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Still Alice

Genova, Lisa

  12 Reviews

At fifty, Alice Howland has it all - a happy marriage, adult children and a successful career as a Harvard Professor. But Alice and her family are at the beginning of a devastating journey; she is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. Related from Alice's perspective, this is a story that sensitively chronicles the loss and confusion that follows such a diagnosis, as well as deftly interweaving factual material. A humane and poignant book that challenges the reader with questions of our worth and identity when our memories and intellect are no more. What's Hot - June 2013

Comments from Groups

A beautifully written book, even though the author had wide clinical experience of the disease [Alzheimers]. Not many doctors could write so well of their patients' descent into another world. Christchurch 257

We all unreservedly loved this book. A powerful story beautifully told, as it stays with you after you'd finished it. Matua 001

Great deal of discussion. A very insightful (but at times scary) book and timely for our age group. Not sad despite the topic...quite hopeful. Christchurch 065

It was a 10. Everyone thought it was a great book – even though it made us aware of our own mental fallibility! Very well written. Auckland 020

A positive sensitive portrayal of Alzheimers. Christchurch 125

Pages
292
Year
2009

Reviews

PALMN 042
08-07-2024
Everyone enjoyed this book and was able to finish it. It also scared us all, and prompted lots of discussion about our collective memory difficulties and health anxiety.
BLENH 007
17-04-2023
We enjoyed the book. It was well researched and well-written.
HAMIL 063
31-08-2019
This book divided the group with some findng the subject matter too close to home. Thought provoking and led to some great discussion about dementia and Alice's husband. The ending intrigued some of us as it wasn't what we were expecting.
WELL 215
01-03-2019
We appreciated the author's unique perspective as a neuro-scientist. We also enjoyed the point of view from the protagonist. It also generated a lot of discussion around dementia and personal experiences. As a group of 30-something women it was an insightful reading journey.
PIOPIO 001
24-08-2018
Our group really enjoyed this book, beautifully written and quite easy to read; often funny but really scary and tragic at the same time. By writing in the first person, we don't know all the details and see everything through Alice's eyes so are kept guessing as to what is happening with her family and professionals around her. Generated a lot of discussion about our own experiences of people around us dealing or have dealt with alzheimers and dementia. The book also contained a lot of useful factual information. A bit 'haunting' for our group of 60++'s.
WHITBY 005
07-03-2018
This was a book we all felt reluctant to embark upon, as members are all aged 70+, but having read it we admired the cleverly structured novel, the beautiful characterisation, and the knowledge of Alzheimer's the author displays as she initiates the readers into the very genuine and totally believable settings and emotions depicted as the story unfolds. We see inside the head of the afflicted Alice, as she struggles to come to terms with her unexpected illness, and we suffer with her loved ones as they too set out on a life-changing adventure, which is unavoidable for all of them...
POKE 001
07-03-2018
We all liked this book. The best one we've read. We sympathised with Alice's husband and his reactions to her diagnosis. We liked that it was from her point of view as it gave an insight into the illness; we also liked the improvement in the relationship between Alice and Lydia and Alice's final acceptance of her acting career.
BALCL 001
07-03-2018
Everyone enjoyed this book and found it thought-provoking. Most had also seen the movie as it was playing on television while we were reading the book. Our discussion branched out to the subject of euthanasia, and whether or not we might want to 'end it all' while we are still able to make our own decisions. It certainly made us think about our own mortality, and how at times we are all forgetful and wonder if this is the beginning of a slippery slope! There was some laughter and stories told.
AUCK 350
07-03-2018
Enjoyed by all. A surprisingly upbeat story considering the subject matter. Compelling and easy to read. A page-turner.
CHCH 058
07-03-2018
This book produced a very lively discussion, with unanimous agreement that it is "the best book for ages". We all found it well-written, very informative and extremely moving. At least one person had been moved to tears by it. A wonderful book - should be read by all adults.
NELS 007
07-03-2018
The group really appreciated this book. 6 of us had close contact with family with Alzheimer's, and to them this book rang very true. The discussion was therefore lively and full of personal experiences. It was felt that because it was written so well, it could be very helpful to anyone who finds themselves in the situation where Alzheimer's has entered in to their lives. Congratulations to Lisa Genova for writing such an effective and sympathetic yet dispassionate book, with love and understanding.
HAMIL 014
07-03-2018
A brilliant book, made so by the excellent scientific knowledge of the author. The group particularly liked that the book was written from the point of view of the 'sufferer', rather than from the 'carer's viewpoint, like most dementia books. We had a heated discussion on quality of life versus euthanasia.