I’ve been on a Lisa Genova trail since I re-read Still Alice a couple months ago. I appreciate Genova’s ability to lean into her training and experience as as a neuroscientist and center a neurological condition within a compelling, insightful story. This was yet another easy to read, engaging story that I have come to expect from her, though this one felt less about living with the neurological condition – autism – and more about the story it was rooted in. As a result, I had a hard time connecting to the conclusion. The insights she wrote there are good and helpful, and while the story was interesting, it didn’t really carry me to that particular end.
Loving me with a full and accepting heart, loving all of me, required you to grow. Despite your heartache and disappointment, your fears and frustration and sorrow, despite all I couldn’t show you in return, you loved me. You loved me unconditionally.