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Love Anthony
by Lisa Genova is not so much a story about the life of the young boy named Anthony as it is a story about the echo he left behind. Anthony had autism, and just as his mother Olivia was beginning to embrace the reality of who he was, his life was cut short by a seizure. Olivia comes to their Nantucket cottage to grieve, leaving her now-estranged husband David at their home near Boston.
For Beth, Nantucket is home, where she lives with her husband Jimmy and their three daughters. Her routine existence is shattered when she learns that Jimmy and a co-worker are having an affair. As Beth examines her life after Jimmy has moved out, she wonders what has become of the adventurous, spontaneous person she used to be – and exactly when she let her ambition to be a writer die out.
Beth begins to write again, inspired by a dream to tell the story of a little boy named Anthony who cannot talk but nonetheless has something to say. Meanwhile, Olivia is reading through the journals she kept while her son was alive, and it soon becomes clear to the reader that we are hearing two sides of the same story.
Genova uses this mystical element in such a powerful way that I was more than willing to suspend my disbelief and immerse myself in the unfolding revelations. There were a number of times that I had to stop and reflect on something in the book that spoke directly to my soul, such as when Olivia is considering how her son’s “severe” autism compared to the “milder” Asperger’s of a fictional character:
Exact opposite ends of the spectrum, like red and violet in a rainbow. In the most obvious ways, they were entirely different, yet she found subtle and surprising similarities that comforted her, restored her hope. Violet isn’t blue because it also contains red.
While it would be easy to recommend this solely as a book about autism, it is really so much more than that. Love Anthony is truly a story that encompasses how Beth and Olivia experience life, from the way each views herself to the way she connects with those around her. And any author that can ask the question, “Why are we here?” and answer it in a way that wrenches open my heart is one that shouldn’t be missed.
I’m pleased to say that we have one copy of Love Anthony to give away. Use the rafflecopter below to enter. We’ll announce the winner here in our book column on October 1.
The winner of The World Almanac for Kids is Renee.
Sand says
Relatable characters and good character development!
heather c says
There has to be a point to it all, I think. Someone has to learn something important. Someone has to accomplish something big.
Charlene Kuser says
I think a great novel tells stories about the life of everyday people and their struggles and heartaches.It also shows compassion and the hope for a brighter
future even though defeat surrounds them.
Jane H says
I love suspense. I want a reason to make sure I have to read the next chapter. Thank you for the chance to win.
K.Pugh says
Compelling characters pull me in.
Thanks for the chance.
Teresa Thompson says
In-depth character build up. I like to be able to relate on a small scale.
cassandra (rab pom) says
Creating something new that hasnt happened before!
Kerrie Mayans says
A great novel is one that sucks the reader in and keeps the reader interested until the very last page.
Saver Sara says
I captivating story
susan smoaks says
a great novel makes me laugh, makes me cry and makes me want to keep reading!
brenda Elsner says
The characters need to seem real. A good, well written book is one that I can’t put down. It is like I am in the story experiencing it with them.
Ann Council says
A great story woven in such a way as to capture your imagination.
amy f says
would love to read
Tricha says
When you can relate to the characters
Holly Mueller says
Still Alice is one of my favorite all-time books! I would love to win Lisa Genova’s new one!
Ed Nemmers says
A unique plot, great characters and exquisite writing!
Bonnigene says
For me a great novel is dynamic. I like a novel that gives the reader some drama, action, adventure and maybe some love. I like novels that touch on many aspects of the characters and shows them as you would any real human being.
Valerie Taylor Mabrey says
characters that you love and quirky funny sidekick story.
vmkids3 at msn dot com
Chelsea M says
It has to have a great story that makes it very hard to put down
Diane Baum says
A book that you can’t put down, cause you have to keep reading to see what happens next
shawna says
Anything that keeps my attention is a great novel.
Cindy says
A great novel is one that I can’t put down!
Shaunda e. says
Characters that pull you in.
Stephanie Larison says
A beautiful love story, people I can relate to
christal c w says
I think having parallels to my own life makes it good
Crystal Green says
This sounds like a good book worth reading.
Annette {This Simple Mom} says
The combination of characters and masterful story-telling!
Caryn S says
A lot of research and realistic characters. Lisa Genova’s previous two books have that for me, and I can’t wait to read this one!
Cindi says
I know that I have really enjoyed reading a book, when
I get to the end, and am sad that I am done with it!
Many thanks, Cindi
Shari says
For me, a great novel starts and ends with characters who can make me care about them.
Felicia says
It has to be the characters.
Candie L says
Something that catches me in the first few pages. Thank you
Rachel says
A story that is easy to follow the characters & engages me that I won’t want to put the book down!
Laura Garmendia says
On that keeps me turning the pages…..cliffhangers.
kristen says
I love a story that does not allow you to leave the characters within the pages, even after you are done with the book.
Jan says
“Still Alice” by the same author was haunting and lived in my mind long after I closed the book. That meets my definition of a great novel! Dying to read this one too – hope I win!
Jenny says
Characters and a plot that the reader can relate to.
samantha says
Having great characters, and being a book that you can fall into and the real
world disappears for a while
LuAnn O'Hair says
A great novel has characters you feel as if you know by the end of the book, and leaves you trying to turn to the next page on the last page. You want to live in the novel with them, and see where life takes them next.
Hannah C says
A great novel brings the characters to life. You can picture those characters and relate to them. A great novel is one you cannot put down, you say you’ll stop in a few minutes but you’re still reading two hours later. A great novel is one that makes you think and feel.
Ciara B. says
it has to draw you in and make you feel like you’re in the book. you have to love or hate the characters like you know them.
Staci A says
A great novel has characters I can relate to and an intriguing storyline.
Charlotte Padgett says
subjects that we should all know about and can imagine ourselves a part of.
andrea says
a little suspense with a great ending
randi says
Some of my favorite books are just stories about everyday people but told in a way that pulls you in & you live that story with the characters. Marcia Willett, one of my favorite authors does exactly that!
Angi Price says
I like books that reveal something about a character that makes me start an imaginary reel, for the character, in my mind. A book that is has a piece of life captured so well…
Shannon Baas says
A book with lots of action,.
Cindy B says
I like books that make me care about the characters
Joye Barr says
How the story makes you feel about yourself
Kimberly B. says
When there is drama and suspense.
nannypanpan says
good juicy charecters and a great location
[email protected]
Jeni Monroe says
If I find it really hard to put a book down then I consider it a great read.
Theresa J says
A great novel captures the audience and makes them feel
PinkySwayers says
What makes for a great novel is the author’s intelligence, I think. Thanks for the giveaway!
Melissa Mc says
conflict, emotion, redemption…and a hunky guy!!
Pamela Detlor says
A great novel is written with honesty and respect for both the story and the readers.
Jen Pen says
A good novel uses real life experiences and research to enhance the fiction.
Angie L says
To me a great novel brings the reader into the lives of the characters and makes the reader think about the book even when they are not reading it!
Daniel M says
great story & characters and it ties it up at the end (hate when they leave you hanging)
Brandi says
For me a great novel is so great I want to put real life on hold to completely take in the book.
Nancy says
I read all of her books! She is VERY GOOD and the stories are amazing.
Makes us think.
Laura says
I can’t wait to read it! I love her books.
Lynne Johns says
Have read Lisa Genova’s earlier two books and am eagerly awaiting her new one. Looks like another winner !!
Jessica T says
Characters that I love, and characters I love to hate!
Andrea Williams says
What I really love about Lisa Genova’s novels, she can take a heavy topic and develop charming characters that you fall in love with. I’m always enchanted by her writings and often left wanting more. I’ve been looking forwad to reading her new book this I’ve first found out about her new release. 🙂
sherry says
i have loved lisa genova’s other books and am so excited to read love anthony!
Lainy says
Really enjoyed reading this author, thanks for the giveaway
Lainy http://www.alwayysreading.net
Gerry says
I cannot wait to read Lisa Genova’s new book “Love Anthony”. I have a grandson with autism and I am always interested to see how the subject is presented. Lisa Genova writes with sensitivity, compassion and understanding. I’m sure her newest book will be as enjoyable as I have found her last 2.
margie says
Good Story, believable and authentic characters. Loved Left Neglected and Still Alice cant wait to read Love Anthony
Meg says
Can’t wait to read “Love Anthony”. Lisa Genova is a fantastic author…I highly recommend “Still Alice” and “Left Neglected”!
erics says
I love her books she has written. I first read still Alice in 1 day. I would love to win this book.
Emily says
A great novel has characters that feel real. Meaning, they display emotions and the reader feels those same emotions. The plot is engaging and keeps the reader focused throughout the whole book.
Jennifer says
I LOVE her work and I would LOVE to win a copy of this new book 🙂
Chelsea says
believable characters make for a great story! I can’t get into a book if I don’t like or believe the characters
Stephanie says
Sounds like a fascinating story!
Stscie Gorkow says
I love Genova’s writing and want to read this too.
Atlanta Mom says
a feeling that you are living in that space and time.
Mozi Esmes Mom says
Characters that are easy to relate to, even if you live at opposite ends of the globe or are at completely different points of your lifespan…
Beth C says
A lot of action, a hint of mystery and romance.
Jen says
A great novel makes me care about the characters and makes me want to continue reading late into the night well after I should be in bed!
anne says
Wonderful and realistic characters and an intriguing storyline with great writing.
Susan P. says
A great novel engages you in the story and the characters. “Still Alice” by Lisa Genova is another great book.
Barbara Manatee says
Good Character development is what really sells me on novels…that along with a topic that interests me!! I teach kids with Autism so I’m definitely interested in this story!
Kristin Jones says
For me a great novel is centered around characters that a reader wants to get involved with.
Beth - TheAngelForever says
A great novels bring you characters that you can relate. Then, within a short time you feel like you are a part of their world.