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Island Girl
There are people who try hard to forget their problems. All Ruby wants to do is remember...
Ruby Donaldson has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's Disease, and she'll be damned if she won't straighten out her troubled family before she no longer knows how.
Ruby spent years fighting to hold on to the home her grandmother built on Ward's Island. The only way she can ensure that her younger, mentally scarred daughter Grace can live there for the rest of her life is to convince her older daughter, Liz, to sober up and come home.
Ruby always thought she'd have a lifetime to make things right, but suddenly time is running out. She has to put her broken family back together quickly while searching for a way to deal with the inevitable- and do it with all the grit, stubbornness, and unstoppable determination that makes Ruby who she is...until she's Ruby no longer.
Ruby Donaldson has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's Disease, and she'll be damned if she won't straighten out her troubled family before she no longer knows how.
Ruby spent years fighting to hold on to the home her grandmother built on Ward's Island. The only way she can ensure that her younger, mentally scarred daughter Grace can live there for the rest of her life is to convince her older daughter, Liz, to sober up and come home.
Ruby always thought she'd have a lifetime to make things right, but suddenly time is running out. She has to put her broken family back together quickly while searching for a way to deal with the inevitable- and do it with all the grit, stubbornness, and unstoppable determination that makes Ruby who she is...until she's Ruby no longer.
435 pages, Paperback
First published October 25, 2010
8 people are currently reading
739 people want to read
About the author
Lynda Simmons
11 books235 followersI'm a writer by day, college instructor by night and a late sleeper on weekends. I grew up reading Greek mythology, bringing home stray cats and making up stories about bodies in the basement. From an early age, my family knew I would either end up as a writer or the old lady with a hundred cats. As luck would have it, I married a man with allergies so writing it was.
I started out writing romantic comedy for Harlequin and Kensington, and made the leap to mainstream in 2009 with Getting Rid of Rosie, a paranormal comedy.
When I'm not writing or teaching, I like to canoe, cross-country ski and watch movies. I usually have three books on the go as well -- one by the bed, one in the bathroom, and one in the family room. At least two of those are usually research books for whatever I'm working on at the time. I think that half the appeal of writing is the research!
I started out writing romantic comedy for Harlequin and Kensington, and made the leap to mainstream in 2009 with Getting Rid of Rosie, a paranormal comedy.
When I'm not writing or teaching, I like to canoe, cross-country ski and watch movies. I usually have three books on the go as well -- one by the bed, one in the bathroom, and one in the family room. At least two of those are usually research books for whatever I'm working on at the time. I think that half the appeal of writing is the research!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
March 8, 2011
Every now and then, you read a book that haunts you and won’t let go. Island Girl is that book for me. Imagine yourself having early onset Alzheimer’s. Imagine yourself knowing you have it, and racing against time to set everything straight in your life with the people you love. The author skillfully puts the reader into the head of fifty-five year old Ruby, and we experience what she does with breathtaking realism. The idyllic setting of Toronto Island plays a sharp contrast to the turmoil that is taking over Ruby’s mind. But there’s a rich family saga in this book too; the author weaves the viewpoints of two vulnerable daughters through the story as well. It is like we see the progression of Ruby’s Alzheimer’s through a trick three-way mirror.
This is a compelling, meticulously researched book. But for anyone who has experienced the sorrow of watching a loved one afflicted with Alzheimer’s, this story is haunting and life-changing. Highly recommended.
This is a compelling, meticulously researched book. But for anyone who has experienced the sorrow of watching a loved one afflicted with Alzheimer’s, this story is haunting and life-changing. Highly recommended.
March 5, 2011
ISLAND GIRL
by
LYNDA SIMMONS
It is a question that makes you think – What Would You Do If You Were Told You Had Alzheimer’s – it is also a question that Lynda Simmons answers, at least for her protagonist Ruby Donaldson.
Ruby has just learned that she has a new friend, Big Al, (Alzheimer’s) and her immediate thoughts are of her family. How can she prepare them, protect them, and still maintain her independence? However, her family is estranged and stubbornly uncooperative. Even after they find out that she is ill, they find it hard to be sympathetic. Raising yet another question-- when a terminal illness hits is it really that easy to forgive and forget the misdeeds of the past.
Lynda delves into all those questions with skill, heart, and thoughtful reality. Her characters are people you know, the family dynamics genuine, but with any terminal illness, there is no happy ending. Yet Lynda Simmons gives you an ending that you will find satisfying, because it is selfless and filled with the warmth of genuine compassion. It brought tears to my eyes and required a handful of tissues to get through, but it was one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read of love and forgiveness, while staying true to the strength of its main character.
I highly recommend ISLAND GIRL. Ruby Donaldson will be someone you will recall fondly as a friend who touched your heart because Lynda Simmons created her that way.
by
LYNDA SIMMONS
It is a question that makes you think – What Would You Do If You Were Told You Had Alzheimer’s – it is also a question that Lynda Simmons answers, at least for her protagonist Ruby Donaldson.
Ruby has just learned that she has a new friend, Big Al, (Alzheimer’s) and her immediate thoughts are of her family. How can she prepare them, protect them, and still maintain her independence? However, her family is estranged and stubbornly uncooperative. Even after they find out that she is ill, they find it hard to be sympathetic. Raising yet another question-- when a terminal illness hits is it really that easy to forgive and forget the misdeeds of the past.
Lynda delves into all those questions with skill, heart, and thoughtful reality. Her characters are people you know, the family dynamics genuine, but with any terminal illness, there is no happy ending. Yet Lynda Simmons gives you an ending that you will find satisfying, because it is selfless and filled with the warmth of genuine compassion. It brought tears to my eyes and required a handful of tissues to get through, but it was one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read of love and forgiveness, while staying true to the strength of its main character.
I highly recommend ISLAND GIRL. Ruby Donaldson will be someone you will recall fondly as a friend who touched your heart because Lynda Simmons created her that way.
September 23, 2013
I enjoyed this story and a lot was because of where it was set. It was an old stomping grounds of mine as a young person and I felt close to the scenes. The characters were very different but the underlying theme of alzheimers was tragic. Ruby was a very colourful character but discovered she had early alzheimers and didn't know where to turn. She had a daughter who was going to need help and care all her life. She decided to try to pull some people from her past back into her life in order to see that her daughter, Grace, would be ok. Heartbreaking
October 12, 2013
Interesting story but to me all the components felt a bit contrived: Off beat location☑, handsome, devoted male lead ☑, quirky hobbies (canoeing, bird watching) ☑, interesting scenario (early onset Alzheimer's) ☑, mother-daughter reconciliation ☑ and the rest of it. I will forget this - but not because my brain is failing.
February 20, 2011
Memory loss is all around me, so reading a novel with an Alzheimer's victim was helpful in understanding this problem. Good characters, especially Liz. My thoughts kept returning to the island and I was anxious to get back there and see how things were progressing.
May 9, 2011
None of the characters are particularly likeable. Story about a 50 something woman with alzheimer's disease who elects to end her life before she totally loses her mind. Might be pleasing to a small group of readers. My own mother has alzheimer's so perhaps that effected my opinion of this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2011
This is a great read with lots of different plots all coming together at the end. I thought the ending was just perfect. Definitely worth picking up.
August 20, 2015
5 Stars.
AMAZING AMAZING.
AMAZING AMAZING.
May 16, 2011
Really great book about facing Alzheimer's. Some great characters, and made some very realistic and valid points about what long term care really is.
February 29, 2016
Wonderful book, reminiscent of Still Alice, but with a familiar location that I could visualize as I read. Thoroughly enjoyable, and just a little bit sad.
July 5, 2018
Ruby is diagnosed with fast-moving Alzheimer’s. She has 2 daughters, Liz who she hasn’t seen for over 2 years, and Grace, who has some cognitive problems and lives at home. She has a beauty salon in her kitchen, where she and Grace color, cut and curl hair. But when she starts to get worse, she starts winding down, then sells her business, without telling Grace. Lots of drama, and a very well-written story about how Alzheimers affects both the victim and the friends and family.
March 29, 2024
I love the characters, flaws and all...especially those with flaws. I felt like these people were neighbors and then friends...I would love to visit with them again. A very special story of how we all deal with pain, grief, and family issues in different ways...and how to make peace with someones beliefs when they are very different from your own. I loved this book so much I will read her again.
December 24, 2018
I really liked it.
June 20, 2011
"Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, and at present irreversible, brain disorder that is characterized by a steady decline in cognitive, behavioral and physical abilities severe enough to interfere with everyday life and necessitate full time care. Symptoms vary from person to person, but all people with Alzheimer's disease have problems with memory loss, disorientation and thinking ability. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease may have trouble finding the right words to use, recognizing objects (such as a pencil), recognizing family and friends, and may become frustrated, irritable, and agitated. As the disease progresses, physical problems may include loss of strength and balance, and diminishing bladder and bowel control. As more and more of the brain is affected, areas that control basic life functions, like swallowing and breathing, become irreversibly damaged, resulting eventually in death"
With that said, as I am sure this is true in most families, Alzheimer's has affected our family first hand. I worked in a nursing home for 24+ years, so I knew how it affected families and caregivers. My husband's aunt suffered from this debilitating illness, thankfully for her she was in her late 80's and lived to be 94 when she died. We had to make the decision to put her in the nursing home that I worked at so she would be close to us and I knew she would get good care. Watching this former teacher, very intelligent and 'proper lady' decline to the point of being in a fetal position and refusing food was so very hard on all of us, to the point that our four children would not want to see her and just remember the aunt that they at times feared and always loved as the time went by.
Island Girl by Lynda Simmons is a story of a woman Ruby Donaldson ,aged 55, who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. At first, because of pride, she does not let anyone in her life know that she has the disease and she tries to continue her life as a hairdresser as if nothing was wrong. She had to write in a journal and use notes to get through her days. As time goes on she finds herself covering up and using excuses so no one knows what is going on with her. She wants to get all her affairs taken care of and she also starts doing research on ways to end her life when she determines that she does not want to end up not knowing who or where she is or forgetting her family.
This novel is also about Ruby's daughters Liz, who she is estranged from and Grace, the daughter Ruby is trying to protect. As in any family Ruby and her daughters have issues with each other and the more Ruby tries to protect them from the truth, the more the issues escalate. Ruby also starts having a relationship with an old flame who has a rebellious 12 year old girl who helps escalate the problems with the Donaldson women. Each person tells their story and the reader gets pulled right in and carried along to the surprising end. There are other characters that add to the richness of this story.
I think that Lynda Simmons either did a lot of research with Alzheimer's or has first hand knowledge of this debilitating disease as she tells this story with no holds barred and also with compassion not only for Ruby but all the characters in the story. I found myself laughing and crying through the book. I loved it and give it 5 stars. A must for the lover of women's fiction.
With that said, as I am sure this is true in most families, Alzheimer's has affected our family first hand. I worked in a nursing home for 24+ years, so I knew how it affected families and caregivers. My husband's aunt suffered from this debilitating illness, thankfully for her she was in her late 80's and lived to be 94 when she died. We had to make the decision to put her in the nursing home that I worked at so she would be close to us and I knew she would get good care. Watching this former teacher, very intelligent and 'proper lady' decline to the point of being in a fetal position and refusing food was so very hard on all of us, to the point that our four children would not want to see her and just remember the aunt that they at times feared and always loved as the time went by.
Island Girl by Lynda Simmons is a story of a woman Ruby Donaldson ,aged 55, who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. At first, because of pride, she does not let anyone in her life know that she has the disease and she tries to continue her life as a hairdresser as if nothing was wrong. She had to write in a journal and use notes to get through her days. As time goes on she finds herself covering up and using excuses so no one knows what is going on with her. She wants to get all her affairs taken care of and she also starts doing research on ways to end her life when she determines that she does not want to end up not knowing who or where she is or forgetting her family.
This novel is also about Ruby's daughters Liz, who she is estranged from and Grace, the daughter Ruby is trying to protect. As in any family Ruby and her daughters have issues with each other and the more Ruby tries to protect them from the truth, the more the issues escalate. Ruby also starts having a relationship with an old flame who has a rebellious 12 year old girl who helps escalate the problems with the Donaldson women. Each person tells their story and the reader gets pulled right in and carried along to the surprising end. There are other characters that add to the richness of this story.
I think that Lynda Simmons either did a lot of research with Alzheimer's or has first hand knowledge of this debilitating disease as she tells this story with no holds barred and also with compassion not only for Ruby but all the characters in the story. I found myself laughing and crying through the book. I loved it and give it 5 stars. A must for the lover of women's fiction.
March 6, 2013
Recently I was scanning the Books section of the newspaper and came across a moniker that was new to me: "Sick Lit."
The reviewer noted a swell of books (aimed particularly at teens) that dealt with depression, anorexia, AIDS, cancer etc.
“How depressing” was my first thought, I think I’ll pass on this too-real-to-be-fun genre and get lost in some other fictional world instead. (Maybe Horror?)
But then, by happy coincidence, I picked up “Island Girl” and like my younger “Sick Lit” devotee counterparts I was pulled into the complicated, funny and heartbreaking human dilemmas of a fascinating “Sick Lit” world, that of the charismatic heroine, Ruby Donaldson. Ruby’s got early-onset Alzheimer’s, one dependent daughter, one estranged daughter and one bull-in-a-china-shop plan to sort out her life before she dies.
Here’s a sample of Ruby’s voice and how she views her condition:
“…You know I have Alzheimer’s and that I will not be hanging around for the long goodbye. This is not a popular stance. Psychiatry tells us its depression. Religion tells us it’s a sin. Pharmaceutical companies tell us to keep a stiff upper lip- they’re working on a miracle and all they need is more money. But to all of them I say, up yours. I do not have a history of depression or mental illness. I do not hear voices telling me to jump off a cliff. And if there is a God, I’m certain she does not want to see us warehoused and kept alive to feed a growing industry.”
The thing is, although Ruby has one plan, her friends, former lover and daughters have other ideas. The novel explores what it means to love, be independent and provide for the future when your choices begin to narrow. The structure of the novel reminded me a bit of Maeve Binchy’s “Evening Class” with the story unfolding from multiple perspectives. This works nicely as we can’t always trust Ruby as the disease wreaks havoc on her perception. Also, the title “Island Girl” refers to a visceral connection the characters have to their unique home on Ward’s Island, a real and fascinating place home to less than 1000 people in Toronto. The Island is as much a character as Ruby and her daughters, and although you can’t meet Ruby in real life, you can most definitely walk through her real-life neighbourhood. I think the novel would be a great contender for the Canadian Bookmark Project, but I digress.
When I closed the book I was left wondering if we’re each doomed to follow a trajectory that is completely out of our control or if perhaps there’s a chance that life might imitate art and we might all re-write our own endings.
The reviewer noted a swell of books (aimed particularly at teens) that dealt with depression, anorexia, AIDS, cancer etc.
“How depressing” was my first thought, I think I’ll pass on this too-real-to-be-fun genre and get lost in some other fictional world instead. (Maybe Horror?)
But then, by happy coincidence, I picked up “Island Girl” and like my younger “Sick Lit” devotee counterparts I was pulled into the complicated, funny and heartbreaking human dilemmas of a fascinating “Sick Lit” world, that of the charismatic heroine, Ruby Donaldson. Ruby’s got early-onset Alzheimer’s, one dependent daughter, one estranged daughter and one bull-in-a-china-shop plan to sort out her life before she dies.
Here’s a sample of Ruby’s voice and how she views her condition:
“…You know I have Alzheimer’s and that I will not be hanging around for the long goodbye. This is not a popular stance. Psychiatry tells us its depression. Religion tells us it’s a sin. Pharmaceutical companies tell us to keep a stiff upper lip- they’re working on a miracle and all they need is more money. But to all of them I say, up yours. I do not have a history of depression or mental illness. I do not hear voices telling me to jump off a cliff. And if there is a God, I’m certain she does not want to see us warehoused and kept alive to feed a growing industry.”
The thing is, although Ruby has one plan, her friends, former lover and daughters have other ideas. The novel explores what it means to love, be independent and provide for the future when your choices begin to narrow. The structure of the novel reminded me a bit of Maeve Binchy’s “Evening Class” with the story unfolding from multiple perspectives. This works nicely as we can’t always trust Ruby as the disease wreaks havoc on her perception. Also, the title “Island Girl” refers to a visceral connection the characters have to their unique home on Ward’s Island, a real and fascinating place home to less than 1000 people in Toronto. The Island is as much a character as Ruby and her daughters, and although you can’t meet Ruby in real life, you can most definitely walk through her real-life neighbourhood. I think the novel would be a great contender for the Canadian Bookmark Project, but I digress.
When I closed the book I was left wondering if we’re each doomed to follow a trajectory that is completely out of our control or if perhaps there’s a chance that life might imitate art and we might all re-write our own endings.
June 6, 2011
First Viewed on http://acozyreaderscorner.blogspot.com
Pace – The pace of this novel was slow yet steady for the first ninety pages as the foundation for the story is laid and the characters are introduced. After the ninety page mark the novel really picks up and kept me glued to the pages. I want to be clear that the story never lagged, the first 90 pages just required a little bit more attention I you got to know the characters.
Writing style – The book is written from the perspective of three women; Abby, Grace and Liz. The chapters alternate perspective and are titled by the corresponding character who is telling her story. I absolutely love this set up in novels. It really gives a well rounded look at the story since you seemingly walk in each characters shoes.
It took me a little bit to figure out each character and keep them in check. This was all within the first 90 to 100 pages. Lynda does a wonderful job keeping parts of the story mysterious and slowly filling in the gaps as it progresses. Unfortunately some of these gaps confused me a bit. At times, I wasn’t sure I was reading the thoughts of the correct woman. I had to flip back and check who I was reading about a couple times in those first 100 pages because things didn’t quite add up in my mind. I was never confused or wrong, just needed to double check my own thoughts.
Storyline – I really enjoyed this story. It’s original, fresh, smart and entertaining. The author does a wonderful job bringing complex relationships and complex issues together. The novel covers some serious topics including Alcoholism and Alzheimer’s. The author does a wonderful job discussing these topics within the story and the characters. I was engrossed in this novel and completely satisfied at the end.
Characters – You’ll love them, you’ll hate them. Okay, so I never really hated any of them, but I did want to slap some sense into them at times. True to life, these characters are wonderfully genuine. They each have their faults but are wonderful in and of themselves. I couldn’t help but develop a certain respect and liking for each one. Every character brings something unique to the story. I really enjoyed getting to know this well developed group!
Overall, Island Girl is a wonderful read. Truly poignant and compelling throughout, it pulls at the heartstrings. I would recommend this novel to individual readers as well as book clubs. It would be perfect for a group to read and discuss! I also plan to read more from Lynda Simmons based on my experience with this novel.
Pace – The pace of this novel was slow yet steady for the first ninety pages as the foundation for the story is laid and the characters are introduced. After the ninety page mark the novel really picks up and kept me glued to the pages. I want to be clear that the story never lagged, the first 90 pages just required a little bit more attention I you got to know the characters.
Writing style – The book is written from the perspective of three women; Abby, Grace and Liz. The chapters alternate perspective and are titled by the corresponding character who is telling her story. I absolutely love this set up in novels. It really gives a well rounded look at the story since you seemingly walk in each characters shoes.
It took me a little bit to figure out each character and keep them in check. This was all within the first 90 to 100 pages. Lynda does a wonderful job keeping parts of the story mysterious and slowly filling in the gaps as it progresses. Unfortunately some of these gaps confused me a bit. At times, I wasn’t sure I was reading the thoughts of the correct woman. I had to flip back and check who I was reading about a couple times in those first 100 pages because things didn’t quite add up in my mind. I was never confused or wrong, just needed to double check my own thoughts.
Storyline – I really enjoyed this story. It’s original, fresh, smart and entertaining. The author does a wonderful job bringing complex relationships and complex issues together. The novel covers some serious topics including Alcoholism and Alzheimer’s. The author does a wonderful job discussing these topics within the story and the characters. I was engrossed in this novel and completely satisfied at the end.
Characters – You’ll love them, you’ll hate them. Okay, so I never really hated any of them, but I did want to slap some sense into them at times. True to life, these characters are wonderfully genuine. They each have their faults but are wonderful in and of themselves. I couldn’t help but develop a certain respect and liking for each one. Every character brings something unique to the story. I really enjoyed getting to know this well developed group!
Overall, Island Girl is a wonderful read. Truly poignant and compelling throughout, it pulls at the heartstrings. I would recommend this novel to individual readers as well as book clubs. It would be perfect for a group to read and discuss! I also plan to read more from Lynda Simmons based on my experience with this novel.
June 28, 2011
Ruby Donaldson is a vibrant woman, a lifelong activist who has always been completely independent and in control of her life ~ and that of at least one of her daughters. Now, at age 55, she has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's, and she is determined to continue to do what she wants to do despite what everyone else thinks. And what she wants to do is end her life before the disease takes over completely. But first, she has to pull her family back together before she goes.
Island Girl by Lynda Simmons is a touching and heartbreaking story, but it is also so much more. The story is told by three characters: Ruby, her oldest daughter Liz, and her youngest daughter Grace. While Ruby is dealing with Alzheimer's, her daughters have their own struggles. Liz is a former lawyer turned alcoholic after a tragic event related to her sister a few years ago. But she finds herself in the position to help a friend if she can only manage to straighten herself out. Grace has always been a little slow, so her mother has tried to shelter her and protect her all her life, which led to a major conflict between Ruby and Liz that Ruby is determined to resolve before she loses herself to "Big Al."
In addition to the challenges between mother and daughters, Ruby also finds herself reunited with a former lover who has always been like a father figure to her daughters. He is desperately trying to get Ruby to change her mind about doing herself in before the Alzheimer's takes over. And he is also determined to get mother and daughters back together again before it's too late.
This is a wonderful family drama that has plenty of storylines to keep the pages turning, without being overly complex. Despite the serious nature of the story, Simmons includes plenty of laughter and happiness as well. I will say I was concerned about how I would like hearing about Alzheimer's from Ruby's perspective since one of my favorite books, Still Alice by Lisa Genova, also has a woman with Alzheimer's as the narrator. But this book was very different, and I would highly recommend it. It's much more of a family story and gets into many other topics beyond Alzheimer's, including alcoholism, family dynamics, activism, suicide, coming of age issues, and much more. I would say Island Girl would make an excellent book club selection as well.
Island Girl by Lynda Simmons is a touching and heartbreaking story, but it is also so much more. The story is told by three characters: Ruby, her oldest daughter Liz, and her youngest daughter Grace. While Ruby is dealing with Alzheimer's, her daughters have their own struggles. Liz is a former lawyer turned alcoholic after a tragic event related to her sister a few years ago. But she finds herself in the position to help a friend if she can only manage to straighten herself out. Grace has always been a little slow, so her mother has tried to shelter her and protect her all her life, which led to a major conflict between Ruby and Liz that Ruby is determined to resolve before she loses herself to "Big Al."
In addition to the challenges between mother and daughters, Ruby also finds herself reunited with a former lover who has always been like a father figure to her daughters. He is desperately trying to get Ruby to change her mind about doing herself in before the Alzheimer's takes over. And he is also determined to get mother and daughters back together again before it's too late.
This is a wonderful family drama that has plenty of storylines to keep the pages turning, without being overly complex. Despite the serious nature of the story, Simmons includes plenty of laughter and happiness as well. I will say I was concerned about how I would like hearing about Alzheimer's from Ruby's perspective since one of my favorite books, Still Alice by Lisa Genova, also has a woman with Alzheimer's as the narrator. But this book was very different, and I would highly recommend it. It's much more of a family story and gets into many other topics beyond Alzheimer's, including alcoholism, family dynamics, activism, suicide, coming of age issues, and much more. I would say Island Girl would make an excellent book club selection as well.
October 25, 2011
I loved, loved, loved this book! The author writes the story from the view point of 3 characters, a mother, who has early onset Alzheimer's, and her 2 daughters. Reading a book with 3 first person character's could be a confusing task but it is not in Island Girl. Each voice is very distinct and the author did a wonderful job with the separate points of view. What an exciting and necessary way to read this story. It was really enlightening to be inside all of their heads and to know where they were coming from and what they were thinking.
After reading this book, I have to say that the synopsis does not do this book justice. There is so much more to this story than what one gets from the short blurb. There are the relationships between Ruby and her daughters, Ruby and Mark, Liz and Grace, Grace and Jocelyn - I could go on and on. There are lots of great characters in this book and it was a pleasure getting to know all of them.
Island Girl was a huge hit with everyone in the book group. We all loved it! A good point of discussion was about some of the decisions that Ruby made because of her diagnosis.What would we do if we were in the same situation?
Some of us did have strong feelings towards Ruby because of some of the things she did and said and with the way she treated those she loved. But that is what a great writer can do, isn't it, stir up strong emotions about her characters - both good and bad.
I typically don't re-read books - 'so many books, so little time' - but this is one that I am going to go back to again so I can revisit the island and all the wonderful people on it. What a great story!!
After reading this book, I have to say that the synopsis does not do this book justice. There is so much more to this story than what one gets from the short blurb. There are the relationships between Ruby and her daughters, Ruby and Mark, Liz and Grace, Grace and Jocelyn - I could go on and on. There are lots of great characters in this book and it was a pleasure getting to know all of them.
Island Girl was a huge hit with everyone in the book group. We all loved it! A good point of discussion was about some of the decisions that Ruby made because of her diagnosis.What would we do if we were in the same situation?
Some of us did have strong feelings towards Ruby because of some of the things she did and said and with the way she treated those she loved. But that is what a great writer can do, isn't it, stir up strong emotions about her characters - both good and bad.
I typically don't re-read books - 'so many books, so little time' - but this is one that I am going to go back to again so I can revisit the island and all the wonderful people on it. What a great story!!
January 30, 2014
This book was painful to read... Ruby was not likeable. Liz was not likeable. Mark wasn't even really likeable. And it would have been nice to understand at the beginning how "challenged" Grace really was. Ruby treats her like she's incapable of anything, spies on her, lies to her, basically brainwashes her, and acts like she has no feelings (because she's "not all there"?)... Liz is all like "poor me, where's my car bomb?" There's this big family secret that caused this giant rift in the family and when it is FINALLY (it was so painful getting there) revealed it isn't even that exciting or scandalous or anything other than sad. Rudy's Alzheimer's is so annoying (I'm openly saying I have no direct experience with this disease) one second she can't remember something simple and the next she second she is doing something that requires a lot of mental calculations. I get that it can affect certain parts of memory but this book just didn't feel consistent to me. It bothered me that she wrote herself notes calling herself a "stupid cow" but then went on to rant about how she wasn't depressed... Negative self talk is a classic sign of depression. And the way Alzheimer's is constantly being referred to as Big Al really really bugged me. "1 point for Big Al, 2 points for me!" Argh. I wanted to chuck the book every 10 seconds because of this. I don't even know why I finished it. I didn't care about the characters... I didn't care about any of it. Husband said "life's to short to read crappy books. Put it down." But I didn't, I should have listened.
November 16, 2014
This novel is about a dysfunctional family having to deal with Alzheimer's and the relationships within that family. It was set in an idyllic setting that I could see and I did enjoy reading this story, although Ruby grew on me like mold. I could not believe the restraints on Grace. Sure she let her go bird watching, bicycling, and anything that did not require "Ruby's" supervision. Her reins were so tight that Ruby HAD to snoop on her computer, lie to her and basically never telling her the whole truth on almost everything. Ruby treated her like she was incapable of being her own person. My heart went out for Grace; she tried her best even with her intellectual delay. Liz, Grace's sister and promising attorney turned alcoholic, I was hoping she would eventually turn her life around and glad she did thanks to her Russian support group Nadia. There are numerous characters that all hold an individual color to the story and I would recommend this novel to anyone who would love a good read. The ending sums up the hopes that the reader is hoping for and pulls everyone together; there is one beautiful surprise for Grace.
July 31, 2011
Superb! I laughed, I cried, and I related. Recently diagnosed with moderate cognitive impairment of an unknown origin myself (in other words it not being considered Alzheimers yet)I read this book looking for hope and found it, but also saw what I might be in for in the future.I already have lapses in memory and ask the same questions over and over so some of things Ruby does are achingly funny and familiar. Ruby has early onset Alzheimers, which she calls Big Al, and she is in his wicked grip. She carries a notebook with her to remind her of things and is frantic to protect Grace, her 30-year-old daughter who has the mindset of a 10-12 year old as well as force her wayward daughter Liz to come back to the island and take care of the family home and Grace. The chapters move amongst the three women's voices and each has their own unique perspective of the situation. Perhaps the most honest one is Grace's and she is often left in the dark, even on things most important to her. If the ending doesn't have you in tears nothing will. This is a book I will not forget.
November 26, 2013
I thought this book was incredibly good. It was emotional and heartfelt. Ruby is trying to unite her family after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and a long period of estrangement from her eldest daughter. The family was struggling to come to terms with a tragedy that had occurred within the family which resulted in Ruby’s trust issues, Liz’s alcoholism and Grace’s unique ability to forgive everyone. The reason why I kept turning the pages was because the story line was so believable. These are things that I see people struggle desperately with everyday Lynda gave each character a great level of depth. She was able to weave each main character and supporting character genuine story lines. She left no thread dangling, by the end of the novel I was satisfied with every explanation given for every character. She has a knack for quick and quirky dialogue. This is a real story that will bring you laughter and tears of joy. I enjoyed it immensely and highly recommend it. I will be reading Getting Rid of Rosie next.
July 6, 2011
I received this book as a giveaway on Goodreads, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Ms. Simmons does not flinch back from the fact that her main character has Alzheimer's - Ruby is unapologetically who she is despite her condition. That is the strength of this book - the characters are all amazingly well-written and one just as interesting and engaging as the other. The story really centers on the relationship of Ruby as a mother and her two daughters, and Ms. Simmons manages the tension in their relationship, including all the ups and downs of missed communications and long-held grudges, with ease. The descriptions of the Island also add a level of comfort and intimacy to this novel. As much as this story could have been depressing, it was handled in such a way that I found it uplifting and truly touching. This was a great find, and I will look forward to reading more from Ms. Simmons - thank you for sharing your book with me!
August 5, 2011
The main character, a woman younger than I am, has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and decides to put her family affairs in order before ending her life prior to requiring 'round the clock care. She is estranged from her older daughter and her younger has a somewhat limited capacity to function on her own. I found the story, though rather like a soap opera in terms of the various story lines, to be an interesting look at one way of dealing with a disease that eventually robs a person of all dignity, leaving them isolated from both family and friends. I would imagine the story could easily be re-written around a character diagnosed with ALS or Huntington's, and in fact, I have read a much better book (Eternal on the Water by Joseph Monninger) about a woman with the Huntington gene who makes the same decision as the character in this novel. It's unfortunate that our country doesn't have a saner and more compassionate approach to [assisted] suicide.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2011
I really liked this book and thought all of the characters were unique. Strong willed and outspoken Ruby is forgetting things more and more, even though her doctor has changed her meds, hoping it will hold the disease off a little longer. She confides in an ex boyfriend about her disease in hopes that he will help her get her oldest daughter home, to take care of her younger sister and to take over the family home. Liz was a lawyer, but after the accident with her sister, she became an alcoholic, throwing everything away. She has no intentions of ever speaking to her mother again. Grace is carefree, a little slow, with a love for everyone, but underneath all the smiles and laughter, she is lonely and hurting and can't tell anyone about it. All three of these ladies have to move on from their past in order to truly live once again. I would really like to see another book to find out what happens later on!
September 7, 2016
I wrote about it on my blog -- http://onanygivendayinpamelasmind.blo...
I don’t read many novels, but this one pulled me in quickly and kept me glued to the story and the characters. I really loved all three of the main characters – Ruby, Liz and Grace. They were so real to me, so flawed, lives so messy. They felt like they could have been family. Smile
The book came to me via a comment on a website about having the right to choose death for oneself in critical health conditions. Ruby, the mother in the story has early onset Alzheimer's and she won’t have no disease dictate to her the kind of life she will live. But her family is broken and she desperately wants to make things to her liking before it is too late.
Each of the characters must heal various relationships… with others… with themselves. By the end, I was in tears. And I don’t cry easily.
I don’t read many novels, but this one pulled me in quickly and kept me glued to the story and the characters. I really loved all three of the main characters – Ruby, Liz and Grace. They were so real to me, so flawed, lives so messy. They felt like they could have been family. Smile
The book came to me via a comment on a website about having the right to choose death for oneself in critical health conditions. Ruby, the mother in the story has early onset Alzheimer's and she won’t have no disease dictate to her the kind of life she will live. But her family is broken and she desperately wants to make things to her liking before it is too late.
Each of the characters must heal various relationships… with others… with themselves. By the end, I was in tears. And I don’t cry easily.
July 1, 2011
Ruby Donaldson, a 55-year old woman, is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She decides to put her life and death in order. She has to two daughters Grace (who is about to get married) and Liz (once a promising lawyer, now an alcoholic). This novel is written from the point of view of each of these three women with alternating chapters.
This novel is not only about a dysfunctional family having to deal with such a devastating disease, but also about the relationships within that family. This is a highly emotional story with strong characters. Although, a little slow at first, once we begin to know the characters, they story picks up and the reader becomes intertwined in the various lives and subplots. Even the ending was a bit troublesome. Bring your tissues and be ready for an emotional rollercoaster.
This novel is not only about a dysfunctional family having to deal with such a devastating disease, but also about the relationships within that family. This is a highly emotional story with strong characters. Although, a little slow at first, once we begin to know the characters, they story picks up and the reader becomes intertwined in the various lives and subplots. Even the ending was a bit troublesome. Bring your tissues and be ready for an emotional rollercoaster.
May 8, 2011
Ruby has early onset Alsheimers: she's only 55 years old. She has two daughters, Liz and Grace. When we enter their lives, there are already problems with the relationships between the women. It is a good book, without alot of touchy feely sentiment, as these women are pretty much strong characters. Grace and her sister Liz are as different as night and day, both in looks as well as temperament. But Grace has the mind of a young innocent girl as well as the beauty of one. She's a real sweet girl and her innocense has cost her dearly.
Ruby has a love interest who is an awesome character and he has a 12 yr. ld daughter who is a real hoot. There are several subplots and it was a fast moving, easy read. I enjoyed the book.
Ruby has a love interest who is an awesome character and he has a 12 yr. ld daughter who is a real hoot. There are several subplots and it was a fast moving, easy read. I enjoyed the book.
December 24, 2013
Interesting perspective on Alzheimer's and how 55 year old Ruby chooses to deal with it. The family dynamics are complicated and sometimes difficult and sad to follow. The characters were all believable, especially for their chapters in their own voices. Parts were a little slow going, with a little too much detail and minutiae in my opinion, but others may enjoy the slower pace. Other reviews discuss the sisters' relationship and the death of Grace's baby. Totally different view than the book "Still Alice", that also addresses Alzheimer's. Take away for me was "Whether I'd rather live with the guilt of letting her choose, than the guilt of deciding for her."
June 28, 2011
Took a bit for this book to hold my interest but once it did I was delighted both with the characters and the storyline. It's about a family -dysfunctional of course (!!!) and the understandable struggles they have with each other though especially the mother. Her character was great and she drove me crazy. Found it interesting to learn about Toronto's island, mockingbirds .. and the authors portrayal of Alzheimer disease.
Uplifting overall and a good summertime read.
And if you read this book you might agree - we should all have a SWAN!
Uplifting overall and a good summertime read.
And if you read this book you might agree - we should all have a SWAN!
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