December 8, 2010

As mentioned last month we would be returning to the Deep South with this months selection, suggested by Bev, of The Help by Kathryn Stockett. This book has been on the best sellers list for some time and we could all see why. It was a book that was easy to read, had lots of well developed characters and a good plot. We all agreed that is was an interesting take on the subject of racism in the South to see it all through the eyes of the Black Women who work as servants in the homes of their White employers. I should mention that this book was set in modern times which again made it a little different from some of the novels on this subject we have read before such as The Book of Negroes. One of the things we all agreed on was that we appreciated that her characters were involved. The "good" people had flaws and the "bad" ones had redeeming features. Perhaps this book will never become a classic but it certainly was and entertaining and thought provoking book.

November 17, 2010 Meeting

Tonight we met at Fran's home to discuss her choice for the month, South of Broad by Pat Conroy. For some of us, who were very familiar with this author it was a pleasure to read another of his books. For others this was an introduction to Mr. Conroy. Everyone seemed to enjoy the book to at least some degree. Those of us that were familiar with the authors other books agreed that it was not his best work but still well worth the time to read it. It was interesting to be taken back to sixties and remember the social morals of the time. We thought that some of the characters were a touch too one dimensional but on the whole the characters were well developed. Some of us thought the novel would have profited by being shorted somewhat while others liked his style and were happy to drift along with him. It is always interesting to visit the South through these novels and discuss the the attitudes of the people. We will be going back to the South next month but the area will be seen through very different eyes. Till then.....