Tuesday, February 2, 2010

The Beginning of "Still Alice"

I read the first 50 pages last and it is already scaring the poop outta me.

I now understand why people who have Alzheimer's in their family are so anxious to find a cure.

The incident that's so disturbing so far for me is when she was running in Harvard square and suddenly had no idea how to get home. She seemed to know where she was, but she didn't know which direction to go from where she was at. And she'd lived there half her life. So terrifying.

And also that this is happening to her so young. 50. That's how old my mom is. I can't imagine....

Is everyone reading? Tell me where you are and what you think! ;)

11 comments:

  1. I'm about 70 pages in. I'm liking it so far and wishing I had more time to read (my show, Lost comes on tonight for 2 hours!!! so I don't think I'll get too much done tonight either). Anyway...my first impression of Alice is that I don't like her. Can't you just imagine the type of personality she has??? That elitist type. Especially with the relationship with her youngest daughter. I get really annoyed with people who get all bent out of shape with kids not always wanting to go to college. Nevertheless, I feel awful for her situation and I'm interested to see how it all plays out. I'm sure it will make for a very interesting storyline.

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  2. I know exactly what you mean, Erica. I have not really liked her as a person at all, but now, I'm getting more into the story, so I'm really feeling so sorry for her.

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  3. I agree, but I started feeling sorry for her very early on:( She knows she is slipping and that can't be tolerated with her job and status. Part of me also is sad that she and John are such workaholics and aren't making time for each other. And, of course, everytime I can't finish a sentence or find something at my house I am freaking out a little.....;) A good read, I like it.

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  4. I totally get what you are saying, Heather, because I've been doing it all day!!! Like, walking into a room and having absolutely no idea why I'm there or what I came to get...totally creepy!

    And right now I've reached the point where my heart is breaking for her. I'm about 120 pages in and the scene described on page 120-121 made me feel so extremely sad for her. I can tell this is going to bring about a lot of tears (and anxiety if I keep forgetting stuff!).

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  5. I am at the 15% mark so I am guessing about page 57. She is at the doctor's office for her checkup. I'm liking the book so far. Like the rest of you though it's freaking me out because I know there are times where I am talking to someone and I can't think of a word and I am like I should know what this word is. This is one of those dieases that I hope myself or none of my other family members ever get.

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  6. Ugh I'm still waiting for my book to arrive...it was supposed to be here Monday. Sigh. Guess that's what I get for being a procrastinator when ordering it. I can't wait to dive in, though. I worked in an alzheimers unit for a couple of years, one if the best and hardest jobs I've had. Anyway, because of that I'm super intrigued and dying to start reading. Crossing my fingers it comes tomorrow.

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  7. I am at the 52% point so I'm guessing about page 199. My question to you guys is if you could have a test done that would tell you what, if any, illnesses you would suffer from later in life would you have it done?

    I think the only way I would is if I knew that there was something that they could do to help so it doesn't happen.

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  8. I would absolutely have it done. I couldn't stand not knowing. I know it's like having a death sentence, but then I suppose you know you better get a move on that bucket list.

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  9. I just don't know about this... I would have such anxiety about it, but I think I would want to know! The things that run in my family are diabetes and heart disease. Mainly diabetes, though. Really bad.. my grandpa died of complications from it at only 60 and my grandma has had it forever and almost everything that's wrong with her is a side effect from diabetes. I'm going to be very lucky if I don't get it. :/

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  10. I couldn't imagine how terrifying it would be to know where you are, but not know how to get home. To have everything be so familiar, but be so confused. I can't imagine what it would be like to have those symptoms without a diagnosis / treatment! To have everyone looking at you like you've lost your marbles, but not know why. What a scary disease! I've totally been sucked into this book!

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  11. I finished last night and this was such a heartbreaking book. I can't imagine going through such a thing. I know a few of you didn't like Alice in the beginning. I never had a problem with her but I do have to say I didn't care much for her husband.

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