Left neglected by Lisa Genova

Have you read Genova's other book "Still Alice"? You should. It's a wonderful book about a woman who gets early-onset Alzheimers. "Left neglected" deals with the brain as well, but this time injury as a result of a car accident. Sarah is left with a condition that causes her to not recognize anything to the left of centre - her left arm, leg, anything in her left vision. Apparently this is a common condition of brain injured patients. We see Sarah before the accident - a successful, albeit frazzled, business woman. And then we see her after the accident - barely able to clothe or feed herself, let alone walk. The novel follows Sarah through rehab and her processing of what this is going to mean to her as a career woman, wife, mother and person. Along the way we see her relationship with her husband and mother grow through the trials and tribulations, but come out stronger in the end. I was reminded of a favourite blogger of mine, Kate, who had a stroke a few years ago. Similar struggles but determination wins. Take away quote, "Because while I still hope for a full recovery, I've learned that my life can be fully lived with less."

Different Minds by Lorna Drew and Leo C. Ferrari

Alzheimer disease is becoming more and more common, or so it seems. My father has now been diagnosed with it and so what was once vague medical terminology has become a reality in my life. True to my nature I have started reading up on the disease. "Different Minds" is a non-fiction book that records the journaling of two writers, one of whom (Leo) has developed Alzheimers. The chapters alternate between Lorna and Leo, so you get two different perspectives on living with AD. The back of the book includes contact information for support groups and helpful websites. This would be a great introduction to the world of Alzheimers disease and how it affects the patient as well as the caregiver.

Ice Cold by Tess Gerritsen

Prepare to be creeped out. This book kept me reading long past my bed time, with adrenalin coursing through my veins. Set in Vermont, a female medical examiner looking for meaning in life does something totally out of character and sets in motion the ride of her life - or is it her death? Do you like medical thrillers? Murder mysteries? Stories about polygamist lifestyles? You will enjoy this book. Easy to read and with just enough relational interaction to add depth and thought to a beach read. Warning - there are a half dozen or so F words.

The Law of Similars by Chris Bohjalian

While checking my local library for books on homeopathy I came across this novel with that as a theme. This author also wrote Midwives, which I listened to and enjoyed. The Law of Similars has a similar premise. Holistic medicine gone wrong - or is there another answer? This is a well written book, suspenseful and dramatic; the characters have depth. Did I read the whole thing? No. I skipped to the last few chapters to find out the end of the story. The main character revealed a little too much about what was going on in his mind re: most of the females in the book. I know that men think these thoughts; I just don't want to read about it. If you can get past that aspect of the book, you'll enjoy this.