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booksandgin's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
carlisajc's review against another edition
4.0
*I was given an advanced copy of this novel to read and review by the publisher. This in no way affects my opinion of the book!*
See full review here: http://bit.ly/insidetheobriens
Wow, this book was emotionally packed. It’s the story of a family struggling through a diagnosis of Huntington’s Disease, a disease described as “the cruelest disease known to man.” I’m still kind of stunned by it’s beauty and emotion.
Genova has a beautiful grasp of the English language. She knows how to string together words to make a impact on the reader, to help the reader understand what the characters are going through. But in a completely real and unforced way.
Along with her language, Genova creates a family that the reader can feel real sympathy and love for. Each character is so different, each has their own hopes and fears and personalities, but they have such a strong love for each other that it’s impossible not to feel some of that love for them as the reader. The narrator follows Joe, the father with Huntington’s, and his daughter, Katie, throughout the story and I feel such a strong connection with both. I really wish I could have seen the perspectives of the other siblings or the mom as well, though. This is really my only tiff with this book. We get such a deep and raw emotions from two of the characters and then with the others, we only scratch the surface.
Basically, we follow this family, the O’Briens, as they come to terms with Huntington’s in their lives. As someone with Type 1 Diabetes, I really felt a strong connection with this story. I’ve had to come to terms with my own diagnosis and it sucked. The day of my diagnosis was probably the worst day of my life so far. But it’s a process and it’s gotten easier, mostly through the support and love I’ve received from others. Likewise the O’Briens realize what’s truly important: love and family, not a diagnosis.
See full review here: http://bit.ly/insidetheobriens
Wow, this book was emotionally packed. It’s the story of a family struggling through a diagnosis of Huntington’s Disease, a disease described as “the cruelest disease known to man.” I’m still kind of stunned by it’s beauty and emotion.
Genova has a beautiful grasp of the English language. She knows how to string together words to make a impact on the reader, to help the reader understand what the characters are going through. But in a completely real and unforced way.
Along with her language, Genova creates a family that the reader can feel real sympathy and love for. Each character is so different, each has their own hopes and fears and personalities, but they have such a strong love for each other that it’s impossible not to feel some of that love for them as the reader. The narrator follows Joe, the father with Huntington’s, and his daughter, Katie, throughout the story and I feel such a strong connection with both. I really wish I could have seen the perspectives of the other siblings or the mom as well, though. This is really my only tiff with this book. We get such a deep and raw emotions from two of the characters and then with the others, we only scratch the surface.
Basically, we follow this family, the O’Briens, as they come to terms with Huntington’s in their lives. As someone with Type 1 Diabetes, I really felt a strong connection with this story. I’ve had to come to terms with my own diagnosis and it sucked. The day of my diagnosis was probably the worst day of my life so far. But it’s a process and it’s gotten easier, mostly through the support and love I’ve received from others. Likewise the O’Briens realize what’s truly important: love and family, not a diagnosis.
annakoozy's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jansbookcorner's review against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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 against another edition
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.