SEPTEMBER 2024 READING
The Sentence, by Louise Erdrich
published 2021,
GP Putnam's Sons, 400 pp
ISBN 9780593330753
Book Club Meeting
September 24, 7:00 PM
Hosted by: Beth Kanalley
Snack provided by: Debbie Fisher
​Wine provided by: Patti Finnerty and Cathy Enz
Accessibility
Print​ and Large Print​
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Finger Lakes Library System
​​E-book ​​
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NY Public Library
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Amazon (fee, Kindle)
E-Audiobook ​
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Finger Lakes Library System
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NY Public Library
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Amazon (fee, Audible)
Lisa Genova: About the Author
"Lisa Genova graduated valedictorian, summa cum laude from Bates College with a degree in Biopsychology and has a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University.
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Acclaimed as the Oliver Sacks of fiction and the Michael Crichton of brain science, Lisa has captured a special place in contemporary fiction, writing stories that are equally inspired by neurological conditions and our shared human condition. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the novels STILL ALICE, LEFT NEGLECTED, LOVE ANTHONY, INSIDE THE O'BRIENS, and EVERY NOTE PLAYED.
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Her first work of nonfiction, REMEMBER: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting, published March 2021, became an instant New York Times bestseller.
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In 2015, Lisa was named one of the U.S. Top 50 Influencers in Aging by Next Avenue. She has appeared on Live with Kelly &Ryan, the TODAY show, CNN, PBS Newshour, Dr. Oz, and NPR and has been featured in the PBS specials Build a Better Memory Through Science and Supercharge Your Brain, as well as the documentary films To Not Fade Away and Have You Heard About Greg.
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She received The Pell Center Prize for Story in the Public Square, for 'distinguished storytelling that has enriched the public dialogue,' The Sargent and Eunice Shriver Profiles in Dignity Award, The Global Genes RARE Champions of Hope Award, and The American College of Neuropsychopharmacology Media Award for 'informing the public about treatment and ongoing research in medical illness.'
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She has received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Bates College, The Alzheimer's Association's Rita Hayworth Award, The Huntington’s Disease Society of America Community Awareness Award, and the Grubby Award for literary excellence."
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Left Neglected
Princeton Book Review
"The concept of this book is something the average person does not think about. It's hard to fathom a world where the brain simply erases the left side of everything. As a result of a brain injury, this is the tragedy that befalls Sarah, in this story. As she did in "Still Alice", Lisa Genova, once again puts you inside the mind of Sarah allowing you to experience the full emotional impact of coping and learning to live with this condition. What I found especially endearing about this book, was the author's ability to have me tearing up one minute and laughing out loud the next, especially given the seriousness of the topic- amazing writing style and timing.
Aside from dealing with the brain injury, the story is thought provoking and engaging on other levels. It will cause you to re-evaluate the pros and cons of an excessively busy life style and appreciate your family. It's also a book about relationships, demonstrating the healing power of friendship and forgiveness. In short, not quite as original as "Still Alice", but equally as poignant. A heartwarming story about hope and persevering through darkness to see light again for those who enjoy good women's fiction or those who know someone dealing with a brain injury. Highly recommend.
Book Club Talking Points: Sarah's strength in the face of adversity is certainly the main theme of this book. It's inspirational to read about her struggle to make herself whole after her dramatic change in circumstances. Her husband's support and thoughts are also noteworthy. There are also themes on mother-daughters ,the cost on relationships and family of today's ultra busy life style and being in the moment and the acceptance that comes with it."
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Author Resources
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YouTube Video Lisa Genova on the neurological condition that inspired LEFT NEGLECTED
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Borders Media interview with Lisa Genova Part 1 of 3
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Borders Media interview with Lisa Genova Part 2 of 3
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Borders Media interview with Lisa Genova Part 3 of 3
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Lisa Genova official website
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Bookbrowse Reader Reviews
"Reader #1
This is REAL!
I had listened to the author, Lisa Genova, being interviewed about Left Neglected. It sounded interesting, I had read her earlier book "Still Alice" and loved it, but I wasn't pushed to run out and buy it. Well little did I know how life would twist and turn so soon. My mother-in-law had a stroke and is experiencing Left Neglect. It is so real, and so fascinating. I recommend this book, not just because it is a great story (it is fiction) but because it rings true. This is our next book club's read by my recommendation and I know the members in my group are going to love it.
Reader #2
Every bit as good as "Still Alice"
I read this book in two sittings. As in "Still Alice", the author immediately draws you in by relating familiar situations and feelings. Then when a traumatic injury leaves Sarah brain-damaged, Genova continues to relate Sarah's tale in a way in which we can all imagine, enduring her difficult circumstances. Lisa Genova is a very educated and compassionate author whose ability to convey the horrors of brain injury are valuable and compelling. This book is not depressing and scary, but hopeful, resilient, and realistic. Educate yourself while enjoying a great read.
Reader #3
Good but not great..
I love books when I can learn something new from them. Her easy style allows one to read this in a breezy fashion, while still learning a great deal about a person who undergoes a "left neglect" brain injury and how it affects one's daily life."
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DRYDEN BOOK CLUB
est. 2001