Still Alice written by Lisa Genova

Although it's been a while since I've posted a new review it's not because I haven't read any worthwhile books - more a factor of my day job and just not having enough time to the things I love to do. That said, I'd like to share my thoughts on this recent read.

Still Alice was recommended to me a while ago but I didn't think I would be able to get through the story. It is about a young (50 year-old) Harvard professor who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease. My mom passed away from Alzheimer's and I thought it would be a bit too close to home for me. Eventually I picked it up and decided to try a few pages, and am very happy I did. Lisa Genova followed one of the most important "rules" of writing good fiction by writing about what you know - which contributes heavily to the success of her novel. Her insights into the diagnosis, treatment and symptoms of Alzheimer's make Still Alice a compelling book that truly helps provide the reader with a glimmer into the bell-jar world of people afflicted with the disease. It is compassionately written and very well done. Alzheimer's may have stolen Alice's short term memory and pieces of her mind, but it can't steal her essential self - she is "still Alice" despite the symptoms of her disease - a lesson that those of us who care for and love someone diagnosed with Alzheimer's need to remember.

"Peace Like A River" written by Leif Enger

I must confess that I've had a copy of this book for several years now where it's been sitting on the shelf of my "to read" books. Several times over the last four years I have picked it up, looked at it and put it down but I finally read it this week. I know that a book can't be judged by its cover, but this one (although it came highly recommended to me) just wasn't looking very appealing. However, once I actually began reading it I was sorry it took me so long to get to it! It's an unusual story of a family, set in the midwest with a wonderful cast of characters and an intriguing plot, but what I really loved about "Peace Like A River" was Leif Enger's prose. He is clearly a master storyteller, but he also has a wonderful poetic style of writing that is simple yet evocative.

When I find myself thinking about a book days after finishing it, I know I have read something worthwhile. Together the characters, plot and setting create a powerful story of faith, love and family that raises as many questions as it seeks to answer. The Land family (interesting choice for their name) consists of Jeremiah (the dad), Davy (oldest son), Reuben (11 year old son) and Swede (their sister/daughter). They are poor in material wealth but rich in love and spirit. When faced with a terrible string of events that end with Davy running from the law, their faith - both in God and each other - keeps them strong. Despite the tragic events the family suffers, this is a well-written and uplifting story that has more than enough complexity to make it an excellent book club choice.

"Let The Great World Spin" written by Colum McCann

One moment in time - New York City, 1974 - New Yorkers stop to look up at a man walking across a tightrope strung between the twin towers. A poignant foreshadowing of another moment in time that will come decades later on September 11th. A time when all New Yorkers (and all the world) will look up at the towers and have their innocence shattered. We are all connected in this life and our actions (or lack thereof) have an impact on the delicate balance that keeps this great world spinning.

Underneath the tightrope walker the great world continues to spin, yet time seems to stand still while everyone watches him. McCann carefully sketches several seemingly discordant vignettes that will ultimately intertwine as tightly as the wire strung between the towers. The threads of each story slowly spread across the city and are masterfully woven into one tapestry that becomes a true moment in time. Let The Great World Spin captures the essence of New York City through every character and subplot - from the gritty south Bronx neighborhood of drug addicts and prostitutes (and the Irish brothers who try to save them); to the debilitating sadness of Claire, a wealthy Park Avenue mother/wife who lost her only child to the war in Viet Nam and her support group; to the free-wheeling artists whose irresponsibility sets off an irreversible chain of events that will link all of the characters and stories together.

I was engrossed in each vignette and grew very attached to all of the characters but what I loved most about this novel is the way McCann captures the soul of New York City. He engages all of the reader's senses so we can see, hear and smell 1974 New York. The city becomes the central character of the book. There is plenty of tragedy in this novel, but there is also sweetness and beauty in all the characters and their stories. Let The Great World Spin is a loving tribute to the heartbeat of New York City and the spirit of its people.