50 in 2012: Book Two

Left Neglected by Lisa Genova
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Every single second of Sarah Nickerson’s day is booked. In fact, every second of Sarah Nickerson’s day is overbooked. The consummate multi-takser, Sarah is a full-time working mother of three children living in an affluent suburban neighborhood, logging in 80 hours a week at work, and shuttling her children to and from soccer practice/day care/piano lessons. She prides herself on her ability to manage multiple conversations at once. Harvard educated, Sarah exemplifies the classic overachiever. Until one day, when her inability to focus on one task at a time tragically changes her life.

A simple task: checking her phone for an e-mail, something she’s done a gazillion times. A simple task: driving herself to work, something she’s done a gazillion times. Checking her phone for an incoming e-mail while driving herself to work results in a tragic accident that leaves her with a traumatic brain injury.

With her brain unable to acknowledge anything “left”, Sarah must re-learn how to live without the existence of “left”. Genova skillfully allows the reader inside of Sarah’s struggles to regain control and acceptance of her new life, her new body, her new reality. A story about the importance of moments, decisions, and the before and after of the decisions we make.

View all my reviews

50 in 2012: Book One

The Year Everything Changed by Georgia Bockoven
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A story of four women, four complete strangers, and the link that ties them all together: an estranged father. A father, in some cases, that wasn’t known to exist until the presence of a mysterious letter sent by an attorney in Sacramento. The letter claimed the man to be their father, claimed he wanted to see them before he passed, claimed he was dying.

Jessie Reed admitted he made mistakes and wanted to do all he could to correct them before it was too late.

Elizabeth, Ginger, Rachel and Christine embark on a journey that changes all their lives. Each one carrying baggage and scars from the man who claims to be their father. Each one struggling with their current relationship as a result.

While many would be quick to write off a man who seemingly abandons his wife and child, this book explores the reasons and story behind the man. Why he left? Why his leaving is not always as black and white as it may appear. How ones history, man or woman, shapes who they are, the paths they take, and the decisions they make.

Slow in parts, predictable at times, an overall good read. A lot of food for thought.

View all my reviews