Purple Hibiscus ~ by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, 2003, fiction (Nigeria)
Fifteen-year-old Kambili and her older brother Jaja lead a privileged life. They live in a beautiful house in Enugu, Nigeria and attend an exclusive missionary school, but their home life is anything but harmonious: although their religious father is a respected businessman, he is fanatically religious and tyrannical at home. When their loving and outspoken aunt persuades her brother that the children should visit her, Kambili and Jaja take their first trip away from home. Once inside their Aunty Ifeoma's flat in the smaller city of Nsukka, they discover a whole new world. And when they return home, changed by their newfound freedom, nothing can be the same as before. Tension within the family esalates, and Kambili must find the strength to keep her loved ones together — even after her mother commits a desperate act.I had an unexpected knock on my door after meals had already been delivered. It was David, delivering this book and a note, that says:
"We are so pleased to let you know that Book Source, a Crown Center community partner has generously donated a book for our Crown Center Readers and residents participating in reading groups. . . . This book is just a small way to let you know that the Crown Community and Book Source are thinking of you."I first read this novel in 2013, but it was good enough that I am quite willing to read it again. Since I have a book discussion blog called Book Buddies, it occurred to me that I could invite my book-loving neighbors to discuss it together there. That will only work for those who have computers (our computer center is one of the locked public rooms right now), but it's a way to have a book club while self-isolating.
Oh, one more thing: On the back of that sheet about the book is a drawing for us to color. Above a striped easy chair is a framed saying, "Keep calm and read." Plants are on the wallpaper, on the floor beside the chair, and on the windowsill, as well as hanging down from a tree outside that window. Spread out on the floor are a dozen books, stacked and scattered on the floor, with one book open. Some books have titles: Jane Eyre, Art Deco, Rebecca, Easy Bakes, Cake Recipes, and Interior Design. There is a cup for the tea I presume I would be drinking, though I would never, ever set a cup of tea on a book.
Residents have apparenetly mentioned that they would relist some different stretches and workout routines. So the Crown Center reached out to Rehabilitation Professionals, Inc. (RPI). Kim Meyer, a Physical Therapist Assistant at RPI, teaches our Introduction to Movement class on Monday (at least, she did before everything went into lockdown). I was part of that free class on days when I didn't have something else scheduled. Kim shared some exercises and stretches for us, all of which we can ccomplete while seated. And we are to complete the exercises within a comfortable range, if we have a weak arm or leg. The front page shows:
- Heel Raises
- Toe Raises
- Knee Extension
- Hip Flexion
- Hip Abduction
- Press Up
- Forward Raise
- Rotation
- Side Raise
- Elbow Curls
- For those with Silver Sneakers, they also have 200+ videos on their website.
- Jane Fonda Walking Cardio Video, Level 1, on YouTube.
Good news! Tomorrow, our Café will begin taking orders over the phone and delivering freshly-made food directly to our apartments. Really! The new menu is on the back of the announcement and includes my favorites: scrambled eggs or omelettes, Circle@Crown Salad (lettuce with walnuts, dried cranberries, and shredded mozzarella, topped with balsamic vinaigrette dressing), tuna panini, and flatbread pizza-for-one. Although we can't dine together at this time, we can continue to support the Café. Hurray!
Thank you so much, Bonnie!
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