Heartbreaking but also comedic at the same time. I couldn't imagine going through something like this, but the author took such a creative spin on it and the main character's inner monologues were so raw and unfiltered, it gave a fresh perspective to a horrible illness.

I am in the vast minority here, but I could not get into this book for anything... Despite repeated efforts and reading myriad reviews raving about her storytelling in general and this book in particular, I simply could not connect to the characters or storyline. Honestly, I think part of it is the narration - I just didn't enjoy the narrator's voice acting. This happens from time to time, and there doesn't seem to be any way around it for me, short of switching to reading it rather than listening. I wasn't familiar with the author or her previous books prior to this one, and it's also possible her writing style and my reading style just don't mesh. Regardless, I couldn't finish... This one wasn't for me. I hate having to star-rate something I didn't finish, but since I have to, I went with a neutral three.

Binnie Kirshenbaum has done it again! Acclaimed author of Rabbits for Food and many others, has now released Counting Backwards.

In Counting Backwards, Addison and Leo, a childless couple living in NYC, age. Leo's aging is different though. Starting with hallucinations and delusions Addison is concerned. Brain scans show nothing. Addison consults another specialist based on a friend's recommendation. Diagnosis: Lewy Body Dementia.

Following a family Thanksgiving where Leo stabs his nephew, Leo is hospitalized, originally for a psych hold but there are no beds. He's discharged to a care facility. Addison is scared, Leo's salary will dwindle and her art career is struggling.

The story continues as Addison struggles, emotionally, financially and professionally as Leo declines.

A beautifully written story of being a caregiver to your partner.

Happy Pub. Day!

Thank you @netgalley and Soho Press for this advanced reader copy in turn for my honest review.

This book is gutting…thank goodness it is also funny. Addie, a female artist, lives with her 56 year-old physician husband, Leo, and their cat in NYC. He starts experiencing hallucinations, leading to the eventual diagnosis of Lewy Body disease, a form of dementia. This is their story, told from Addie’s perspective and experience. It is a moving story about love and what “in sickness and in health” might mean. Addie is a realist and darkly funny, and we see her struggle to stay present in the face of his incremental deterioration. I highly recommend adults 40+ read and discuss.
The audiobook is well narrated except for the home health worker’s Jamaican accent that sounded way off the mark to my ears.
My thanks to the author, publisher, RB Media, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #CountingBackwards for review purposes. Publication date: 25 March 2025.

#CountingBackwards #NetGalley
This story hit a little too close to home. Similarly to Leo, my father passed from Parkinson’s. He too was an incredibly well-knowledged and well-read scholarly man who knew before any of us that he had the disease. The author either personally went through all of these emotions and thoughts or she did one hell of a job researching what it’s like to mourn the person you love the most while they’re still alive. I just wish we all have a Larissa during those times.

I did not want to stop listening to this book. The narrator was perfect. When Addie found out that Leo knew he had Lewy body dementia absolutely broke my heart.

Thank you to NetGalley , RB Media and author Binnie Kirshenbaum for gifting me an ALC of Counting Backwards. In exchange for the review copy I offer my honest opinion.

Counting Backwards by Binnie Kirschenbaum is the 2025 version of Still Alice and it’s just as brilliant and heartbreaking. Not an easy read, especially if you have a family member living with dementia/ Alzheimers. This is the story of Addie & Leo, a middle-aged cosmopolitan couple who should be planning for their future golden years instead are facing an uncertain fate. There is so much to unpack in this contemplative novel.I ran through the gannet of emotions.
Counting Backwards would make for a fantastic and robust bookclub discussion. Binnie Kirshenbaum’s newest book will definitely be on my top reads of 2025 list. Available March 25! Absolutely pick up a copy, you won’t regret it.
Audio read by Cassandra Campbell is outstanding.