When I was handed a copy of Still Alice, I was sure I was in for a depressing read. Although I did shed a tear or two at times, I found the story interesting and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Alice is a cognitive psychology professor at Harvard and an expert in linguistics. She has a husband, three grown children and leads a full and busy life.

Suddenly, at the age of 50, she finds herself becoming forgetful. Thinking she must be menopausal, she makes an appointment with her doctor and is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. The world Alice has known suddenly changes, as she is forced to realize that she can no longer continue working. However, Alice faces her future bravely and even starts up her own support group. Perhaps the most inspiring part of the story though is the change in her relationship with her youngest daughter. The child she is least close to becomes her staunchest supporter and, through the confusion of her disease, Alice is finally able to accept her youngest daughter as she is.