Lisa Genova is an accomplished American author, renowned for her contemporary fiction that explores the lives of individuals dealing with neurological disorders. She has been hailed as the brain science's Michael Crichton and fiction's Oliver Sacks, earning praise for her captivating storytelling and scientific accuracy. Genova's debut novel, Still Alice, published in 2007, became a critically acclaimed bestseller, propelling her to the forefront of modern fiction writers.
Genova's educational background includes a degree in Biopsychology from Bates College, where she graduated valedictorian, and a Neuroscience Ph.D. from Harvard University. Her unique interdisciplinary background in both the humanities and the sciences has enabled her to craft compelling narratives that resonate with a wide audience while providing insightful commentary on neuroscientific topics. Genova's novels frequently focus on misunderstood, feared, or ignored neurological conditions such as ALS, Huntington's disease, autism, traumatic brain injury, and Alzheimer's disease, with the aim of educating and inspiring support for care and research.
Several of Genova's works have been adapted into films, further increasing her reach and influence. Still Alice was made into a movie in 2014, starring Julianne Moore, who won the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of the titular character. Every Note Played, Genova's novel about ALS, is currently being adapted into a film starring Angelina Jolie and Christoph Waltz. Inside the O'Briens, her book about Huntington's disease, is also in production. Genova's ability to weave engaging stories around complex neurological conditions has solidified her position as a respected and influential voice in contemporary fiction.
Throughout her career, Genova has received numerous awards and accolades for her work. In 2015, she was named one of the U.S. Top 50 Influencers in Aging, and she has been the recipient of The Pell Center Prize for Story in the Public Square, The Sargent and Eunice Shriver Profiles in Dignity Award, The Global Genes RARE Champions of Hope Award, and The American College of Neuropsychopharmacology Media Award. In 2016, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Bates College, The Alzheimer's Association's Rita Hayworth Award, and The Huntington’s Disease Society of America Community Awareness Award. Genova's TED Talk, "What You Can Do To Prevent Alzheimer's," has garnered over five million views, demonstrating the significant impact of her work on public discourse surrounding neurological disorders.