Every Note Played

Review recordings of two or more pieces mentioned in the text, including classical and jazz samples. How do their differing musical preferences help characterize Richard and Karina?

Identify one or more poetic devices, such as a metaphor or simile, that Genova uses to describe some aspect of ALS. How does the passage you selected enhance the reader experience?

What role does Bill play in the narrative? How might Richard’s experience with ALS differ had he not met Bill?

How does Richard change by the end of the novel? In what ways does he remain the same as he was at the beginning?

Karina worries that Grace will repeat some of the mistakes Karina made when she was Grace’s age. Does that seem likely, or not? What, if anything, does the novel suggest about good parenting?

What is the significance of setting the novel in and around Boston, Massachusetts? Which locations from the novel are particularly significant, and why?

What comments does Genova make on the importance of community throughout the novel? Pay attention to the characters of Bill and Elise.

Which factors finally allow Richard and Karina to end up on good terms with each other? How so?

Karina speculates that Richard would be praised for caring for her more than she will be for caring for him. How might the novel change if their roles were reversed?