Play Book Tag discussion

One Note Played drew me in deeply, and I struggled to put the book down, even though life has been so busy.

Richard, a world-famous pianist who develops ALS, and Karina, his ex-wife, and caregiver, are two people that are far from perfect. There were a few times neither character is likable, yet you are drawn into their pain, and it no longer matters that you were just disgusted with them both.

The development of their imperfections made the characters feel so real. Richard was arrogant, self-absorbed, and unfaithful during his marriage. When he is diagnosed with ALS, his family seems to struggle to feel pity for him. In this book, Richard was not always a good man, and the author did not attempt to turn him into a saint because he was dying, and this made the book so real.

Every Note Played, is a story that lets the reader take a look at the daily lives of an ALS patient. ALS is a terrifying way to die, and as a reader, I genuinely felt that. Did I cry? Boy did I. Was it a sad story? Most definitely. But it is a story of forgiveness, discovery, and sacrifice.

Another fabulous review of this book. Really should get to this soon!

I was incredibly impressed by Genova's work on Still Alice and how accurately it reflected the pain that goes along with dementia and Alzheimer's. As I seem to hear about more and more people with ALS this book is all the more intriguing and all the positive reviews reinforce those feelings.

Her knowledge of ALS is vital to this book as it really demonstrates not only the person afflicted but the caretaker. It was heart-wrenching.

I agree with everything you said. I was prepared for the emotional difficulty of the ALS, but I wasn't expecting some of the insights about marriage. There were moments when I thought, "hmm, I had that expectation too, or did I blame him for things that I didn't do?" I saw other people I knew in some of the comments. Richard reminded me of a boss I once had (not the talent, the narcissism), but I tried not to think of him when I read the book. (I can't imagine that his successful wife could have put up with him for long, or that he could tolerate not being the star in the family.) I put Still Alice on my Trim/TBR list. I regret it a little because I should read it soon, but then again, I've been putting if off, so maybe it will push me at the right time.