Reviews with content warning for Dementia - Still Alice

Reviews tagging 'Dementia'

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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albajl's review

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challenging emotional informative reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

Nah I’m destroyed

Content Warnings

asourceoffiction's review against another edition

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emotional informative 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

4.0

This was an incredibly beautiful, but incredibly sad, story. The writing is so clever in that you can really feel and see Alice's mental decline and the devastating effect it has on her life. As a reader I felt like I was close enough to Alice to spot symptoms she couldn't, and far enough removed to see the reactions of others that she couldn't, which made it all the more emotional.

There's also beauty in the areas Alice can still find joy, and the way her family throws themselves into supporting her. I struggled a lot with John's behaviour, but it was a brave choice to show different ways that caregivers need to try and cope.

The ending wasn't what I expected but there was a quiet peace in it. I wouldn't say I was happy by the end and this is really one to tug at your emotions, but I could see the love radiating out of the characters and that was something special.

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mbrogs2024's review

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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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evawhite's review against another edition

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informative sad medium-paced

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

3.0

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trudy_joan's review

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emotional informative reflective sad

Strong character development? Yes

5.0

I felt confused, scared, and trapped along with Alice. She did the beautiful thing of letting Alzheimer's soften her, and bring bits of awareness to her that she lost, or perhaps never had. She let it bring love to her. Is there anything more beautiful?
Recommend this book especially to those who have never considered Alzheimer's from the victim's point of view.

Content Warnings