Chosen for Each Other

Olivia, grieving the death of her eight-year-old nonverbal autistic son Anthony, separates from her husband and retreats to their Nantucket cottage to find meaning in his short life. Beth, a mother of three dealing with her husband's infidelity, rediscovers her passion for writing and channels the voice of an unknown autistic boy. Their paths cross through photography and Beth's manuscript, leading to unexpected healing, friendship, and insights into acceptance beyond autism and loss.

In 'The Four Loves', C.S. Lewis examines the nature of love from a Christian and philosophical perspective. He categorizes love into four types based on ancient Greek words: *storge* (affection), *philia* (friendship), *eros* (romantic love), and *agape* (the love of God). Lewis discusses the characteristics, strengths, and potential pitfalls of each type of love, emphasizing the importance of understanding and balancing these loves to avoid corruption and to draw closer to God. He also explores the distinction between 'need-love' and 'gift-love' and how these concepts relate to human experiences and divine love.

The novel follows Alice Howland, a celebrated Harvard professor and linguistics expert, as she navigates the devastating diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The story, told from Alice's perspective, details her increasing disorientation, memory loss, and the emotional and practical challenges she and her family face. Despite her fierce independence, Alice's sense of self is gradually stripped away, affecting her relationships with her husband, John, and their three children. The book provides a heartfelt and insightful look into the experiences of those living with Alzheimer's disease and their loved ones.