The Help Introduction

From Publisher's Weekly via Amazon, dated Feb 2010:

Starred Review. What perfect timing for this optimistic, uplifting debut novel (and maiden publication of Amy Einhorn's new imprint) 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.

Life As We Knew It Introduction

No, unfortunately it's not the book-form of the Katherine Heigl movie that's out right now.  It's actually about a typical teenage girl who's worried about prom and grades (we've all been there) until a meteor hits the moon and changes the planet forever.  Electricity infrastructure is severely damaged, which means communication, mass production of food and many other things are in jeopardy.  It's a journey about what's most important and enduring.  For all of us food-storage fanatics, it's a must-read.

City of Bones Introduction

By Jamie

Don't judge a book by its cover. Or do. The cover to this one looks intriguing, right? A dude with wierd tattoos all over him while he is standing over the New York City skyline. It caught my eye. Strange. But what can I say?!

"When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Clary knows she should call the police, but it's hard to explain a murder when the body disappears into thin air and the murderers are invisible to everyone but Clary.

Equally startled by her ability to see them, the murderers explain themselves as Shadowhunters: a secret tribe of warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. Within twenty-four hours, Clary's mother disappears and Clary herself is almost killed by a grotesque demon.

But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...."

This is the first of three books in the series. I have read them all and thought they were very intertaining. Its a good way to leave reality and enjoy a break from the 'boring' real world!

No. 1 Ladies' Introduction

Alexander McCall Smith has the most interesting back cover biography I've ever read. Bar none.

"Alexander McCall Smith was born in Zimbabwe and educated there and in Scotland. He is Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh and is a member of a number of national and international bodies concerned with bioethics. His books include works on medical law, criminal law and philosophy, as well as numerous books for children, collections of short stories, and novels. He has lectured at various universities in Africa, including in Botswana, where he lived for a time. He holds honorary doctorates from 10 universities, most recently from Southern Methodist University, Dallas. He is married to an Edinburgh doctor, and has two daughters."

Are you not intrigued already?
(Click for his website if you're interested.)

I've read the first 3.5 books in The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series (his most popular books) and am thoroughly enjoying them. I plan on reading all of them. (They are that good.) I just finished his only stand-alone novel, La's Orchestra Saves the World. It had my fingers turning the pages so fast that I finished it in just a few days (amazing timing for me).

The proprietor of the detective agency is Precious Ramotswe, a traditionalist at heart, who simultaneously believes in modern ideas such as equality of the sexes and the integrity of the past. This story is about her life and her contribution to her country of Botswana that she loves so much. As the reader, you are ushered into life in Botswana and the way its people think about the world. The story's clean, it's witty, it's page-turning and it's heart-warming. I totally recommend it. Enjoy!

Welcome to Book Club!

This is destined to be another year of fun! If you're in, follow this blog! It's sure to have all the details you need.

If you'd like to host this year please comment on this post and/or email me.

September's book has already been chosen so you can start reading. (Although a short and enjoyable read on it's own, it's the first book in an twelve book series, so there's lots to keep you busy until September if you decide you like them.) The library system has lots of copies.

Stay tuned for more details and email me with your suggestions! Hooray for another year in the Burgh!!