Play Book Tag discussion

Renowned concert pianist Richard had noticed that his right hand seems slower on the piano keys, heavy and slightly unresponsive. As the problem persisted, Richard consulted a doctor and was given the devastating diagnosis of ALS. Three-years divorced from wife Karina and estranged from their college-aged daughter Grace, Richard faced a very bleak future. The disease slowly took over Richard's body, first leaving his hands and arms completely useless and eventually paralyzing his legs, forcing Richard into a wheelchair. Although he had competent and caring home health aides come to his 4th floor apartment, it became obvious that he would need constant care and supervision. Surprisingly, ex-wife Karina suggested that Richard move back home with her.

Karina is a piano teacher at her home in the Boston suburbs. She had once dreamed of being a jazz pianist but Richard's dreams and ambitions always took precedence. Karina knew that her husband was unfaithful to her on numerous occasions but she stayed with him until Grace had graduated high school and went off to college. Even Karina does not know why she was willing to tackle Richard's time-consuming care and it is definitely constant and difficult. Watching him lose weight, mobility, body functions breaks Karina's heart for the embarrassment that she knows Richard feels. Both of them hope that they can apologize to one another for past mistakes and hurts before ALS claims Richard entirely.

I rarely give books 5 stars but when one makes me feel as deeply affected as this one did, I could not give it any less. With a background in biopsychology and neuroscience, Genova knows what she is writing about. I can't imagine how it feels to have ALS but this book gives a good indication of just how horrific it would be. Richard was not at all a sympathetic character but this disease took the fight and inflated ego out of him quite quickly. Karina is no saint but something deep within her saw the man she used to love suffering and she had to help. This is definitely a book that I will remember for a long time to come.

Great review, I've added this to my TBR.

I played piano for about 10 years. I'm no longer "good" but piano still has a strong nostalgic pull for me.

I’m next in line on Overdrive for this book, I am glad to see this rating although I didn’t read your review - I prefer to go in without too many details. I will come back and read it after I finish the book.

I hope you enjoy it Linda.

I love Lisa Genova and I have been meaning to read more of her work. This sounds like a good choice.

I may have already added this to my tbr, but I need to confirm that. I knew of someone with ALS, though I wasn't in contact with her at the time. She was a former boss of mine (gave me my first library job out of library school.) She made headlines in our local paper, speaking out about ALS. A mutual friend also kept me updated on how she was doing.

Many years ago I had a neighbor who developed ALS. It started with the little things, she could not open a bottle and came to my house for help. When she poured shampoo into her hand it would dribble between her fingers. The last time I saw her she was being wheeled out of her house in a wheelchair. Occasionally I still think of her and that devastating diagnosis. Thanks for the good review. I will be putting this on my TBR.

punxsygal wrote: "Many years ago I had a neighbor who developed ALS. It started with the little things, she could not open a bottle and came to my house for help. When she poured shampoo into her hand it would dribb..."
I always knew it was a devastating disease but this book really gives you a taste of what it is like to be in the body of someone who still has a brilliant mind but a useless body. Heartbreaking.

When you give a book 5 stars....you know I have to add it to my TBR!!!! Thank you my friend.

Another of those books already on my tbr ... where I'm avoiding reading reviews in detail, but definitely noticing the 5-star ratings!