Inside the O'Briens

I very much enjoyed Inside the O'Briens by Lisa Genova which focuses on Huntington's Disease.  This is a very rare fatal neurological disorder.  See www.hdsa.org for more information.  Boston policeman, Joe O'Brien, notices he's getting clumsy and dropping things.  Joe belongs to a strong community of Irish Catholics.  He is married to Rosie and he has four children - JJ, Patrick, Meghan and Katie.  After reluctantly going to the doctor he is referred to a specialist who confirms he has Huntington's Disease and that each of his children have a 50/50 chance of getting it themselves.  Joe and his family then deal with the news in different ways.  The question is whether they get tested to see if they have the faulty gene which will eventuate in having the disease and how they will live their life after that.  This is a terrific story, well told with great sensitivity.  There are lessons in the story for all of us.  Highly recommended.  5/5