Heartwood

This book is so beloved that I feel guilty saying anything bad about it. And my not liking it has more to do with my own preferences and taste than the writing. Objectively, it’s a beautifully written book, and I generally love a literary thriller! That being said, the pace and subject matter did not do it for me. Valerie Gillis is a nurse and experienced hiker. Deep in the Maine woods, she is hiking the Appalachian Trail. Somehow, she’s managed to vanish 200 miles from her final destination. She is alone in the wilderness, on the brink of starvation, pouring her thoughts into chaotic (but poetic) letters to her mother as she attempts to survive. Leading the investigation is Beverly, a tough, determined Maine State Game Warden. And then, in a Connecticut retirement community, we have Lena, a 76-year-old woman who spends her days chatting with fellow nature enthusiasts on Reddit. When she learns of Valerie’s disappearance, she becomes obsessed as Valerie bears some resemblance to her daughter. As the search goes on (and they determine that Valerie’s disappearance might not be accidental), the stakes become higher and higher. Will they be able to save Valerie before it is too late? I feel bad giving this only a B as I loved the writing. But it just wasn’t the most enjoyable read for me.