Every Note Played by Lisa Genova

Every Note Played by Lisa Genova

Publication Date: March 20. 2018

You might know Lisa Genova from her other works such as, "Still Alice", "Left Neglected", "Love Anthony" and my personal favorite, "Inside the O'Briens". Lisa Genova is best known for her ability to take medical fiction to a new high. 

Her character's become your friends, family, loved one or you." Every Note Played" follows, Richard a professional, renowned classical pianist  diagnosed with ALS.  His entire life up until that point has been his music, his piano but ALS is cruel and he slowly loses his ability to play.  His hands will never again touch the ivory keys and the music will no longer flow through his veins. 

Richard keeps his diagnosis a secret and is in denial but he is quick to find out that while his mind is in denial his body isn't. He slowly starts to deteriorate and when he can no longer care for himself he moves in with this ex-wife, Karina who reluctantly becomes his caregiver. It is important to note that, Karina herself is a piano player and that their music is brought them together many, many years ago. 

Richard and Karina navigate this new world of theirs in which they both had to adjust to his illness in order to make his life as comfortable as possible. Along they way there is self discovery and healing.

ALS takes and takes from Richards. It takes body, his dignity, his independence and his essence but it gives him something he never knew he was missing, something he never knew he wanted. 

Genova wrapped the ending up perfectly and while this is my least favorite of her novels it is still worth the time and energy it takes. Just prepare yourself for an emotional journey as some self reflection.