The Little Things
June 30, 2015

Back in April I read the book Still Alice (review here) and really enjoyed the story and the author’s style, so I immediately added Inside The O’Brien’s to my goodreads “want to read” shelf. The author, Lisa Genova, is a Harvard trained Neuroscientist, and her writings revolve around various medical diagnoses.

Inside The O'Brien's Book Review

Reading Inside The O’Brien’s on the porch

Inside the O’Brien’s follows the lives of an Irish family living in Boston. They are touched by Huntington’s Disease as their dad, Joe, receives the diagnosis. The family reels as they not only have to deal with this disease, which will eventually kill him, as well as their own 50-50 chance of having HD as well. HD is a neurodegenerative disorder, and there is no cure and no treatment for it. Each of the adult children wrestle with whether or not to get tested to see if they are HD positive, as well as questioning how they live well with a potential life-sentence. They cannot escape the diagnosis. If they are HD positive, they will live waiting for the moment it takes over, and HD will ultimately end their life. Do they get married, have kids (who might also then be HD positive), or follow their dreams? Do they let their lives be defined by HD, or do they choose to define their lives? The story is inspiring, a tale of deep resiliency, and is deeply emotional and gut-wrenching.

I so appreciate how Genova weaves together facts about HD, educating the reader while also telling a moving story. I found myself laughing and tearing up, and appreciated the honest look the author gives to the reader about life with HD.

A quote that stood out to me:

“And, like a lightning strike, there is his example. His mother before him. The lesson that she passed down for him to pass on to his children – the courage to face every breath with love and gratitude.”

I gave this book 5 stars on goodreads. I appreciated the perspectives from each family member, and watching them struggle alone and together with this deadly disease that is wrecking havoc in the family. You’ll learn more about HD as you read , and you’ll be inspired to resiliency in your own life, whatever struggle you might have! I definitely encourage you to read Inside The O’Brien’s!

If you’re interested in other book reviews or book suggestions, check out my book review tab.

 

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