"The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. Super highly recommended.

[Lex]

"The Help" as in the African-American maids in the 1960's . . .

What perfect timing for this optimistic, uplifting debut novel set during the nascent civil rights movement in Jackson, Miss., where black women were trusted to raise white children but not to polish the household silver. Assured and layered, full of heart and history . . . -- excerpts from Publisher's Weekly

Read a little about it at amazon if you like:
http://www.amazon.com/reader/0399155341?_encoding=UTF8&ref_=sib%5Fdp%5Fpt

[japple]

1. I read it and loved it. Kathryn Stockett really captured the essence

of that period and, as one who has lived most of my life in the South, the voices ring true. In fact, the book could have been written by someone from the town were I grew up.

[truedelphi]

14. Same here. n/t

[hippywife]

2. That sounds really good!

Thanx! I'll add it to my list. :hi:

[bluethruandthru]

3. I really liked this book.

It's my book club's selection for this month. Great, vivid characters!

[hippywife]

4. Damn!

I checked my local library on-line for this and there are 61 holds on 41 copies. I have never seen that many copies on any new book I've ever tried to request. :wow:

[Lex]

5. Wow. Well, it was a great book, but

it wasn't the best one ever in the entire universe or anything. Just really good. Maybe some book clubs are reading it so the demand's up.

[Sequoia]

7. The wait at my library is 282 !!

Maybe by spring 2010.

[hippywife]

8. Wow! That IS a long wait.

I guess I won't complain about here then. But it is OK so there is less competition here for trying to get your hands on good literature. LOL

It has been amazing, though, that in the past year or so David Sedaris has been here twice. And Janis Ian was here last year with the release of her new book. I'm totally surprised the religious right and the redneck teabaggers don't try to run them out of town and keep the shows and book signings from even happening.

I heard the other day, too, that Garrison Keillor is coming back in early December for a show but it's at the Mabee Center on ORU campus. I keep wanting to email him and ask if he really knows where it is he's scheduled to appear. :crazy:

[Sequoia]

10. That would be fun.

We're having Alice Walker this weekend!

[Flying Dream Blues]

6. I loved it; it's the first book in such a long time that I couldn't wait to

get to bed and read every night. I hope she's writing another one...

[nolabear]

9. Having grown up in MS in the 60's (a bit later than the book)

I liked it a great deal on the one hand, but wanted a little more internal conflict in the "bad" characters. That said, it was very enjoyable and, if a little stereotypical, it made a good case for the stereotypes.

[groovedaddy]

11. Here's the NY Times review from today - I just placed a reserve on it

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/books/03help.html?th&emc=th

[knowbody0]

12. thank you so very much for recommending this book

I never understood the segregation mind set. amazing to not eat, drink or go to toilet together, but kool to love and raise the babies.

[Lex]

13. same with slaves throughout history (not just the South) but

I don't understand it either--it makes no sense.

[hippywife]

15. I just got my notice from the library.

It's ready for pickup! :woohoo:

[gratefultobelib]

16. I'm #333 at the library! Maybe I should ask for it for Christmas!

[gratefultobelib]

17. Now I'm 292, so that's a little better!

[hippywife]

20. Wow! That's a much long wait than I had.

I would definitely ask for it for Christmas. I liked it so much, and think the author really deserves it, so I'm going to order copies to send to friends and family since I just checked it out of the library, too.

[BridgeTheGap]

18. I was way down on the library list. Put the hold request on when this was first posted.

Amazingly enough, I just picked it up 2 days ago. My wife's reading it first though.

[hippywife]

19. Just finished this a few minutes ago.

I can't thank you enough for the recommendation. It's one of the best books I've ever read. I was on the edge of my seat through the whole last half of it. And especially tonight for the last several chapters. Excellent, excellent read.

:hi:

[Momgonepostal]

22. I finished this yesterday and absolutely loved it! nt

[Momgonepostal]

21. I'm on the waiting list for this one at the library

I'm finally in the teens! Woo-hoo!

[FLyellowdog]

23. I really enjoyed this book on the whole

but didn't like the ending. :hi: