I could not focus on reading a book, which is easily the biggest pastime in my life. I have always been a big reader. It is something I greatly enjoy. And I raised my daughters to be big readers, too. And of course when I was in the hospital and rehab with tons of time on my hands, I just. could. not. focus. I tried and tried to no avail.
Up until a few months ago, I kept track of everything I read—fiction and nonfiction—by writing it in my journal. But after my stroke, I kept trying to read but my mind was a jumbled mess, and didn’t seem organized enough to do it.
Horse
2022 novel by Geraldine Brooks.
Horse is a 2022 historical fiction novel by Australian author Geraldine Brooks. Intertwining multiple timelines, the narrative examines the dynamics of thoroughbred racehorse and stud Lexington with the enslaved people who groomed him in the 1850s, and the legacy of slavery through the lens of unearthed art related to the breeder's lionized life. It was well-received by mainstream critics and won multiple literary prizes. Notably, it received an Anisfield-Wolf Book Award and Dayton Literary Peace Prize.
I am happy to report that has changed in the last few weeks. I’ve been writing again, too. Consistently—3 or 4 hours a day. Just like old times. And a lot of my overwhelm and impulsiveness has gone away. It’s almost as if as I got physically stronger through the physical therapy process, I got mentally stronger as well.
It is true, that stroke victims, do start to get things back, that you thought you might have lost forever. I feel like myself, more than I have in months. Could it be that the worst part is over? The good news is that I survived. Not everyone who has a stroke is fortunate enough to expedience that. I am definitely wiser than before about how to take care of myself. From now until the end of my life, it will be much harder to take my health for granted.
Geraldine Brooks has a journalist’s background and covered several wars in the Middle East. She was also married for many years to the late, Tony Horowitz, who wrote Confederates In My Attic. This book rocked my world when I first read it back in the 1990s.
For what it’s worth, I recommend all of these books. They are each very different from the kind of books I write. But they have value for the kinds of books they are. I am a more imaginative writer. I create my characters and create their worlds. I decide what challenges they will go through during the course of the book. They are not real, but fictional. Although many readers have told me that the characters seem real in my books. And that they were missed when the story is over.
These books do not have prose that knocks your socks off. They are not southern literature with vivid descriptions of the landscape.
Oh Susan! I’m smiling here! This is such wonderful news! You have done an amazing job of taking back your life and being able to do what you love. Everything will fall into place now!
We are all very glad to learn that both your mental and physical strength are returning...and pat yourself on the back (allegorically speaking, not doing the actual physical twist!), for going through every minute of the physical and mental challenges you have faced. Keep on keepin' on--you have a sturdy and enthusiastic fan club!