Play Book Tag discussion

Author and neuroscientist, Lisa Genova, has written another moving story in Every Note Played. World famous pianist, Richard Evans, has been diagnosed with ALS. The author shows how it first affects his arms and piano playing and then how he is changed both mentally and physically as the incurable disease progresses. Genova switches back and forth from telling the story from Richard’s point of view and also the one of his ex-wife, Karina. She becomes his caretaker. This role and the emotions that go with it are equally important. They have struggles together and also individually and how much effort Karina needs to devote to Richard as his ALS progresses is evident. The backstories of their marriage, their divorce and their separate childhoods add greatly to the book. We see patterns repeat themselves along with regret, unspoken resentments and guilt.

By giving a pianist ALS, Genova has emphasized how devastating the disease will be to Richard and his life. He leans who he can count on and who he cannot. I recently saw Genova speak and as with her talks in person, her storytelling in this novel has done a good job of providing awareness of the disease.

I love Genova's writing. Haven't read this one ... yet...

Wow, sounds interesting. Love your review.

So glad you enjoyed this one, Kelly!! ALS just sounds like one of the scariest diseases one can get . . .

I enjoyed this one, too, as I have all of Genova's books. I didn't like Richard at all and Karina's selfless decision was hard to imagine but it all worked.

This is going on the wish list - everyone seems to love her writing and the music theme is interesting too. I think I’ll need to pick a strong time to read it though ...