Anything that is light reading might be best. Everyone is different of course, but on my son's surgery day, I couldn't concentrate very well and what helped me tremendously was having my daughter and a friend of mine come with me. They really helped to keep me thinking positively. In the surgery waiting room, there was a monitor that updated everyone on how the surgery was going for the different patients. My daughter and friend stayed the whole day, made me go to lunch with them at the hospital cafeteria.- I couldn't eat except for two bites of a turkey sandwich which I took just to please them! But it kept me busy. After the surgery, there was a special smaller room connected to the surgery waiting room, and the surgeon took us there to update us on how the surgery went. The two special people with me were really helpful in asking the right questions and helping me to remember later what the doctor said. Bette - it would be great if you could have someone with you, but if you have a laptop or smart phone with you, then you can keep in touch with us here, as well. I'll be thinking of you and your husband on surgery day and hoping for everything to go the very best way possible!