This book was hard to get through. Not because it was uninteresting, dull, boring, or poorly written. It was the subject matter. 
 After I graduated from college in May 2014, I wanted to give back to my world. I wanted to actively contribute to organizations and causes that I truly believed could make a positive difference to humanity. The Alzheimer's Association has been one of those organizations for which I've become an advocate. I've donated on a couple different occasions thus far, and I participated in my first Walk to End Alzheimer's this past fall. And I know that I will continue to do my part to raise awareness about this disease and do whatever I can to help find a cure. 
 My great grandmother had Alzheimer's, and ever since she asked my dad and me if we were married one time when we visited her (when she was still living at her home), I knew this disease was serious. That first encounter with Alzheimer's will forever be stuck with me. I can't imagine dying in a worse way, and it's my biggest fear that I'll one day be affected by this disease. To lose my memories...everything I know...it is incredibly difficult to come to terms with. To end a beautiful life with not a single grain of knowledge...no one should have to end life in that manner. It's devastating to think about. 
 Still Alice might be fiction, but Alzheimer's is all too real in our world. It's a terrible disease. Lisa Genova has done a remarkable job at bringing attention to it, and I feel more compelled than ever to bring an end to this disease that affects so many. I'd recommend this book to absolutely everyone. Knowledge is power; knowledge leads to understanding and cures. When the US government increased the Alzheimer's research budget by $350 million back in December, I was ecstatic. A cure is coming, and we can't stop fighting until we have it.