The Help

• Author: Kathryn Stockett
• Amazon link

This book is about the plight of black maids working for aristocratic white women in Jackson, Mississippi in the 1960s. I had noticed how sticky this book was in the NY Times Bestseller list and had read the many positive reviews on Amazon, but decided to wait for the paperback, so I wouldn't have to lug a huge book around. However, the book is so popular that the paperback didn't make it to amazon for a long while and I finally got tired of waiting and caved in to buy the hardcover.

The book is narrated by three of the main characters: Skeeter the idealistic white woman, Aibileen and Minny the two principal black maids with widely different characteristics. Aibileen is the mature, quiet, capable, composed maid who loves looking after kids and will never do anything to upset those around her. Minny on the other hand is a very good cook but is loose lipped and known to speak her mind and is consequently getting in trouble with her employers. The author switches from one to the other with each chapter and I welcomed the change in the perspective depending on who the narrator was. Initially you may find yourself struggling with the maids language, but soon you will get in the flow of things and actually enjoy the words and expressions of the black maids during the time of segregation.

The book really brings out the struggle of African Americans and highlights their plight in the segregation era. It is a bit simplistic at times, but otherwise is a good read. Don't expect any major surprises or deep revelations, but I can assure you that you will be entertained.

A Reliable Wife

• Author : Robert Goolrick
• Amazon Link

The moment I saw this title on the NY Times Bestseller list, I was intrigued by it and had to read it. I put it off for a few days, unsure of whether it would be inappropriate or mis-interpreted, but finally gathered up the courage to order it from Amazon. True to my suspicion, it drew a lot of attention when friends and neighbors spotted it on my coffee table. In case you have any doubts, let me reassure you that the book is a bona-fide work of fiction and is quite entertaining.

The author capitalizes on the shock value and mystery of the title and the first few pages are purposely written in such a way that they conceal more than they reveal. The prose is elegant and the characters are developed to be strong, forceful and passionate. The story is set in rural Wisconsin of 1907, where Ralph Truitt is a rich businessman who has advertised for a "reliable wife". Catherine Land responds to the advertisement and is all set to begin her life with Ralph. The book opens with Ralph waiting at the station to meet his prospective bride and right from the start it is full of surprises and forceful action. This is a page-turner for sure and has its share of sex, mystery and unusual romance and is a quick read. If you are looking for entertainment, you will not be disappointed. However, don't expect anything profound in this novel.