Lisa Genova's Still Alice has had a lot of buzz the past few months, due to its movie adaptation premiering and Julianne Moore winning the Academy Award for her portrail of the main character, Alice. Before seeing the film, I was desperate to read the book. And I am so glad I did.
Still Alice is the story of Dr. Alice Howland, who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's Disease at the age of 50. Ironically, it is quite hard for me to put into words what this book did to me.
The story is told from Alice's perspective, whereas most stories about cognitive diseases are told from either the caregivers' or a third-party perspective. This gives it such a unique-ness, but it also means that you get to learn so much more about what people with Alzheimer's go through.
You go through the 'phases' of the disease with her, in her mind. It is so frightening and upsetting.
You go through the 'phases' of the disease with her, in her mind. It is so frightening and upsetting.
However, don't be put off by the serious content, because it is written in such a reader-friendly way; you fall in love with Alice from the first page. I cannot imagine anyone not being moved by the story.
Have you seen or read Still Alice? What are your thoughts?