Lisa Genova, the Harvard-trained neuroscientist who became widely known for her bestselling novel Still Alice, is back with her sixth book, More or Less Maddy. This time, she explores the complex world of bipolar disorder, aiming to shed light on the struggles of those living with it. Genova’s new book, set to release on January 14, follows Maddy Banks, a young woman who drops out of college to pursue a career in stand-up comedy while dealing with the extreme highs and lows of bipolar disorder.
Genova, whose previous novels explored neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s and autism, said she wanted to write about a mental illness that affects many people but remains under-discussed. “I felt bipolar disorder was something affecting a lot of people who hadn’t talked about it,” she shared.
In More or Less Maddy, Genova delves into the different forms of bipolar disorder, including the less severe bipolar 2, and the challenges of diagnosis and treatment. Through Maddy’s story, Genova hopes to raise awareness and encourage empathy towards those managing this condition. The book also touches on Maddy’s obsession with pop star Taylor Swift, capturing the way her manic episodes influence her perceptions.
In addition to her literary work, Genova’s books have inspired film adaptations, including the 2014 Oscar-winning movie Still Alice. She is also working on a movie about menopause, showing her dedication to exploring human experiences in both her writing and filmmaking.
Fans can meet Lisa Genova at a special author talk in East Sandwich, Massachusetts, on January 14 to celebrate the launch of More or Less Maddy.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.