Betty's Book Review - STILL ALICE by Lisa Genova

Still Alice by Lisa Genova* is a truly unforgettable book. It continues to tickle my mind now, several months after I read it. The protagonist is Alice Howland, age 50, a brilliant Harvard professor and mother of three grown children. The book is written from her perspective and documents her gradual losses from early onset Alzheimer's disease. It begins so simply: she gets lost while running. As the disease progresses, Alice is aware that her life is unraveling.

She was aware of the disease and that she was fighting a losing battle. Her internal battle about telling her husband and family was heart rending. Disclosure results in family crises and issues with each family member as they try to cope. The book really affected me. I, as well as most older adults, am afraid of losing my

ability to think and move comfortably in my world. It causes me to fear the disease and see every forgetful episode as a possible symptom. It causes me to look for news of progress in the prevention and treatment of the disease. It is truly a terrible disease. The book gives us a look into one family's experience. Be prepared to cry.

*This is a link to our catalog. Click to request a copy!