“Unsparing in her depiction of the disease’s harrowing effects, neuroscientist Genova also celebrates humanity.” –People “Sometimes it’s easier to tell truth in fiction…And she tells it with heart and hope.” –NPR “Her juxtaposition of scientific detail with compassionate, heartfelt storytelling is unparalleled.” –Bookreporter “Every Note Played will grip and gut you.” –The Boston Globe … —Bookreporter
“Every Note Played will grip and gut you.” —The Boston Globe
From neuroscientist and New York Times bestselling author of Still Alice comes a powerful exploration of regret, forgiveness, freedom, and what it means to be alive.
An accomplished concert pianist, Richard received standing ovations from audiences all over the world in awe of his rare combination of emotional resonance and flawless technique. Every finger of his hands was a finely calibrated instrument, dancing across the keys and striking each note with exacting precision. That was eight months ago.
Richard now has ALS, and his entire right arm is paralyzed. His fingers are impotent, still, devoid of possibility. The loss of his hand feels like a death, a loss of true love, a divorce–his divorce.
He knows his left arm will go next.
Three years ago, Karina removed their framed wedding picture from the living room wall and hung a mirror there instead. But she still hasn’t moved on. Karina is paralyzed by excuses and fear, stuck in an unfulfilling life as a piano teacher, afraid to pursue the path she abandoned as a young woman, blaming Richard and their failed marriage for all of it.
When Richard becomes increasingly paralyzed and is no longer able to live on his own, Karina becomes his reluctant caretaker. As Richard’s muscles, voice, and breath fade, both he and Karina try to reconcile their past before it’s too late.
Poignant and powerful, Every Note Played is a masterful exploration of redemption and what it means to find peace inside of forgiveness.
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Every Note Played is another amazing story by the very talented Lisa Genova.This book, like her others, is deeply and extensively researched. ALS is a terrible and terminal disease. Through her characters, Richard(the concert pianist suffering from ALS), Karina (ex-wife), and Grace(their daughter), the reader understands the emotional toll the family member undertakes with each action expressed or labored over. This is a story about letting go, forgiving oneself and others, and ultimately freedom…of a disease and a life renewed.
The author takes the reader on an emotional roller coaster ride from the very first page and does not let us off that ride until the story concludes. There is a myriad of detailed and visual descriptions that one cannot help but be part of the story…totally and utterly engaged in these characters’ lives.
The author also sheds light on the role of caregivers, the financial burden of this debilitating disease, and the many drugs, equipment, and technology needed to make the patient as comfortable and functional as possible.
With this story, Lisa Genova has most effectively given voice to a disease that robs a person of their sense of self, their dignity, and ultimately their life. This is a book you will remember long after the final page is read.
This is one of the best books I’ve ever read! The characters, the ALS, was definitely a tear jerker! And the story behind it was great!
It is the tragic story of ALS. I am a major Lisa Genova fan, so once again, she did her research, and created an amazing story.
This author, Lisa Genova is by far one of the best I have ever read. I am never disappointed when I read her books, just sad I have to wait till she writes her next one. You feel like you’re right there in the story as you read it. This book is by far full of many emotions: sad, happy, scared, sorry, funny, and many more. Excellent and emotional read
Even though the subject of ALS is quite serious, Genova’s writing takes the reader beyond the basic reality of the situation and into the literary.
A realistic view of how one person’s battle with ALS affects not only the patient, but those whose lives he touches. I love the way Lisa Genova selects a real life health issue, researches the medical details until she’s an expert on the subject, then turns it into a story that every lay person can understand, enjoy, and learn from. I look forward to each new book Lisa writes.
If you follow Lisa Genova, you may like my novels in the “In Sickness and In Health” series, which also include characters battling the consequences of serious health conditions. A love story that looks at the struggles that follow when depression and bipolar begin. Just Another Manic Moment (In Sickness and In Health #1)
Great as an audio book. Very sad but bitingly realistic. Loved it. Genova is an excellent writer.
As always Lisa Genova tackles a devastating neurological illness and how the patient and their family deals with it in a very profound way. I love her books.
Very descriptive book, on a very hard situation. Characters were flawed and realistic. Enjoyed reading and learning about ALS.
Powerful.
Extremely informative about the awful disease ALS.
It was well written – as all of Lisa Genova’s books. It provided much insight into ALS.
Very moving story and so well-written. I always thought Lisa Genova couldn’t top Still Alice. She just did.
This book had a good story line, and was so informative about ALS.
Have loved every one of Lisa’s books. She can’t write fast enough for me.
An accomplished concert pianist contracts ALS. The book details the challenges he encounters as the disease quickly progresses. But it’s also about unlikely alliance of an estranged wife and compassionate care givers.
Amazing story about a classical pianist who acquires ALS or Lou Gehrigs disease. Truly realistic portrayal of this life altering disease and the impact it has on this individual and others in his life.
Brilliant and searing review of slow loss of function and personality due to ALS, with deep insights into effects on personality of patient and family alike. Lisa Genova is a neurobiologist who writes like a poet, and in this book masters the world of classical music and jazz as superbly as she does the intricacies of neurological disease. One omission surprised me – lack of discussion of a suicide option. I think this is her best book yet, and doubt it will make it to the screen. Read the book!