Our Picks

  • Weight of Silence- Heather Gudenkauf
  • The Castaways- Elin Hilderbrand

Friday, May 28, 2010

May 2010....Law, that was a good book!

Last night we met at Erin's to discuss her pick, The Help by Kathryn Stockett.  We loved the book!  It gave us a lot to talk about.  I think we talked more about this book than we have any other book... kudos to Erin for picking such a good book!
The book was based in the 1960's in Jackson, Mississippi.  The world was a little different then compared to now obviously.  The way that blacks were treated was pretty appalling to all of us.  Erin said she cried a lot during the book {that could have something to do with the little one that is growing in her belly... She's 13 weeks pregnant!}
I think all of us were left feeling sad and with the question, if we were living in the 60's what would we have done?  Would we have done something like Skeeter?  Or treated the maids like they weren't "worthy" like Miss Hilly?  I don't think any of us are capable of being as mean as Miss Hilly, but I wonder if we'd of had maids? {assuming we were wealthy of course} 
Amy L. read the book while visiting her sister in Mississippi and said it made the book very real for her, being in the south.  She said that things are still a little segregated {in the small town she was in}.  There aren't a lot of interracial couples, and she felt like the minority actually because she was white.  Another interesting thought is that this book was dated only 40-50 years ago, that made it even more "real" instead of "fiction".  Many of our parents and grandparents remember the segregation.
I know I'm thankful for this book, it gave me a greater sense to appreciate what the African Americans have had to overcome and I felt so sorry that they were ever treated so horribly.
If you want a good book to stir up lots of discussion and step a little into the past, pick up The Help...you won't be disappointed!
{Do you like the 1960's photo edit?}

See you girls next month to talk about Amy L's pick!!!!  {Insert clapping & screaming here}

2 comments:

  1. Love the photo! And great description of the night, such a great time, and great discussion!

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  2. I love it! I have so much fun with you guys!

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