"Up can be down"

A few months ago, my fourth-grader had to write a book report on a biography of a famous person. So my son chose to read All About Stephen Hawking by Chris Edwards and Amber Calderon. When it came time to write the report, he was supposed to write about the person’s greatest achievements. Expecting to read something about Hawking’s physics research or perhaps a book title or two, I was tickled to find that my son had written that Hawking’s greatest achievement was…his children.

When asked about their greatest achievements, the couple in Lisa Genova’s novel Every Note Played would answer very differently. Early in their marriage, Karina gave up a career as a jazz pianist to care for their young daughter. Richard spent most of his daughter’s childhood away on tour as a concert pianist.

The couple divorces. Karina teaches piano lessons. Richard still tours. However, Richard has just been diagnosed with ALS. At first, he only loses the ability to play with his right hand, but sooner than he imagines, his left arm too becomes immobile. With the help of an in-home health aide, he gets through the day watching movies, sipping smoothies, and taking short walks. But that period, too, is short lived as the paralysis spreads to his legs. Reluctantly Karina opens her home to him and volunteers to be his full-time caregiver. As Richard’s voice and breath begin to fail, he literally struggles to find the words to express his regret and remorse.

Genova, as in all her novels, reveals not only the physiological, but emotional trials of people dealing with a neurological disease.  Recounted in excruciating detail, these trials are a good reminder to the reader to be grateful for the petty aches and pains of our own bodies and minds. And to cherish the moments we spend with our spouses and children.

Maybe my son was on to something.