A few months back, I bought a copy of Kathryn Stockett's book, The Help. It sat on our bookshelf since then. I threw it in my beach bag before we left for Perdido and dove into it when we got there. Whoa. It's amazing. I could not put it down.
Stockett is a native of Jackson and the book is set in Jackson in the 1960s, during the Civil Rights movement. It's told from the view point of the black maids that raised the rich white people's babies, cleaned their houses, and cooked their dinners. It's funny, revealing, and probably pretty accurate. It is really making me realize how far we have truly come as a nation, especially here in little ol' Jackson, Mississippi. I don't think people realize it, but it only 40 some odd years we have come so far.
I'm right smack dab in the middle of the book now. My husband told me he's glad to see me reading. Kind of made me feel stupid. He said he hasn't seen me that involved in a book in a while. My response was, "Yeah, I had babies." Geez, when they aren't pulling on me, I pass smooth out. Like I have time to read. That's how you know this book is good. I don't fall asleep immediately.
Off to bed. I'll sneak in a few chapters before I doze.
3 comments:
Holy cow this book sounds amazing. I will have to get a copy! Popping in from SITS!
You'll have to let us know what you think when you're done too.
My name is Patricia Neely-Dorsey.
I am from Tupelo, MS and the author of Reflections of a Mississippi-A Life in Poems.
I have really been enjoying reading your blog, book reviews and the "Why I Love the South" features.
I totally relate.
My book is basically a book of why I love the south.
I would love for you to read my book and do a review on your blog to introduce it to your readers.
Patricia Neely Dorsey's Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life in Poems is "a true celebration of the south and things southern." The author states , "There are so many negative connotations associated with Mississippi and the south in general. In my book, using childhood memories, personal thoughts and dreams, I attempt to give a positive glimpse into the southern way of life. I try to show that there is much is more to Mississippi and the south than all of the negatives usually portrayed .I invite readers to Meet Mississippi (and the south) Through Poetry ,Prose and The Written Word."
SOUTHERN LIFE
If you want a glimpse of Southern life,
Come close and walk with me;
I'll tell you all the simple things,
That you are sure to see.
You'll see mockingbirds and bumblebees,
Magnolia blossoms and dogwood trees,
Caterpillars on the step,
Wooden porches cleanly swept;
Watermelons on the vine,
Strong majestic Georgia pines;
Rocking chairs and front yard swings,
Junebugs flying on a string;
Turnip greens and hot cornbread,
Coleslaw and barbecue;
Fried okra, fried corn, fried green tomatoes,
Fried pies and pickles too.
There's ice cold tea that's syrupy sweet,
And cool, green grass beneath your feet;
Catfish nipping in the lake,
And fresh young boys on the make.
You'll see all these things
And much, much more,
In a way of life that I adore.
Copyright 2008 Patricia Neely-Dorsey
from Reflections of a Mississippi Magnolia-A Life In Poems
AUTHOR WEBSITE: www.patricianeelydorsey.webs.com
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