Every Note Played

By: Lisa Genova

Narrated by: Dennis Boutsikaris, Dagmara Dominczyk, Lisa Genova - afterword

From neuroscientist and New York Times best-selling author of Still Alice comes a powerful and heartbreaking exploration of regret, forgiveness, freedom, and what it means to be alive.

An accomplished concert pianist, Richard received standing ovations from audiences all over the world in awe of his rare combination of emotional resonance and flawless technique. Every finger of his hands was a finely calibrated instrument, dancing across the keys and striking each note with exacting precision. That was eight months ago.

Richard now has ALS, and his entire right arm is paralyzed. His fingers are impotent, still, devoid of possibility. The loss of his hand feels like a death, a loss of true love, a divorce - his divorce.

He knows his left arm will go next.

Three years ago, Karina removed their framed wedding picture from the living room wall and hung a mirror there instead. But she still hasn't moved on. Karina is paralyzed by excuses and fear, stuck in an unfulfilling life as a piano teacher, afraid to pursue the path she abandoned as a young woman, blaming Richard and their failed marriage for all of it.

When Richard becomes increasingly paralyzed and is no longer able to live on his own, Karina becomes his reluctant caretaker. As Richard's muscles, voice, and breath fade, both he and Karina try to reconcile their past before it's too late.

Poignant and powerful, Every Note Played is a masterful exploration of redemption and what it means to find peace inside of forgiveness.

©2018 Lisa Genova (P)2018 Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Narrators Dennis Boutsikaris and Dagmara Dominczyk bring to life this compelling story... Boutsikaris gets inside the mind and spirit of Richard... Dominczyk brings complicated layers of anger, regret, resentment, confusion, and love to the voice of estranged wife Karina." (AudioFile)

Gripped me from the first word.

I did not like this book. I adored it. Yes, the subject matter of ALS is devastatingly sad but it is one of those subjects that is either swept under the rug or spoken of in hushed tones. In ‘Every Note Played’ it is approached without frills and very much in your face. It is raw yet poignant.

It is a story of great loss. Loss of a god given gift ripped away by a heartless disease. Loss of love stolen by pride. Then remorse followed by a kind of peace that touches your soul.

Lisa Genova has,as ever, done her research and is medically accurate. This is a superb book as time flies when you are listening to it. The narrators gave brilliant performances.

Five stars all the way.

Never fails to deliver

After waiting anxiously for another release I was so excited when this one come out. Hit close to home but was an excellent portrayal of such a dreaded illness. We need to find a cure now!

Very good writing, and a sensitively told story

A heart wrenching insight into ALS, and its impact , not just on the victim but also his family and care giver. One is drawn into feelings of regret for an extremely talented but also an extremely selfish, self centered individual. It also illustrates that people who are basically decent and loving; have the capacity to overcome their personal hurt and allow their basic goodness to shine through.

I cried at work listening to this on my headphones

Absolutely beautiful story, I could not stop listening to it...felt so real, felt so connected to everyone in it... i started bawling at work as i was listening to it on my headphones, i had to pause it and walk out side and calm down for a moment...she's such a gifted writer... I read everything she's wrote so far, and hope the next one is sooner rather than later... I highly recommend this book, and all her books.

ALS knowledge

Enlightening information on ALS. Very well written, narrated, and produced. Thank you so very much.

Life Altering

The premise of this book will have me coming back to it again and again. It weaves a beautiful tale of heartbreak, love, sacrifice and ultimately forgiveness. Lisa Genova is a brilliant author, a refreshing take on ALS.

Bittersweet

I've loved all of Lisa Genova's books and this was no exception. Can't wait for her next book.

Add to your list!

Sad, but definitely worth a read, especially if you want to learn about ALS. Highly recommended audio book.

Detailed progression of ALS.

Richard’s story was so compelling, I didn’t want to hear about his ex-wife’s life.

Beautiful and heartbreaking

This book brought me to tears more than once. The characters are flawed and complex. This book beautifully shows how complicated love and family are while also dealing with the pain and suffering and impossible choices associated with a degenerative disease. You know from the beginning how this story will end but this book is still worth reading.