A novel concept

As time goes on, we are becoming more & more of a technology-driven society.  Whether it’s communication, entertainment, work-related activities, exercise, cooking, or shopping our lives are infiltrated with technology!  Between the flashing red light or gamut of apps to choose from, chances are you are addicted to your Crackberry or iPhone.  Or if you are like me, guilty of both ;).   Given this obsession, I’m pleased to report my current past-time: READING…and not blogs, websites, or e-books! No siree, I have actually been reading a good ol’ fashioned book! It has been rather refreshing not having to worry about battery life, or if I need to sit next to a power outlet while it charges, or whether its going to freeze/restart on me 😆 .

Although it doesn’t happen as often as I would like, I am relishing each page of The Help by Kathryn Stockett.  At the risk of sounding like a walking cliche, it’s one of those books which ‘I can’t put down’.  As I don’t want to ruin the story for you, here’s the back cover summary:

“The Help is an illustrative novel about African American maids working in white households in Mississippi during the early 1960’s.  It is told from the point of views of two African American maids and a young white woman who is trying to come to terms with the civil rights movement so present in those years: Aibileen, Minny, and Skeeter. No one would believe they’d be friends, fewer still would tolerate it . But as each woman finds the courage to cross boundaries, they come to depend and rely upon one another.  Each is in search of a truth. And together they have an extraordinary story to tell…”

Since I was in school, the two historical periods which interested me most were the Holocaust & Slavery in the Civil War Era.  More than the fascination of abomination, both are major parts of history.  Despite the amount of cruelty and animosity which existed, we can’t forget/ignore them because it is awkward or shameful.  If anything, it’s an eye-opener to how blessed our generation have it.

Consider this recommendation as my contribution to your summer reading list.  Filled with poignancy, hope, humor and love, The Help is definitely a must-read!  Put it this way:   When I choose to read a book over watching the new episode of Modern Family or playing Words With Friends, that’s when you know the book is worth a read :)!

Read anything good recently?  I’m almost done so please hook me up with your recommendation!