Every Note Played

Each of Lisa Genova’s books brings her deep understanding of neuroscience into the portrayal of a family's journey with a medical issue, making the novel both heart-wrenching and enlightening. 

This book is an emotionally charged novel about a renowned pianist confronting the devastating progression of ALS. It captures the complexities of love, loss, and redemption.

I was especially drawn to this book since my aunt had a similar progression with the same illness. Genova’s compelling exploration of the human spirit and the transformative power of compassion always brings me to tears. As you soar through the skies, let this book… show more.

Concert pianist Richard, divorced and estranged from his daughter, gets ALS and loses his ability to play as he dies a slow and horrible death. Sound like an uplifting read? Actually, neuroscientist and author Lisa Genova takes an elegant and engaging approach to what is much more multifaceted than just a sad story. Richard’s ex-wife, unhappy as a local piano teacher, takes on his care and the two poignantly find their way back to each other. Music is identity, work, longing, fulfillment—and the backdrop to a book that gets to the essence of being human. A while after I read… show more.