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Every Note Played

by Lisa Genova

Length 8 hours 2 minutes

Language English

Narrators Dennis Boutsikaris & Dagmara Dominczyk

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Bookseller recommendation

“In a tightly composed piece of writing, novelist Lisa Genova carries the reader through the grim melody and turbulent sequencing of ALS while expertly relaying the gradual impact of the disease on the lives of patients and caregivers. With medical details balanced against the raw manifestation of the human experience, Every Note Played explores the cruel effects of loss and the profound effects of compassion and forgiveness. Richard and Karina are voluntarily alone, yet uncomfortably united by a sense of need and duty. Genova holds nothing back, producing a story that resonates with meaning and builds to a keen point of understanding.”
— Joan Gallagher • Where the Sidewalk Ends

Bookseller recommendation

“From the author of Still Alice, is a new novel about a man, Richard, being diagnosed with ALS. The story is narrated by Dennis Boutsikaris & Dagmara Dominczyk. Dennis speaks during the chapters from Richard's point of view while Dagmara speaks for Karina. Richard is a world renowned classical pianist; dating beautiful women, recently divorced from his wife, living in a fancy 4 story walk-up apartment in Boston. He is reveling in his independence. His wife Karina, a pianist in her own right, was a stay at home mom, raising their daughter Grace instead of pursuing her dream of becoming a jazz pianist. She resents Richard for it. Their daughter Grace has moved out of the house and is in college as Karina is trying to adjust to a life alone. Richard starts canceling tours, that's when Karina hears from friends that he is diagnosed with ALS. She visits him and doesn't believe it. Of course their old demons come up and they part on bad terms. A few months later Karina finds Richard in a pile of s*** (literally) and realizes the diagnosis is real. The story is heart breakingly sad, funny, and real. ALS robs you of your freedom and independence. There is no cure. The cause is unknown. I learned so much about this disease outside of the ice bucket challenge. This story is a reminder that life is to short. The time to reflect on your life and stop procrastinating is now. As Richard learned life isn't stagnant and time is precious. Don't waste it.”
— Kelly • M. Judson Booksellers

Summary
About the author
About the narrators

“Unsparing in her depiction of the disease’s harrowing effects, neuroscientist Genova also celebrates humanity.” —People

“Sometimes it’s easier to tell truth in fiction…And she tells it with heart and hope.” —NPR

“Her juxtaposition of scientific detail with compassionate, heartfelt storytelling is unparalleled.” —Bookreporter

“Every Note Played will grip and gut you.” —The Boston Globe

From neuroscientist and New York Times bestselling author of Still Alice comes a powerful exploration of regret, forgiveness, freedom, and what it means to be alive.

An accomplished concert pianist, Richard received standing ovations from audiences all over the world in awe of his rare combination of emotional resonance and flawless technique. Every finger of his hands was a finely calibrated instrument, dancing across the keys and striking each note with exacting precision. That was eight months ago.

Richard now has ALS, and his entire right arm is paralyzed. His fingers are impotent, still, devoid of possibility. The loss of his hand feels like a death, a loss of true love, a divorce—his divorce.

He knows his left arm will go next.

Three years ago, Karina removed their framed wedding picture from the living room wall and hung a mirror there instead. But she still hasn’t moved on. Karina is paralyzed by excuses and fear, stuck in an unfulfilling life as a piano teacher, afraid to pursue the path she abandoned as a young woman, blaming Richard and their failed marriage for all of it.

When Richard becomes increasingly paralyzed and is no longer able to live on his own, Karina becomes his reluctant caretaker. As Richard’s muscles, voice, and breath fade, both he and Karina try to reconcile their past before it’s too late.

Poignant and powerful, Every Note Played is a masterful exploration of redemption and what it means to find peace inside of forgiveness.

Fiction

Acclaimed as the Oliver Sacks of fiction and the Michael Crichton of brain science, Lisa Genova is the New York Times bestselling author of Still Alice, Left Neglected, Love Anthony, Inside the O’Briens, and Remember: The Science of Memory and the Art of Forgetting. Still Alice was adapted into an Oscar–winning film starring Julianne Moore, Alec Baldwin, and Kristen Stewart. Lisa graduated valedictorian from Bates College with a degree in biopsychology and holds a PhD in neuroscience from Harvard University. She is featured in the documentary films To Not Fade Away and Have You Heard About Greg. Her TED talks on Alzheimer’s disease and memory have been viewed over eleven million times.

Dennis Boutsikaris won an OBIE Award for his performance in Sight Unseen and played Mozart in Amadeus on Broadway. Among his films are *batteries not included, The Dream Team, and Boys On the Side. His many television credits include And Then There Was One, Chasing the Dragon, and 100 Center Street.

Dagmara Dominczyk's film credits are Rock Star, The Count of Monte Cristo, Kinsey, and Lonely Hearts. On television she's appeared in Five People You Meet in Heaven, and 24. Her Broadway appearences are Closer, Enchanted April, and The Violet Hour.