There’s a first for everything, and for me it will be writing a book review today! I am more of an occasional reader which should explain the lack of book reviews on my blog .. But all that is about to change! You have Alice to thank for it …
In a nutshell, ‘Still Alice‘ is a book by about Alice – a 50 year old Harvard professor, with 3 grown up children and a successful life – but is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. The book is mainly about her journey through Alzheimer’s and how it affects her life and relationship with family members. It is about a woman who tries so hard to hold on to her memories but life has other plans and she slowly and gradually starts to forget everything and everyone as the days go by. Trust me, it will change the way you think about a lot of things by the time you are done reading this one …
I thought ‘Still Alice’ was both beautiful as well as terrifying. I could not put it down and was done reading it in a couple of hours. The book, narrated through Alice, is written in such a convincing manner it helps the reader connect with her instantly and experience the joys and frustrations along with her. One minute I’d be cheering on for Alice when she would remember something about her past, but then not much later I’d be heartbroken when it got so bad, she’d forget her own family members and the layout of her own house. The challenge the entire family faces as a result of the diagnosis has been explained quite well too. You’ll feel angry at them sometimes but then forgive them soon after, realising it can’t be easy for them either. This book leaves a strong impact and is one of those stories that you know will stay with you for a long time …
My favourite quote from the book:
“I can’t stand the thought of looking at you someday, this face I love, and not knowing who you are”
I’d highly recommend you buy yourself a copy today. Same applies for those of you who have just watched the movie. I did both, and felt the book did more justice to Alice compared to the movie.
Thank you Lisa Genova for such an amazing book!
The only trouble with reading such a great book is that it takes a long time before you can find another good book to read. Unless you have any good recommendations for me?
Until the next post …
I read this sometime back and was moved by it and the struggles Alzheimer patients face. I can only imagine how troubling an early onset is. Quite liked the movie too.
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Did you? I guess I was so involved with the book, the movie left me a bit frustrated … I guess there is only that much one can fit into a 2 hour movie …
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I quite like Julianne Moore so that might have something to do with it. Plus I watched the movie much after reading the book, but you are right there is only so much you can fit in a 2 hour movie.
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Julianne Moore was excellent in the movie. But I just felt I understood Alice more in the book. But what’s even more tough is finding another good book to read right after you have finished a great one. Any recommendations?
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I loved this book, can’t think of any book that left such an impact. I can read it again. The movie could not capture all that she went through but was still good.
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Glad you enjoyed the book too. I would not mind reading this one again either Saadia 🙂
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I never got a chance ro watch this movie but thanks for the reminder! Will get my hand on it and I am sure the book is amazing too! Totally my kinda reading 🙂
http://www.alifyalifestyle.com/
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Make sure you grab a tissue box too! Read the book first 😁
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haha..will do!
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This sounds so interesting! You amed a good job at writing your first book review!
love, elena
https://outnaboutweb.wordpress.com
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Thank you so much! I could not put the book down as just had to know what happened next …
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I guess I’ve already tainted the whole experience by watching the movie first 😦
It was a great story though, with tissues in hand of course lol.
Great review…makes one wanna drop everything and go get a copy.
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Thank you! I’d still say read the book.. It will make you think ‘ohhhhh so that is what the scene was about!”
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I have not had a chance to read the book. I did watch the movie and let me tell you I cried all the way threw it! My children and myself are living this disease since my husband has Early Onset Alzheimer’s. It is so painful on the whole family, every day is a rollercoaster and you are always feeling like you are floating in a sea of the unknown. I will have to pick up a copy of the book and read it.
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Sending big hugs and lots of love your way. I know it must be really hard. Please stay strong.
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Thank you so much!
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