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Island Girl

by Lynda Simmons (Goodreads Author)

3.91 of 5 stars 3.91 · rating details · 148 ratings · 54 reviews

There are people who try hard to forget their problems. All Ruby wants to do is remember...

Ruby Donaldson has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's Disease, and she'll be damned if she won't straighten out her troubled family before she no longer knows how.

Ruby spent years fighting to hold on to the home her grandmother built on Ward's Island. The only way she can...more

Paperback, 448 pages

Published December 7th 2010 by Berkley Trade (first published October 25th 2010)

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Mar 06, 2013 Lena rated it 4 of 5 stars

Recently I was scanning the Books section of the newspaper and came across a moniker that was new to me: "Sick Lit."
The reviewer noted a swell of books (aimed particularly at teens) that dealt with depression, anorexia, AIDS, cancer etc.

“How depressing” was my first thought, I think I’ll pass on this too-real-to-be-fun genre and get lost in some other fictional world instead. (Maybe Horror?)

But then, by happy coincidence, I picked up “Island Girl” and like my younger “Sick Lit” devotee counterpa...more Recently I was scanning the Books section of the newspaper and came across a moniker that was new to me: "Sick Lit."
The reviewer noted a swell of books (aimed particularly at teens) that dealt with depression, anorexia, AIDS, cancer etc.

“How depressing” was my first thought, I think I’ll pass on this too-real-to-be-fun genre and get lost in some other fictional world instead. (Maybe Horror?)

But then, by happy coincidence, I picked up “Island Girl” and like my younger “Sick Lit” devotee counterparts I was pulled into the complicated, funny and heartbreaking human dilemmas of a fascinating “Sick Lit” world, that of the charismatic heroine, Ruby Donaldson. Ruby’s got early-onset Alzheimer’s, one dependent daughter, one estranged daughter and one bull-in-a-china-shop plan to sort out her life before she dies.

Here’s a sample of Ruby’s voice and how she views her condition:

“…You know I have Alzheimer’s and that I will not be hanging around for the long goodbye. This is not a popular stance. Psychiatry tells us its depression. Religion tells us it’s a sin. Pharmaceutical companies tell us to keep a stiff upper lip- they’re working on a miracle and all they need is more money. But to all of them I say, up yours. I do not have a history of depression or mental illness. I do not hear voices telling me to jump off a cliff. And if there is a God, I’m certain she does not want to see us warehoused and kept alive to feed a growing industry.”

The thing is, although Ruby has one plan, her friends, former lover and daughters have other ideas. The novel explores what it means to love, be independent and provide for the future when your choices begin to narrow. The structure of the novel reminded me a bit of Maeve Binchy’s “Evening Class” with the story unfolding from multiple perspectives. This works nicely as we can’t always trust Ruby as the disease wreaks havoc on her perception. Also, the title “Island Girl” refers to a visceral connection the characters have to their unique home on Ward’s Island, a real and fascinating place home to less than 1000 people in Toronto. The Island is as much a character as Ruby and her daughters, and although you can’t meet Ruby in real life, you can most definitely walk through her real-life neighbourhood. I think the novel would be a great contender for the Canadian Bookmark Project, but I digress.

When I closed the book I was left wondering if we’re each doomed to follow a trajectory that is completely out of our control or if perhaps there’s a chance that life might imitate art and we might all re-write our own endings.

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Mar 08, 2011 Melodie Campbell rated it 5 of 5 stars

Every now and then, you read a book that haunts you and won’t let go. Island Girl is that book for me. Imagine yourself having early onset Alzheimer’s. Imagine yourself knowing you have it, and racing against time to set everything straight in your life with the people you love. The author skillfully puts the reader into the head of fifty-five year old Ruby, and we experience what she does with breathtaking realism. The idyllic setting of Toronto Island plays a sharp contrast to the turmoil that...more

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May 18, 2011 Molly rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Recommended to Molly by: TLC

Shelves: book-review

I was offered the chance to review this book for a blog tour, and, at first, was going to say no to it. But, after reading more about it, decided to give it a chance. I am quite pleased with the work of this author and the book itself. It really is a gripping book, both emotionally and physically. Especially with the subject line and just having recently lost my grandfather to the same disease that Ruby has. It was a novel that truly and emotionally hit home with me.

Ruby, bless her heart, she w...more

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Mar 05, 2011 Yolanda Renee rated it 5 of 5 stars

ISLAND GIRL
by
LYNDA SIMMONS

It is a question that makes you think – What Would You Do If You Were Told You Had Alzheimer’s – it is also a question that Lynda Simmons answers, at least for her protagonist Ruby Donaldson.
Ruby has just learned that she has a new friend, Big Al, (Alzheimer’s) and her immediate thoughts are of her family. How can she prepare them, protect them, and still maintain her independence? However, her family is estranged and stubbornly uncooperative. Even after they find out...more

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Aug 05, 2011 Karen rated it 4 of 5 stars

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Jul 06, 2011 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received this book as a giveaway on Goodreads, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Ms. Simmons does not flinch back from the fact that her main character has Alzheimer's - Ruby is unapologetically who she is despite her condition. That is the strength of this book - the characters are all amazingly well-written and one just as interesting and engaging as the other. The story really centers on the relationship of Ruby as a mother and her two daughters, and Ms. Simmons manages the tension in their rela...more

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Sep 06, 2011 Lorri rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really liked this book and thought all of the characters were unique. Strong willed and outspoken Ruby is forgetting things more and more, even though her doctor has changed her meds, hoping it will hold the disease off a little longer. She confides in an ex boyfriend about her disease in hopes that he will help her get her oldest daughter home, to take care of her younger sister and to take over the family home. Liz was a lawyer, but after the accident with her sister, she became an alcoholic...more

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Jul 31, 2011 Ruth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Superb! I laughed, I cried, and I related. Recently diagnosed with moderate cognitive impairment of an unknown origin myself (in other words it not being considered Alzheimers yet)I read this book looking for hope and found it, but also saw what I might be in for in the future.I already have lapses in memory and ask the same questions over and over so some of things Ruby does are achingly funny and familiar. Ruby has early onset Alzheimers, which she calls Big Al, and she is in his wicked grip....more

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Jun 06, 2011 Tiffany rated it 4 of 5 stars

First Viewed on http://acozyreaderscorner.blogspot.com

Pace – The pace of this novel was slow yet steady for the first ninety pages as the foundation for the story is laid and the characters are introduced. After the ninety page mark the novel really picks up and kept me glued to the pages. I want to be clear that the story never lagged, the first 90 pages just required a little bit more attention I you got to know the characters.

Writing style – The book is written from the perspective of three w...more First Viewed on http://acozyreaderscorner.blogspot.com

Pace – The pace of this novel was slow yet steady for the first ninety pages as the foundation for the story is laid and the characters are introduced. After the ninety page mark the novel really picks up and kept me glued to the pages. I want to be clear that the story never lagged, the first 90 pages just required a little bit more attention I you got to know the characters.

Writing style – The book is written from the perspective of three women; Abby, Grace and Liz. The chapters alternate perspective and are titled by the corresponding character who is telling her story. I absolutely love this set up in novels. It really gives a well rounded look at the story since you seemingly walk in each characters shoes.

It took me a little bit to figure out each character and keep them in check. This was all within the first 90 to 100 pages. Lynda does a wonderful job keeping parts of the story mysterious and slowly filling in the gaps as it progresses. Unfortunately some of these gaps confused me a bit. At times, I wasn’t sure I was reading the thoughts of the correct woman. I had to flip back and check who I was reading about a couple times in those first 100 pages because things didn’t quite add up in my mind. I was never confused or wrong, just needed to double check my own thoughts.

Storyline – I really enjoyed this story. It’s original, fresh, smart and entertaining. The author does a wonderful job bringing complex relationships and complex issues together. The novel covers some serious topics including Alcoholism and Alzheimer’s. The author does a wonderful job discussing these topics within the story and the characters. I was engrossed in this novel and completely satisfied at the end.

Characters – You’ll love them, you’ll hate them. Okay, so I never really hated any of them, but I did want to slap some sense into them at times. True to life, these characters are wonderfully genuine. They each have their faults but are wonderful in and of themselves. I couldn’t help but develop a certain respect and liking for each one. Every character brings something unique to the story. I really enjoyed getting to know this well developed group!

Overall, Island Girl is a wonderful read. Truly poignant and compelling throughout, it pulls at the heartstrings. I would recommend this novel to individual readers as well as book clubs. It would be perfect for a group to read and discuss! I also plan to read more from Lynda Simmons based on my experience with this novel.
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Jun 19, 2011 Kathleen Kelly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: pump-up-your-book-books, finished

"Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, and at present irreversible, brain disorder that is characterized by a steady decline in cognitive, behavioral and physical abilities severe enough to interfere with everyday life and necessitate full time care. Symptoms vary from person to person, but all people with Alzheimer's disease have problems with memory loss, disorientation and thinking ability. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease may have trouble finding the right words to use, recognizing objec...more "Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, and at present irreversible, brain disorder that is characterized by a steady decline in cognitive, behavioral and physical abilities severe enough to interfere with everyday life and necessitate full time care. Symptoms vary from person to person, but all people with Alzheimer's disease have problems with memory loss, disorientation and thinking ability. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease may have trouble finding the right words to use, recognizing objects (such as a pencil), recognizing family and friends, and may become frustrated, irritable, and agitated. As the disease progresses, physical problems may include loss of strength and balance, and diminishing bladder and bowel control. As more and more of the brain is affected, areas that control basic life functions, like swallowing and breathing, become irreversibly damaged, resulting eventually in death"

With that said, as I am sure this is true in most families, Alzheimer's has affected our family first hand. I worked in a nursing home for 24+ years, so I knew how it affected families and caregivers. My husband's aunt suffered from this debilitating illness, thankfully for her she was in her late 80's and lived to be 94 when she died. We had to make the decision to put her in the nursing home that I worked at so she would be close to us and I knew she would get good care. Watching this former teacher, very intelligent and 'proper lady' decline to the point of being in a fetal position and refusing food was so very hard on all of us, to the point that our four children would not want to see her and just remember the aunt that they at times feared and always loved as the time went by.

Island Girl by Lynda Simmons is a story of a woman Ruby Donaldson ,aged 55, who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. At first, because of pride, she does not let anyone in her life know that she has the disease and she tries to continue her life as a hairdresser as if nothing was wrong. She had to write in a journal and use notes to get through her days. As time goes on she finds herself covering up and using excuses so no one knows what is going on with her. She wants to get all her affairs taken care of and she also starts doing research on ways to end her life when she determines that she does not want to end up not knowing who or where she is or forgetting her family.

This novel is also about Ruby's daughters Liz, who she is estranged from and Grace, the daughter Ruby is trying to protect. As in any family Ruby and her daughters have issues with each other and the more Ruby tries to protect them from the truth, the more the issues escalate. Ruby also starts having a relationship with an old flame who has a rebellious 12 year old girl who helps escalate the problems with the Donaldson women. Each person tells their story and the reader gets pulled right in and carried along to the surprising end. There are other characters that add to the richness of this story.

I think that Lynda Simmons either did a lot of research with Alzheimer's or has first hand knowledge of this debilitating disease as she tells this story with no holds barred and also with compassion not only for Ruby but all the characters in the story. I found myself laughing and crying through the book. I loved it and give it 5 stars. A must for the lover of women's fiction.
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Jul 01, 2011 Dan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ruby Donaldson, a 55-year old woman, is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She decides to put her life and death in order. She has to two daughters Grace (who is about to get married) and Liz (once a promising lawyer, now an alcoholic). This novel is written from the point of view of each of these three women with alternating chapters.

This novel is not only about a dysfunctional family having to deal with such a devastating disease, but also about the relationships within that family. This is a...more

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Oct 25, 2011 Susan (The Book Bag) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2011

I loved, loved, loved this book! The author writes the story from the view point of 3 characters, a mother, who has early onset Alzheimer's, and her 2 daughters. Reading a book with 3 first person character's could be a confusing task but it is not in Island Girl. Each voice is very distinct and the author did a wonderful job with the separate points of view. What an exciting and necessary way to read this story. It was really enlightening to be inside all of their heads and to know where they w...more

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May 08, 2011 Sheri rated it 3 of 5 stars

Ruby has early onset Alsheimers: she's only 55 years old. She has two daughters, Liz and Grace. When we enter their lives, there are already problems with the relationships between the women. It is a good book, without alot of touchy feely sentiment, as these women are pretty much strong characters. Grace and her sister Liz are as different as night and day, both in looks as well as temperament. But Grace has the mind of a young innocent girl as well as the beauty of one. She's a real sweet gir...more

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Jun 28, 2011 Julie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-books

Ruby Donaldson is a vibrant woman, a lifelong activist who has always been completely independent and in control of her life ~ and that of at least one of her daughters. Now, at age 55, she has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's, and she is determined to continue to do what she wants to do despite what everyone else thinks. And what she wants to do is end her life before the disease takes over completely. But first, she has to pull her family back together before she goes.

Island Girl by...more Ruby Donaldson is a vibrant woman, a lifelong activist who has always been completely independent and in control of her life ~ and that of at least one of her daughters. Now, at age 55, she has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's, and she is determined to continue to do what she wants to do despite what everyone else thinks. And what she wants to do is end her life before the disease takes over completely. But first, she has to pull her family back together before she goes.

Island Girl by Lynda Simmons is a touching and heartbreaking story, but it is also so much more. The story is told by three characters: Ruby, her oldest daughter Liz, and her youngest daughter Grace. While Ruby is dealing with Alzheimer's, her daughters have their own struggles. Liz is a former lawyer turned alcoholic after a tragic event related to her sister a few years ago. But she finds herself in the position to help a friend if she can only manage to straighten herself out. Grace has always been a little slow, so her mother has tried to shelter her and protect her all her life, which led to a major conflict between Ruby and Liz that Ruby is determined to resolve before she loses herself to "Big Al."

In addition to the challenges between mother and daughters, Ruby also finds herself reunited with a former lover who has always been like a father figure to her daughters. He is desperately trying to get Ruby to change her mind about doing herself in before the Alzheimer's takes over. And he is also determined to get mother and daughters back together again before it's too late.

This is a wonderful family drama that has plenty of storylines to keep the pages turning, without being overly complex. Despite the serious nature of the story, Simmons includes plenty of laughter and happiness as well. I will say I was concerned about how I would like hearing about Alzheimer's from Ruby's perspective since one of my favorite books, Still Alice by Lisa Genova, also has a woman with Alzheimer's as the narrator. But this book was very different, and I would highly recommend it. It's much more of a family story and gets into many other topics beyond Alzheimer's, including alcoholism, family dynamics, activism, suicide, coming of age issues, and much more. I would say Island Girl would make an excellent book club selection as well.(less)

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Nov 03, 2011 Sherry Isaac rated it 5 of 5 stars

The more I learn about the craft of writing the more critical a reader I become. But with Island Girl, the latest offering from Lynda Simmons, I was mesmerized from the firs word to the last.

How would you put your house in order if suffering from a terminal disease? The question is not a new one, but Simmons, true to her style, offers a twist. Ruby Donaldson isn’t terminal, but soon she will cease to exist.

Ruby’s memories have become as elusive as the waves that pound the shore of Ward’s Island...more

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Jun 27, 2011 Terry rated it 4 of 5 stars

Took a bit for this book to hold my interest but once it did I was delighted both with the characters and the storyline. It's about a family -dysfunctional of course (!!!) and the understandable struggles they have with each other though especially the mother. Her character was great and she drove me crazy. Found it interesting to learn about Toronto's island, mockingbirds .. and the authors portrayal of Alzheimer disease.

Uplifting overall and a good summertime read.

And if you read this book you...more

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Mar 13, 2011 Tory rated it 5 of 5 stars

I met Lynda in a bookstore while she was signing copies of Island girl, so I picked up a copy. I decided to give the book a try on the train ride home... could NOT put it down.

I don't usually write reviews, but I want to let everyone know they need to read this book!

Each character is wonderful and the plot is so rich.
Looking forward to reading Getting Rid of Rosie now.
Thanks for the great read.

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Jun 14, 2011 Amanda Ishtayeh rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Feb 22, 2011 Amy rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is one book that I really wanted to have an epilogue. As it is....the characters are still on my mind and though I really liked the ending, I would love to have checked in with the characters 10 years from now. Jocelyn was my favorite character and as much as I disliked Ruby's many decisions, I understand her reasonings.

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Aug 16, 2011 Jan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-bought

A tear jerker ending, a very good read. I was interested in seeing Alzheimers from the person who had it coming on and the author did a great job of letting you feel what she felt, the forgetfulness and confusion and violent reactions as she got worse. (I had worked as a nurses aide with patients like this and it was very interesting to see it from the patient's view) It dealt with Mom and her two daughter's troubled relationships. I don't want to say anymore so not to spoil the story.

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May 08, 2011 Kathy rated it 1 of 5 stars

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Jun 22, 2011 Hillary rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011

3.5 stars for this one. I think this book is going to stay with me for a little while. It is about a mother in her early 50s with early Alzheimers and her relationship with her daughters. It is also a tale of love and loss. Although I enjoyed this book, I thought it took a while in the beginning to engage the reader and really develop the characters. Not a happy read.

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Jun 27, 2011 Dianna Kemper rated it 4 of 5 stars

I hesitated when I realized the theme was early onset Alzheimer's, but I loved this book. The devotion some of the characters gave each other, especially the old boyfriend, renew your soul. I did not love the ending but the book is worth reading.

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May 24, 2011 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

4.5/5
"...an extraordinary beautiful and deeply emotional book..." My full review may be read on my book review blog Rundpinne.

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Mar 28, 2011 Elizabeth Whitehead rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was an interested outlook on Alzheimers. I have experienced several people having Alzeheimers and I felt like this book gave me an insight into who the disease affects and progresses. I would definietly recommend this book to friends.

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Mar 31, 2011 Stef Milenewicz rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was a story about a mom and alzheimers, it was good not my favorite. I really liked her daughter that had special needs but I didnt care for her oldest she was a brat and liked the pity party.

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Jan 06, 2011 Barb rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was a quick read (yes, I'm late posting) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters and the story have stayed with me much longer than my usual retention period....highly recommend...would be a good bookclub pick with lots to talk about. Now, I need to get up to the Toronto Island and check out the the location. Will be my staff rec. at work.

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Jan 10, 2013 Bieke Stengos rated it 2 of 5 stars

Decent read. I couldn't buy into all of the characters. Some of it just seemed too deliberately constructed but, having said that, it does linger and that is always a good thing.

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Mar 21, 2011 joy *the clean-reader extraordinaire* marked it as not-for-me

Shelves: modern-fiction, r-content

well, stink. i would've enjoyed watching the premise of this novel being worked out.
but... the MC has a one night stand with her handyman right off the bat. R for content.

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May 16, 2011 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Really great book about facing Alzheimer's. Some great characters, and made some very realistic and valid points about what long term care really is.

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About Lynda Simmons

I'm a writer by day, college instructor by night and a late sleeper on weekends. I grew up reading Greek mythology, bringing home stray cats and making up stories about bodies in the basement. From an early age, my family knew I would either end up as a writer or the old lady with a hundred cats. As luck would have it, I married a man with allergies so writing it was.

I started out writing romanti...more

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