Left Neglected by Lisa Genova
Sarah Nickerson is vice president of human resources at Berkley Consulting. She is also a supermom. She works many long hours and then tries to be there for her family. She takes both of her jobs very seriously. Juggling her job and her busy family life are enough to make one's head spin.
One fateful day, she is involved in an accident which forever changes her life. Driving to work, she tries to make a phone call which ends in disaster. She sustains a brain injury which leaves her not being able to feel or see anything on her left side. It's as though the left side of the world does not exist. Sarah's life is turned upside down.
I found Sarah's journey fascinating. At first I did not care for Sarah. I found her to be a bit overpowering and kind of cold. As the book progressed, Sarah struggles with not only her injury but also her life both past and present. She grew into a person I could respect and appreciate. I enjoyed seeing her develop a sense of humor as well. By the end of the book, I was a fan.
This is a beautiful story about human spirit and what really matters most. I found myself reading faster to find out if Sarah would recover or not. Would she go be able to go back to her high-powered life? Could she be satisfied with her life being different from what she was accustomed to if she did not recover?
This was the first book I have read by Lisa Genova but it won't be my last. The book was well written and well-researched. Lisa Genova has a Ph.D. in Neuroscience and has a degree in Biopsychology but the book was easy to read and flowed very nicely. I was afraid the book might be full of technical terms that would leave me bewildered but that was not the case at all.
This book comes out in paperback July 26, 2011. I highly recommend it! Pick yourself up a copy!
Lisa Genova is working on her third book about a boy with autism, titled Love Anthony. I can't wait to read it! Until then I will be picking up Still Alice, which I hear is also a winner!
I borrowed this book from my public library and read it for the 2011 Just For Fun Challenge.
I just turned this book down and after reading your review, I'm kicking myself. It sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book. Maybe not quite as much as STILL ALICE, but almost. STILL ALICE had a very personal connection with my life, Alzheimer's, and Lisa Genova nailed that disease, in my opinion. She is very gifted I think in making a reader understand these neurological conditions without overburdening the story with too much science. I think that is such a service to readers. We learn but we also enjoy the story. My experience with LEFT NEGLECTED is much the same as yours - not a fan of Sarah at first, came to like and respect her as time goes on. I can't wait for the next book and hope that Lisa Genova doesn't run out of neurology to help us explore. :-)
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds very emotional. I think I need to check it out!
ReplyDeleteI've been on the fence about this one, but your write-up makes it sound really excellent. Every time I walk by it, the cover draws me in. Really beautiful. Thanks!
ReplyDelete~Asheley
I loved Still Alice and am anxious to read this one. Glad it was a hit with you.
ReplyDeleteStill Alice was heartbreakingly awesome..you must read that one!! I'm going to grab a copy of this one when it comes out in paperback. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI loved this book and really liked Still Alice too (although it freaked me out - every time I forget something I'm thinking Alzheimer's now).
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so good, I'm going to have to look for a copy.
ReplyDeleteYES! I bought this book and I had my fingers crossed for a wow aftermath.
ReplyDeleteI have Still Alice to read - I think that's her first book - another one about memory and the havoc Alzheimer has on the main character's life.
Maybe we should time our reading for Still Alice ? What do you think ?
I read STILL ALICE and liked it. I am waiting to pick this one up. It might also end up being one of our book club reads.
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way about Sarah at first. Her journey was indeed fascinating as well :) Great review!
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