Lisa Genova: My Favorite Novelist

As an avid reader since middle school, I have enjoyed reading many books. I have liked a variety of genres and authors. I can now say, after twenty years as a reading afficionado, my favorite novelist is Lisa Genova. Her books have made an impact on my life. They are not only a good read, but a glimpse into the world of those with cognitive impairment .

Lisa Genova's background is in neuroscience. She earned her PhD in neuroscience from Harvard. Her first novel, Still Alice, was rejected by many publishers. However, undeterred by rejection, Lisa Genova self-published Still Alice. This is is a story about a woman with early onset Alzheimer's Disease. Throughout, the novel, the reader gains insight into the effects of this devastating disease on the victims and their family. The reader does not just read about the characters, but becomes immersed in their lives. This book, which many turned down, became a New York Times Bestseller. According to Lisa Genova's website, Still Alice remained on the New York Times Best Seller list and remained there for over 30 weeks. Her second novel, Left Neglected also became a best seller.

Through her novels, Lisa Genova educates about cognitive impairment. More important, she is an advocate for those with Alzheimer's Disease and other types of cognitive disorders. Readers can identify with the characters in her books. They could easily be a beloved aunt, uncle, sister, mother, grandparent or best friend. Alzheimer's Disease and traumatic brain injury are heavy subjects, but Lisa Genova's novels address them with empathy, compassion, respect and dignity. Anyone who knows someone with Alzheimer's Disease, or a traumatic brain injury, will have a better understanding of these disorders, as well as the challenges for the victims and those who care for them. Advocacy, education, an unwillingness to give up,as well as making those with cognitive disorders real are a reason Lisa Genova is my favorite author. I look forward to the next novel by Lisa Genova which is about another important, often misunderstood disorder, autism.