Still Alice

Out book for April was "Still Alice" by Lisa Genova.  It's a book that tackles the issue of Alzheimer's, and is told from the perspective of the woman who is struggling with the disease.  Our group's reaction:  This was the first book we've truly enjoyed since reading "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak in March 2010.  I would highly recommend this book to other book clubs.

We talked about the characters, issues, and plot.  We thought Lisa Genova did a wonderful job of writing so that you really identify with the main character and experience her stuggles and losses with her.  We loved the diverse, yet believable, reactions of her family and friends. 

Our longest discussion topic was around the question: "Would you want to know if you had an unavoidable illness?"  The characters in the book face this question specifically on the topic of Alzheimers.  Would you want to know if you were going to go through it?  Or would you rather face it (or not) as it came?  We had people that answered differently, and for very different reasons.  It made for a wonderful conversation, and I think we all learned about each other in the process.

Next up:  Gunn's Golden Rules:  Life's Little Lessons for Making it Work by Tim Gunn