Sunday, November 04, 2012

LOVE ANTHONY by Lisa Genova






When I first heard about Love Anthony, I wasn't really sure about it. I thought it was a memoir about a boy with autism who dies. I didn't want to read about such a depressing topic. Only just recently did I realize that it is a fiction book so I decided to feature it here. Lisa Genova is the New York Times bestselling author of Still Alice and Left Neglected (two amazing novels!) and also holds a PhD in neuroscience from Harvard. In Love Anthony, she writes of an accidental friendship between a grieving mother and a writer and the connection they both have with an autistic boy.

Here's the back-of-the-book blurb:

I’m always hearing about how my brain doesn’t work right. . . . But it doesn’t feel broken to me.
 
Olivia Donatelli’s dream of a “normal” life shattered when her son, Anthony, was diagnosed with autism at age three. 

Understanding the world from his perspective felt bewildering, nearly impossible. He didn’t speak. He hated to be touched. He almost never made eye contact. And just as Olivia was starting to realize that happiness and autism could coexist, Anthony died. 

Now she’s alone in a cottage on Nantucket, separated from her husband, desperate to understand the meaning of her son’s short life, when a chance encounter with another woman facing her own loss brings Anthony alive again for Olivia in a most unexpected way. 

Beth Ellis’s entire life changed with a simple note: “I’m sleeping with Jimmy.” Fourteen years of marriage. Three beautiful daughters. Yet even before her husband’s affair, she had never felt so alone. Heartbroken, she finds the pieces of the vivacious, creative person she used to be packed away in a box in her attic. For the first time in years, she uncaps her pen, takes a deep breath, and begins to write. The young but exuberant voice that emerges onto the page is a balm to the turmoil within her, a new beginning, and an astonishing bridge back to herself. 

In a piercing story about motherhood, autism, and love, New York Times bestselling author Lisa Genova offers us two unforgettable women on the verge of change and the irrepressible young boy whose unique wisdom helps them both find the courage to move on.


Here Lisa tells us a little about Love Anthony:

Read an excerpt here: Love Anthony!

If you'd like to win a copy of Love Anthony, please share if you have been touched by autism in your life. If you'd rather not share an experience, simply let me know you'd like to enter to win the book. Thanks!

Also, an exciting post coming up later this week -- FEATURED AUTHOR OF THE MONTH, Sarah Pekkanen will be here and will be giving away her THREE novels, which will be SIGNED! So make sure to come back to enter to win that amazing giveaway!

And check back on the Charlotte Street post to see if you were the lucky winner of that book!

NEW TO BOOKING WITH MANIC?  

If you're new to Booking with Manic, thank you for stopping by! We love new readers! Some notes - If you're entering to win a book, please use an identifying name and it's usually a great idea to include an email, which I will never give out to anyone else. You can only enter once please. You'll need to check back here in about a week or so to see if you've won the book -- I will highlight the winner's name at the top of this post, or tell you where you can find the winner's name at the top of this post. Most books are supplied directly through publishers, publicists and the authors. Winners will receive books directly from the publisher or author within 3 weeks from the time you provide me with your address, unless I send you the book (sometimes I will). Sorry, but we can only ship to U.S. and Canada so if you're from another country, thank you for coming by to read and discover new authors, but we can't send you a book. Any questions on how I run the blog or suggestions on who you would like to see featured, please email me at stephanieelliot@gmail.com. Thank you for your support!

39 comments:

ncsuloges said...

I worked with children with special needs for a year and met some amazing kiddos with autism. I absolutely love working with kids with autism. I babysit for a couple of the families now because I miss working with them so much.

buttah said...

I have several friends and family members that either have children, or a family member with autism. I also work in the homecare industry, and several of our clients have autism.

Carly said...

A few years ago I decided to go back to school to get my Master's in Special Education. Half way through the process by best friend's son was diagnosed with Autism. I adore him and I am so happy I decided to pursue my career choice. I get to help my best friend through the process and I currently teach special education at an elementary school.

Carly H

Denise said...

I have not personally, by my sister used to be a preschool teacher so she has been touched by it.

-Denise F.

Juliet Farmer said...

I have not, but I have read extensively about it.

Emma S. said...

I have had more interaction with people on the less severe autism spectrum, such as those who have aspbergers. They have all been extremely intelligent and knowledgeable about a variety of topics. They just had to work on their social skills, and a lot of times were bothered by loud noises. The one boy with aspbergers I went to school with from elementary to high school. He has since graduated college and law school.

Margie said...

I haven't been touched personally. But my thoughts are with those that have been.
mtakala1 AT yahoo DOT com

accidentalgypsy said...

My best friend's brother has autism, but unfortunately her parents never addressed it, and he's now 26 and has had many, many problems as a result. It makes me sad when the the picture perfect family is more important than an emotionally healthy family.

CAnative said...

My niece works with autistic children and so does my daughters boyfriend. They really love what they do and are quite an inspiration to me. It's awesome to see young people be so touched with what these children and their families go through.

Nicole

Kimmi said...

Fortunately, I have not, but I applaud any parent who's dealing with this issue.

Unknown said...

I have not had much experience with Autism. However I'd still love the opportunity to win this book.

your invisible pixie said...

My friend's sister is autistic, and she's a great girl. I love hanging out with her and baking cookies together.

Ally said...

I"m a special education teacher, so I work with autistic children all the time.

Melissa said...

My friend's son has mild autism and last year I had a connection to get him backstage to meet his favorite singer. She shared the video of that experience and it was so moving.

Melissa A from CLC

Susan @ The Book Bag said...

I have read Lisa's book Still Alice and loved it. I have been eagerly waiting to get my hands on this one. I wanted to read just because of who the author was and had not really read what it was about. After your synopsis, I want to read it even more!

I have a dear, dear friend who's son has autism. I have seen how challenging, and loving, that has been for her. Everyday they struggle to adjust to their new 'normal'.

Bev V said...

I haven't, but would like to win this book

Mary Jo Burke said...

No, but I wish them and their families good luck and good health.

TinaB said...

No I haven't.
Brannanflooring@aol.com

Jessica said...

No, I've never been touched by autism.

Thanks!
-Jessica M
walkingcorpse11@hotmail.com

Bridget O'Neill said...

My nephew was recently diagnosed with a mild form of autism. The only issues he has is speech problems. He is my daughter's age, and when they get together, they hug and play with each other.

Marla W. said...

I have had minimal experience as a room mother/PTA volunteer/Etc. with children who have autism. I lead a chat and chew book group with one last year and he was a joy to have in the group and I loved hearing him express how he felt about the books we read.

Luvschocolate said...

my oldest child has Aspergers as well as AdHd which is now finally being recognized as part of the spectrum.

Tanya Quilts in CO said...

I am teacher who works with gifted children. I have had the pleasure to teach autistic kids who have Asperger's Syndrome. They have genius level abilities, but have difficulties with social cues and socializing. They are amazing kids!

Reese78 said...

I'm a special ed teacher so I'm touched and inspired by my students with autism everyday.

betsy_blixt said...

I actually have not personally had any experience with Autism, however I work for a company that specializes in that field. I'm only the AP person so I'm not on the patient end but it makes me feel good knowing I'm helping in my own little way.

Sharon said...

My step-brother has autism. I remember caring for him when I was younger. Our parents divorced and I haven't seen him in a long time so I miss him a lot.

sharn3960 AT comcast DOT net

Kelleyc said...

I do not have anyone with autism in my life. But I am definitely looking forward to this book. I've read her other 2 books, which were amazing!

ludy2288 said...

I have a cousin with an autism spectrum disorder. He's part of my family like any other cousin & I've never really taken the time to think about him having a 'disorder'.

Krystal said...

My senior year of high school I helped one of the elementary teachers during my last hour of the day. After school her 3 children would come up to her classroom to wait for her to go home. Her youngest child (a daughter) had autism. I would stay with the teacher and keep an eye on her kids while she finished up for the day. In doing so I developed a bond with her kids, especially the youngest! As the kids and I became more comfortable with each other, I would also babysit for them outside of school. I became so close to this little girl and the bond we shared was unexplainable. After I graduated and moved away I made it a point to keep in touch. My second year in college I received a phone call from the teacher, she wanted to let me know that the sweet angel that I came to love had passed away. One of the things I loved most about her was that her autism didn't define her! She lived with it every day, but she never let it stop her!
kndyer

Tami said...

Have not but would love to read it!

Erin G said...

I have not been directly touched by autism, however know people who have.

slm8803 said...

I don't have any children with autism or know anyone but my heart goes out to them! Would love to read this book!!

Tiffany Drew said...

There is a lot of autism on my husband's side and although our son is not autistic, he has special needs that are similar.

Sherry said...

Autism no--ADHD yes--which many of the characteristics run along with Autism. My son has sever ADHD he is 8 now and the love of my life. Raising him has been the most challenging thing I have ever done. Every parenting rule had to be thrown out I had to write the rules. People who have no idea are cruel and think they know everything when they know nothing. There were days I just wanted to hold him and shelter him from this cruel world. We weathered the storm and he is doing amazing--we just found out he has been invited to enter the GATES (Gifted and talented) program:)Although the struggle is not over --the sun is definitely shining in our world. I would never wish for anything to be different having ADHD makes him who he is --throwing the parenting rules out will help him survive the road to adulthood.--

Terri said...

My life has not been touched by autism, but my prayers go out to anyone who has.

Terri M.

karenk said...

a good friend of mine has a little girl (age 13) w/ autism...love amanda :)

karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com

LeslieGC said...

We had a neighbor several years ago be dianosed with Autism. It was amazing to see him grow and learn in his own way. By the time we moved, he was 5 and entering Kindergarten. I saw him again a couple of years ago and he is in the top of his class!

Amelia said...

no

Read Baby Read said...

I'm on a ridiculously long waiting list at the library for this book. I had a student in my classroom last year with Autism, and read some funny books to shed some light on how I could better help him. He still remains one of my favorites. He taught me so much about myself, tolerance, life. He also told me How much I could save by switching to different insurance companies. One of our many odd convos.