What readers think of The Things We Keep, plus links to write your own review.

Sally Hepworth has written a sad book that also made me smile; a page-turner that I wanted to read slowly and savor; an accessible and poignant book.

Anna is in her thirties when she is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's disease, a genetically based illness that she inherited from her mother. Her twin brother, Jack, does not carry the gene and is spared. However, he is responsible for Anna and the situation tears him to pieces.

Jack places Anna in Rosalind House, an assisted living facility where, day by day, her cognitive processes decline. However, what no one accounted for was the power of love to surmount this illness. Anna meets a young man close to her age with a type of Alzheimer's different than hers. She loves his dimples and calls him "young guy". They connect deeply and powerfully despite their difficulty communicating in the traditional sense.

With a wonderful supporting cast of characters cheering them on, Anna and "Young Guy" navigate this new chapter in their lives, one that brings them both hope and despair.

When I closed this book after finishing it, I felt like I had been privy to both a heartwarming and heartbreaking story. When starting a book about Alzheimer's Disease, one knows that it will not end well. It's about the journey and how the patient's family copes with their loved one losing his or her grip on reality. This book is no different except that the patient is a 38-year old woman, Anna, who receives the diagnosis. The other main character Eve has suffered a traumatic life-changing experience that leaves her and her daughter, Clementine, trying to find their way.They all intersect and Sally Hepworth has written a novel that takes readers through emotional highs and lows. I don't know how she got inside Anna's head and managed to tell her story from her point of view. Her descriptions of Anna's thought processes as the disease takes more and more of her mind make for fascinating reading. Hepworth draws in her readers so it's impossible not to become emotionally invested in the story. I have heard that Reese Witherspoon has bought the movie rights to this book, and I will be first in line to see how she tackles this subject.

What a good read...My mother was diagnosed with dementia, but she was in her 70's, so I can just imagine the devastation of being diagnosed at such a young age. It also had to be hard being placed in a facility with much older clientele. I often think as I get closer to my mother's age whether or not it will happen to me. I also feel that this book will be a good discussion for book clubs.

It's so difficult to talk about Alzheimer's Disease, especially early onset Alzheimer's. But Sally Hepworth has written a beautiful account of two young people with the disease and the things that they want to hold on to the most. Another character enters their lives and makes a huge impact on them as well as untangling the feelings that she holds most dear. For anyone who has been touched by this cruel disease, this book is a gift. I have read many books lately that have so many characters that I have to keep a written list! Thank you Sally Hepworth for keeping it simple. Just a few unforgettable people that will touch your heart. I have read her first book, The Secrets of Midwives, and also recommend it. I will eagerly await her next book!

the things we keep, by Sally Hepworth is such good book! The story is about two women who find their lives dramatically changed by events way beyond their control. The reader finds them both in the same setting, with neither of them happy. With wisdom, candor and humor Hepworth spins what could be a tough read, into one that is wonderful! The tome she crafts catches the reader's heart.

Hepworth develops characters (one of which is the setting) that I couldn't resist caring about. And a few I found to be ignorant and very nasty! In telling the story, the author handles the tough issues with care. And shows a better side to the traumas she deals with. It will be a great book club choice, with lots to talk about. This book will wind up in the " favorites" section in my library. Thanks Sally Hepworth, I love your new book!

When I was 38 I worried about a lot of things, but never did I ever think of getting "younger" onset Alzheimer's Disease at that time. Today, I am 30 years older, and every time I forget a word or misplace something, it is on my mind...am I getting "it"? But to read about Anna and Luke who were in the prime of their lives is just sad and terrifying. While The Things We Keep is certainly bittersweet, it was written with much compassion and love. This is a great book!

A thirty-eight year old with early stages of Alzheimer's disease and in an assisted living facility...very difficult for Anna as well as her family.

Anna lived with her brother and his family once they found out she couldn't live alone, but then it got to the point where she needed constant supervision, and the assisted living facility was the only safe place for Anna.

Anna had enough wits about her to know she needed to be at Rosalind? House?, but also was sad she was there.

While she was there, she met another young patient, Luke, as well as Eve who was a single mother that had lost everything when her husband was involved in a Ponzi Scheme.

Eve became very protective of Anna and Luke, the two young residents of Rosalind House, and secretly allowed them to meet against the family’s wishes.

Eve had trouble and worries of her own, though, but made the best of her current situation until her daughter started having trouble at school because of the situation they were in.

As you read, you become attached to all the characters and sympathize with their situations. You will learn about Alzheimer's disease and how it affects the patient as well as the family.

THE THINGS WE KEEP is a book that makes you begin to think about all the times you have forgotten things and about how love can be the best medicine. :)

THE THINGS WE KEEP is different from THE SECRETS OF MIDWIVES, addresses a well-known problem, and is well researched by Ms. Hepworth.?

The ending was heartbreaking but redeeming. Break out the tissues from the warmth you will feel and from the sad but wonderful ending.

THE THINGS WE KEEP is a reminder that memories are "the things we should keep." 4/5?

This book was given to me free of charge and without compensation in return for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book and think it would make a great selection for a book group. This book has a lot of topics to discuss including love, family, rights, etc. I also think people that liked the author's other book The Secrets of Midwives will enjoy this book.