(Hamilton) Are you familiar with “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett? Publisher’s Weekly describes it well in their review – “Set during the nascent civil rights movement in Jackson, Miss., where black women were trusted to raise white children but not to polish the household silver. Eugenia (Skeeter) Phelan is just home from college in 1962, and, anxious to become a writer, is advised to hone her chops by writing about what disturbs you.
“The budding social activist begins to collect the stories of the black women on whom the country club sets relies – and mistrusts – enlisting the help of Aibileen, a maid who’s raised 17 children, and Aibileen’s best friend Minny, who’s found herself unemployed more than a few times after mouthing off to her white employers.
“The book Skeeter puts together based on their stories is scathing and shocking, bringing pride and hope to the black community, while giving Skeeter the courage to break down her personal boundaries and pursue her dreams. Assured and layered, full of heart and history, this one has bestseller written all over it.”
If you’re looking for an evening out with your book club or read The Help on your own and are curious what others are thinking, here’s a great opportunity to read, re-read, or explore this story in another format and share your thoughts with others! Join Cathi Brewer our Program and Events Coordinator on Monday, June 6, at 7 p.m., in the Community Room for an open discussion on The Help. This event is being offered in partnership between the Hamilton Public Library and the Changing America Exhibit through the National Abolition Hall of Fame & Museum.
Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Library.
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