Reviews tagging 'Terminal illness'

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

7 reviews

vistacanas's review

emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

...My yesterdays are disappearing, and my tomorrows are uncertain, so what do I live for? I live for each day. I live in the moment.

I couldn't pry myself away from this literary gem, finishing it in only two days. It had every ingredient I cherish in a book – a resilient and relatable female lead, layers of emotions, an air of anticipation, and a narrative that imparts invaluable lessons.

Lisa Genova's background in neuroscience brings an authentic voice to the story of a Harvard professor grappling with early-onset Alzheimer's. Every nuance of Alice's battle was palpable and heart-wrenching. Genova masterfully illustrates the harrowing progression of the disease and Alice's  struggle as the condition worsens. 

Now, while I gave this book a well-deserved 5-stars, it wasn't perfect. The final chapter left me a bit disappointed...but, the brief letdown at the end didn't come close to overshadowing the journey this book took me on.  

This book is a profound exploration of human resilience and vulnerability that has left an indelible mark on me. I highly recommend it! Now for the movie adaptation...

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Medical content, Chronic illness, Terminal illness, Grief, and Dementia

Moderate: Suicidal thoughts

mbrogs2024's review

emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Chronic illness, Terminal illness, and Dementia

Moderate: Suicide, Ableism, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, and Abandonment

Minor: Cancer, Alcohol, Death of parent, Death, and Alcoholism

crizzle's review

emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Dementia, Terminal illness, Vomit, Infertility, Medical content, and Chronic illness

Moderate: Suicidal thoughts

Minor: Cancer, Cursing, Death of parent, Car accident, Pregnancy, Confinement, Alcohol, and Alcoholism

lizamwhelan's review

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Terminal illness and Dementia

Moderate: Suicidal thoughts

hcjflauer's review

emotional informative sad fast-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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Chronic illness, Dementia, Medical content, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Terminal illness

Minor: Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Child death, Death of parent, Death, Grief, and Pregnancy

jmeslener's review

challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Confinement, Dementia, and Terminal illness

Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Chronic illness

jnn314's review

emotional reflective sad medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

Do you like to get punched in the gut repeatedly? Yes? Then read this book. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Dementia and Terminal illness