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  • Still Alice

  • By: Lisa Genova
  • Narrated by: Lisa Genova
  • Length: 7 hrs and 46 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (515 ratings)
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Still Alice cover art

Still Alice

By: Lisa Genova
Narrated by: Lisa Genova
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Editor reviews

The heart-wrenching tale of 50-year-old Alice Howland and her early onset Alzheimer's diagnosis is narrated eloquently by author Lisa Genova. Alice, a successful linguistics professor at Harvard, is married to John, an equally esteemed Harvard professor, and together they have three grown children. Her biggest worry in life is her youngest daughter's move to L.A. to pursue acting — until Alice starts forgetting things. It begins innocuously enough: misplacing her BlackBerry, missing unimportant appointments on her to-do list, searching her mind for tip-of-the-tongue phrases. But when she goes on her familiar daily run through Cambridge, and becomes disoriented just one mile from home, Alice knows something is terribly wrong.

A battery of tests and multiple doctor visits later, her worst nightmare is confirmed — she is in the first stages of early onset Alzheimer's disease. Told from Alice's perspective, it's a frighteningly keen insight to the slow deterioration of a debilitating disease. Every nuance of pain, frustration, fear, and sorrow is captured in Genova's voice and she expertly utilizes the pregnant pause, and short, choppy sentences to convey the confusion and pain of Howland's thoughts during testing and diagnosis.

Genova's slight Boston accent lends authenticity to the story, and she doesn't oversell the emotion behind the words. Her transitions between character dialogue are smooth and subtle, but she so embodies the main character Alice, it's hard to remember that it is Genova, and not Howland herself, telling her story. Knowing its being read exactly as it was intended by the author creates an even stronger connection to the work. Equally present is the devastating effect this illness has on Alice's husband, children, and coworkers. And while there's obviously no happy ending in sight, Genova still manages to paint a story of hope, reminding listeners that even in the midst of great loss and suffering, love remains. —Colleen Oakley

Summary

What if every memory you've ever had will be erased from your mind, and you have no choice but to carry on...powerless to stop it?

Alice Howland is proud of the life she worked so hard to build. At 50 years old, she's a cognitive psychology professor at Harvard and a world-renowned expert in linguistics with a successful husband and three grown children. When she begins to grow disoriented and forgetful, a tragic diagnosis changes her life - and her relationship with her family and the world - forever.

At once beautiful and terrifying, this extraordinary debut novel by Lisa Genova is a moving and vivid depiction of life with early-onset Alzheimer's Disease that is as compelling as A Beautiful Mind and as unforgettable as Ordinary People.

©2009 Lisa Genova (P)2009 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"After I read Still Alice, I wanted to stand up and tell a train full of strangers, 'You have to get this book.'" ( Boston Globe)
"With grace and compassion, Lisa Genova writes about the enormous white emptiness created by Alzheimer's." ( The Improper Bostonian)
"A masterpiece that will touch lives in ways none of us can even imagine." ( Alzheimer's Daily News)

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What listeners say about Still Alice

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent insight, weak narration

Oh how I wish writers would avoid narrating their own books. Lisa Genova is an excellent writer and offers real insight into Alzheimer's. I am witnessing my own mother's awful crawl towards absolute dementia, so at times it wasn't easy to listen to. Nevertheless I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

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10 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Beautiful

A beautiful story, touching without being over sentimental. An interesting and thought provoking account that brings to life what it must be like to be affected by Alzheimer's.

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Amazing

Was extremely moving, realistic and grabbed me with every word. Would definitely recommend.
Heartfelt and devastating at the same time

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6 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

an easy story to listen to

a glimpse into a world of people and families trying to cope. Allows more understanding of how someone with dementia struggles.

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6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant

This book is beautiful and inspiring. I loved listening to every word and finished it in but a few days. It is addictive.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Well written.

Would have benefited by an actress rather than the author reading it but such a good story that it didn't get in the way. The main character didn't suffer the angry accusational outburst that many Alzheimer's suffers show so that helped the listener feel more sympathy toward her.

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3 people found this helpful

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Captivating

Compelling listening. Thoroughly enjoyed this book which was sensitively read making all the characters come alive. The interpretation of the debilitating affects of Alzheimer's was plausible and understandable.

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3 people found this helpful

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Beautiful

Beautifully written book with so many interesting ideas and insightful views into Alzheimer's. Loved that the author read it but could have shown more expression and emotion in parts of the dialogue.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Incredibly moving

I did not want to stop listening. It was fantastically written. So true to life, very moving and real. Would strongly recommend

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Thought provoking subject.

My wife who lives with dementia listened with me and enjoyed it. We discussed the issues contained within it, which helped me better understand her condition. It was true to life as we know it now.

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1 person found this helpful