“Still Alice” by Lisa Genova

“Still Alice” by Lisa Genova, which is a novel that was later adapted into a movie.

“Still Alice” Novel (2009):

The novel revolves around the story of Alice Howland, a renowned linguistics professor, who is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
Lisa Genova’s background in neuroscience and her ability to provide an intimate perspective on the experiences of someone with Alzheimer’s make the novel particularly poignant and insightful.
The book explores themes of memory, identity, family dynamics, and the emotional and cognitive challenges faced by individuals with Alzheimer’s and their loved ones.
“Still Alice” Movie (2014):

The film adaptation stars Julianne Moore as Alice Howland and closely follows the storyline of the novel.
Julianne Moore’s powerful performance earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Alice.
The movie effectively captures the emotional journey of Alice and her family as they grapple with her diagnosis and its impact on their lives.
Discussion Topics:

Adaptation: How well do you think the movie captures the essence and emotional depth of the novel? Are there any significant differences or elements that stood out to you in either the book or the movie?

Character Portrayal: Discuss the portrayal of Alice Howland in both the book and the movie. How do the mediums convey her struggles and personality? Did Julianne Moore’s performance align with your imagination of the character from the book?

Themes: Explore the central themes of “Still Alice,” such as memory, identity, and family. How are these themes depicted in the story, and how do they resonate with you?

Realism: Alzheimer’s disease is a central theme in the story. How realistically do you think the novel and the movie portray the experiences of individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their families? Did it increase your understanding of the condition?

Emotional Impact: Share your emotional response to the novel and the movie. Did either medium evoke particular emotions or perspectives about Alzheimer’s disease and its effects on individuals and families?

The Power of Storytelling: Discuss the role of storytelling in raising awareness and empathy for individuals facing Alzheimer’s disease. How can literature and film contribute to a better understanding of medical conditions and their impact on people’s lives?

Feel free to delve into any of these topics or bring up other aspects of “Still Alice” that you found intriguing or thought-provoking. Enjoy your discussion!