The Help- Kathryn Stockett

In her accompanying essay, Stockett,who grew up with her own black maid, writes she often wondered what it was to Black in America in the 60s. That the question this book attempts to answer.

Three women, an older Black maid, a younger belligerent one and a white idealist fresh college graduate get together to write the story of being Black Maids to white families in 60s Mississippi. They come to he story with their own reasons, sorrows , joys,  and courage. tremendous courage. Three voices, all strong and unique build this hear warming tale. You share their fear of discovery and celebrate their gentle victories. 

Kathryn Stockett tells a good story with her strong  writing. capturing beautifully the racial divide form both sides. And how personal kindness and love exists along macroscopic hatred and intolerance. 

It may not be the best novel to be written about this theme but its definitely a warm, well plotted page turner. In other words  a complete novel.. It's no wonder it made the New York T mes best seller list. 

Age of Innocence- Edith Wharton



Luminous. There doesn't seem a better way to describe tis book. A lambency seeps over the events, the narrative,  the characters, their quiet joys and sorrows and theie love.

Briefly-the year is 1870 . The place - upper crust new york. Newland Archer is engaged to  May Welland. Then he meets her exotic cousin, the countess Ellen Olenski. Needless to say, Archer falls in love with the cousin and is torn by the social codes and his love.

Wharton writes with a sharp pen; she chooses carefully the moments when she removes the veneer off her characters to reveal their motives and true nature. And we learn that the characters are not as innocent, not as noble or not as brave as they same.

The whole mood of the novel is gentle- the joys, the sorrows, the love , the sacrifices and their triumphs. Even after you close the last page, the novel still holds you in a gentle yet lingering grip that is not so easily shaken off.

Read it. This is a Pulitzer well deserved.