November was quite eventful—I underwent a full hip replacement on the 12th. Years of severe osteoarthritis had left the socket with no cartilage at all (bone on bone), compounded by a labral tear. Everyday movements like walking, bending, getting in and out of the car, or even rising from the commode had become excruciating.
The first ten days after surgery were tough, but now, three weeks later, I’m feeling strong and optimistic. I’m confident that by Valentine’s Day I’ll be pain-free and moving with ease once again. Hip, hip, hooray!
And I managed to fit two good reads/listens in this month!
Heartwood by Amity Gaige chronicles three women: Valerie, a missing Appalachian Trail hiker, Beverly, the Maine game warden leading her search, and Lena, an elderly. disabled forager playing armchair detective. The story explores mother-daughter dynamics and what it means to be lost. This is on the New York Times 100 most notable books list for the year and billed as a thriller. I don't know that I'd call it a thriller but there's definite suspense as each woman feels more desperate as time passes without locating Valerie. Lots of trail subculture references and Valerie's trail partner, Santos, is a hoot.
The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles brings me back to my favorite WWII genre. Lily is a Montana teen writing a school report on France in the 1980s and decides to ask her elderly French neighbor, Odile, for help. Turns out Odile worked at the famed American Library in Paris. Odile takes Lily under her wing, teaching her French and sharing her love of books. Lily confides in Odile as she navigates coming of age in a small town with an absentee father, new stepmother and two new little brothers. Odile and Lily have parallel experiences as young women making sacrifices, finding their voice and learning how the choices we make can have grave consequences. This was so heartwarming and fresh.
