' she asked holding up a picture of a baby. 'Is that Tom?'.
'Honey, she's in a pink onesie. It's Lydia". [the next page] She held the baby picture of Lydia that John had guessed was Tom"
This kind of stuff had me thinking what the?? And I had to go back to read what was really said, it did get easier for me as I read more but I still only gave it 2 stars. The reason being id because reading for me is for pleasure and this felt a little like hard work. I wasn't looking forward to reading it again whenever I put it down.

ultimatekate's review

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4.0

The novel had an excellent story with well-developed characters. It taught me a lot about Alzheimer's and I think presented it in a very realistic way.

Too many run on sentences and comma splices, though. Didn't an editor read this?!

leggup's review

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5.0

A heartbreaking book. As a extreme extrovert, this book is a nightmare. To be locked in one's incomplete thoughts, too disjointed to even fulfill her own wish for euthanasia while her husband forges ahead in life without her. To study and revel in language your whole life to then be robbed of reading, writing, and most communication.

This book is a tearjerker.

fantasynovel's review against another edition

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4.0

Heartbreaking but the prose itself is little clunky.

kyliea32's review

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5.0

A captivating, heartfelt read about a women's struggle to recognize not only her world but herself after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. An incredible read, could barely put it down and am looking forward to reading more from this author.

tildy08's review

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4.0

This book made me sad because it really hits home what it feels like to have Alzheimer's Disease. Everyone always hears about it from the caregiver's view, but it was refreshing to hear about it from the individual suffering from it. It was sad as it continued on the fact that she basically seemed like a zombie, without thought or simple thoughts. It was like she was a child. A woman who was so intelligent brought down to that level. It was also upsetting to read when she forgot her children's names, or didn't recognize them, and it got even worse when she didn't recognize her husband.

This novel is about a woman who finds out she has Early-Onset Alzheimer's Disease. It follows the disease's progression throughout 2 years until basically she is without a memory. It follows her thoughts and frustrations as she loses her language ability, her ability to remember her children and family and ability to dress herself. It's a sad novel, but one that raises awareness for others as to what it feels like.

I have to say that I would recommend it to people who are caregivers for those with Alzheimer's or are interested in learning more about it. I look forward to reading her Lisa Genova's next book.

jenna_leigh123's review

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5.0

Still Alice is beautiful and completely heartbreaking. A book I will not forget.

abbywebb's review

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5.0

Still Alice follows Dr. Alice Howland, a 50 year old professor at Harvard University, as she is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease and the progression the disease takes on her mind. Although it is written in the third person, the reader is provided with the perspective of the disease as seen through the eyes of the patient – a perspective we might not otherwise be privy to in real life. Along with a decline in memory and cognitive functioning, patients with Alzheimer’s disease also experience a disturbance in language, such as not being able to find the right word, difficulty following and comprehending a conversation, and reading impairments.

This book is cleverly written and it is unbelievable that this is only the first novel written by Lisa Genova. Instead of writing with a scientific pen, Genova has delicately described the story of Alice as her dementia begins to take over her career, her relationships, and herself.

Still Alice is a book to lose yourself in. It is a beautiful work of art that everyone out there should have the privilege of reading, especially those who are suffering from or caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease.

I am SO glad that I read this book and can’t wait to recommend it to everyone I know!

kcrouth's review against another edition

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4.0

This is a captivating book that is difficult to put down. It presents Alzheimer's from the point of view of the person who has it. It is a must-read for anyone with Alzheimer's in their family or circle of friends.