Lisa Genova is a great writer and storyteller. Her "Still Alice" novel is one of my top 10, and I also loved "Left Neglected". I think it is because I learned something (along with being entertained) in those two books that I rated them so highly. I liked this book, would give it more of a 3.5 than a 4. I just didn't learn nearly enough about autism, both as I had expected, and as I had hoped. That said, the "afterward" of the book pretty much explains why I didn't learn as much as I would have liked, but it was a tiny bit disappointing in that regard. I'd still recommend this book - but as far as learning about autism, I preferred "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime" (which is referenced repeatedly in this book as well.)

Story Description: Gallery Books|September 25, 2012|Hardcover|ISBN: 978-1-4391-6486-6 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 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 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 and 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. My Review: I think I enjoyed this novel much better than Lisa’s “Still Alice”. Don’t get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed it as well but something about “Love Anthony” just resonated with me. I think it was due to the fact it was about children, autism, love, relationships, marriage and friendships. There is so much packed into this wonderful story. The way in which Beth and Olivia’s friendship materialized was enchanting and the story Beth writes is really Anthony’s story, unbeknownst to her of course. Talk about something being ‘coincidental’. It was almost as if Beth had lived through Olivia’s life, truly amazing that someone could create a story from within their mind that turns out to be the true story of someone’s life and mirrored it so, so closely. Anyone who picks up this novel is going to enjoy it. I know I sure did and will be passing the message onto friends and family.

I have read all of Lisa's books and i would say that this is my second favorite. Still Alice is my number 1 but this one is avery close 2nd. I love the way you get to think like a boy with autism. I think she had every thought and feeling that Anthony had. I love the way she had the 2 women in the story come together and how in a way the story of Anthony was the the story of Anthony but the story of the writer of the book. Its a really good read and a fast read

I loved Lisa Genova's both books, Still Alice and Love Anthony but I have to say Love Anthony just took my breath away.....Loved it right from the beginning and could not put it down! Recommend it 100%! Can't wait to read "Left Neglected"

I loved Lisa's first two books and read them several times over (especially Still Alice), so I REALLY want to love this book too! But right now I'm half way finished, and only sort of enjoying the story. In comparison to her previous books that focused on one person and a particular affliction, this book is about two women's lives converging and somewhere in the mix, autism is discussed. But there's been barely any writing about autism so far, so when is it coming? The one thing I loved about Still Alice and Left Neglected was how informative on each subject those books were. Aside from the wonderfully crafted characters and skilled writing, I finished each book having learned about Alzheimer's and Left Neglect. At this time, I can't say I've learned much about Autism...I hope that changes in the second half of the book!

That title is what you should have put in your description of the book. Thanks for telling me the boy dies before I start reading. Sheesh. I hope you change that before you ruin the book for others.

I fnished Left Neglectedby Lisa Genova about two weeks ago, I was looking forward to this book, but did not think anything could top what I had just finished at the time. Boy was I wrong. I absolutely love this book. I was drawn in from the first chapter, and almost read it in one sitting, I could not put it down and it has been a while since a book has drawn me in that much. I work with autistic children in my daily job, so this was of no surprise of me. I knew the therapies being discussed, in detail, and I loved the way they where discussed in the book. With the focus given to them, I was wondering if I was the only one who viewed these as ‘training a dog’. They can have tremendous value, but at what cost. I also completely agreed with Lisa’s questioning of the therapy’s that remove ‘unwanted’ behaviour, and questioning whether they are truely beneficial to the child (or adult) who is autistic. For a while many professionals felt my own son was autistic, and I fought the label, and the therapy to ‘remove’ how he was communicating, as I felt it was wrong for my son. And in my situation I am fortunate, and my son is not autistic, I applaud Lisa Genova for raising questions with these techniques we currently use with children. Why take a way their way of communication just because they are inconvient or not-normal. Why take away something they enjoy? Is it really healthy some of these techniques? Lisa Genova brought up so many valid points, and did it in a way that wasn’t confrontational or negative. Once again this is a book that will stay with the reader long after they turn the last page. It is a wonderful book. I recommend it to anyone who has been touched by autism in any way. People as a whole need to be more understanding and knowledgeable on the topic. And I praise her for pointing this out. In detail, and without sugar coating it. This book is about more than autism. It is about family. A family going through seperation, and a cheating spouse, and refinding themselves and where it takes them. It is about another family dealing with the death of a son they loved dearly, and unconditionally; and trying to cope as best they can in the aftermath. This is a book about finding the joy in what we have. Not just want we want, or wish we had. It’s about finding the true pleasures in life, and the simple things. Going with the flow when a shirt gets stained, or breakfast is one French Toast stick short. About loving eachother, and loving yourself. About doing what is right, despite needs, wants or desires. About listening to your heart, and not just what your head thinks is your heart. Its about falling apart and becoming whole again. About growing into who we are meant to be today – even if we are going to grow again tomorrow. And to paraphrase Oliva, to be Complete, not Perfect. Thank you Lisa Genova for another great read. I will be in line the day another of your books hits shelves. You are an amazing writer, and an inspiring woman. May this book be a bestseller for weeks to come!

I've been regularly putting out Lisa Genova's last book, Left Neglected, as one of my staff picks. It's usually signed out by someone the very same day. And when I check it in, I put it right back out. I've been waiting for another book from Genova. (and so have lots of my patrons!) Well the wait is over. Love Anthony releases today - and boy oh boy, was the wait worth it! Another absolutely fantastic read from this New York Times best selling author. Genova sets her latest book in Nantucket. It's the story of two women, whose lives connect in a way they couldn't imagine. Olivia has retreated to the island - she and her husband have separated after the death of their son autistic son Anthony. Olivia is struggling with her grief and is still trying to understand and give meaning to her son's short life. "She scoured every self-help book, then every medical journal, every memoir, every blog, every online parent support network. She read Jenny McCarthy and the Bible. She read and hoped and prayed and believed in anything claiming help, rescue, reversal, salvation. Somebody somewhere must know something. Somebody must have the key that would unlock her son." Another island resident, Beth, is also struggling. Her husband of fifteen years and father to her three daughters has been having an affair for the last year. They too have separated. With her life turned upside down, Beth is also looking for answers. "But who is she? She's Jimmy's wife, and she's a mother. And if she gets divorced, if she's no longer Mrs. James Ellis, and she's only a mother, then is there less of her? She fears this and feels it already, physically, as if a surgeon has taken a scalpel to her abdomen and removed a whole and necessary part of her. Without Jimmy, she doesn't recognize herself. How can that be? Whom has she become?" And what connects the two? Anthony. In a very unusual way. Genova has an amazing way with words. Her portrayal of Beth and Olivia was so realistic, I could imagine myself curled on their couches, listening to them try to work through things. Olivia's journals were especially poignant. Genova's exploration of marriage, motherhood, love and loss is so authentic. The island setting sprang to life with her details. The description of Anthony's stones was palpable and I will never look at a smooth white stone at the beach quite the same. Anthony's 'voice' was truly wonderful. Genova's exploration and imagining of a non verbal autistic child's thoughts was by turns heartbreaking and heartwarming. As Genova holds a PhD in neuroscience, I like to think that she's not too far from the truth. I think readers will view autism with new eyes and understanding after reading this book. Some of the coincidences might seem a bit too serendipitous for some readers, but didn't detract from the story for me. For, it is a story - but on the other hand, who says such things couldn't happen? Genova caught me from the opening chapters and held me rapt until I turned the last page. The final chapters had me reaching for the tissue box. And really, past that, as I thought about Love Anthony long after I finished. This is one that will be on my staff picks for a quite a while. (until I replace it with the fourth book Genova is working on.)