Review: Ice Cold by Tess Gerritsen

Ice Cold by Tess Gerritsen

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I enjoy the TV show characters better, but I always find it interesting to read books that shows are based off of. This was a quick, fun book.



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Review: The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


What an sbsolutely incredible life story! Parts are so hard to believe, you simply know they HAVE to be true!

I read this as a recommendation from a fellow teacher. We work at a rural school, with many students who live similar lives to the author's time in West Virginia. Homes with no electricity, water, or even floors. Homes with holes in the walls and floors. No bathrooms, no food, and often no supervision. These kids are often hard for teachers to understand and to motivate. After reading this book, I feel more motivated as a teacher to try harder.

The author's strength, bravery, and honesty is amazing and admirable.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to everyone-- but especially if you work with children in need.



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Review: A Cotswold Killing by Rebecca Tope

A Cotswold Killing by Rebecca Tope

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Not bad. Parts of it I found unrealistic, and the main character was a bit whiny in parts, but overall a fun mystery that didn't require too much deep thought.

I listened to the audible version of this-- I liked the narrator a lot.



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Review: Death of a Gossip (Hamish Macbeth, #1) by MC Beaton

Death of a Gossip by M.C. Beaton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This was recommended to me by a friend that also enjoys mysteries set in the UK... I enjoyed the laid back character of Hamish Macbeth-- but was greatly annoyed at the silliness of Alice. It struck me that she didn't seem so ridiculous at the beginning of the book, but seemed to get dumber as the story continued.


Overall a good book. I will certainly give #2 a look.

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Review: Faithful Unto Death by Caroline Graham

Faithful Unto Death by Caroline Graham

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I am a HUGE fan of the Midsomer Murders TV show which is based off these books. And I have read one of the other Caroline Graham books-- which I really enjoyed. I listened to this audiobook, and didn't enjoy it as much as the other CG book I read. Maybe these books are just better when read?

I am also not a fan of the character of Det. Troy in this book. I realize characters are changed when TV shows are made from stories-- and I am GLAD that Gavin Troy's was changed for the show. His character in the book is rather despicable.

I still look forward to reading more of these stories-- but I think from now on I will READ them, and not listen. That being said, the narrator was fine. That is not the reason I didn't especially LOVE the book.



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Up Next: The Paris Wife by Paula McClain

From Amazon.com:


Paula McLain on The Paris Wife

Most of us know or think we know who Ernest Hemingway was -- a brilliant writer full of macho swagger, driven to take on huge feats of bravery and a pitcher or two of martinis -- before lunch. But beneath this man or myth, or some combination of the two, is another Hemingway, one we’ve never seen before. Hadley Richardson, Hemingway’s first wife, is the perfect person to reveal him to us -- and also to immerse us in the incredibly exciting and volatile world of Jazz-age Paris.

The idea to write in Hadley’s voice came to me as I was reading Hemingway’s memoir, A Moveable Feast, about his early years in Paris. In the final pages, he writes of Hadley, “I wished I had died before I ever loved anyone but her.” That line, and his portrayal of their marriage -- so tender and poignant and steeped in regret -- inspired me to search out biographies of Hadley, and then to research their brief and intense courtship and letters -- they wrote hundreds and hundreds of pages of delicious pages to another!

I couldn’t help but fall in love with Hadley, and through her eyes, with the young Ernest Hemingway. He was just twenty when they met, handsome and magnetic, passionate and sensitive and full of dreams. I was surprised at how much I liked and admired him -- and before I knew it, I was entirely swept away by their gripping love story.

I hope you will be as captivated by this remarkable couple as I am -- and by the fascinating world of Paris in the 20’s, the fast-living, ardent and tremendously driven Lost Generation.

Suggestions Box

Well, while we wait on Justy Mac to catch up (post her Water for Elephants post, and read Bossypants)... I think this is a great time to take suggestions on what we should read next. So far we have read 2 bestsellers, and 2 memoir-esque books.

So what next?

Post your suggestions!

Oh yeah, here is my review of Bossypants...

Bossypants by Tina Fey

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


What do I think? I think I want to be Tina Fey!
Hilarious! I really liked this one!

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Bossypants

I <3 Tina Fey!

That is all.

Water for Elephants~ S. Dub's review

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Beautifully written... exquisite detail... an amazing story and a wild adventure! LOVED it!



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Discussion Questions--
*WARNING* CONTAINS SPOILERS!!

1. To what extent do the chapters concerning the elderly Jacob enhance the chapters recounting the young Jacob’s experiences with the Benzini Brothers circus? In what ways do the chapters about the young Jacob contribute to a deeper understanding of the elderly Jacob’s life?

Well, after reading all of the events that occurred in the 3 months that the main part of the story takes place, you can certainly understand why he might not remember exactly how old he is! I think it is important for the older Jacob to have these memories (even if he is starting to forget a few things), especially as he is alone in the world. Sure he has his kids, grandkids-- but it is obvious that they are not close-- and as he says later, he is not really a part of their lives anymore. I think the older Jacob clings to these memories, perhaps as a way of remembering Marlena, but also to remind himself that he is, for all purposes, a survivor. Sure he is old now, and wobbly-- but he has endured so much in his long life! No way a wheelchair, walker, or forgetful son will slow him down now!

2. How does the novel’s epigraph, the quote from Dr. Seuss’s Horton Hatches the Egg, apply to the novel? What are the roles and importance of faithfulness and loyalty in Water for Elephants? In what ways does Gruen contrast the antagonisms and cruelties of circus life with the equally impressive loyalties and instances of caring?

The epigraph is perfect! It perfectly describes Rosie. 100% loyal-- no matter what beatings she took-- and even the times that Jacob felt he let her down because he wasn't there to stop August-- she recognized in him the caring and love he had for her. And in the end, Rosie is the one that defends not only herself, but Jacob and Marlena as well. As cruel as the circus and it's ways and people could be, they were a family. You look after your family, you fight with your family, you trust and distrust your family.... Rosie was loyal to Jacob, and in the end, he was eternally loyal to her.

3. Who did you, upon reading the prologue, think murdered August? What effect did that opening scene of chaos and murder have on your reception of the story that follows?

I admit, I thought it was Marlena that had killed August. Through the rest of the story I kept waiting for that bit to come back around-- I knew it would eventually. And I certainly would not have blamed Marlena if she had killed him. Especially when she found out she was pregnant. I could see where she might view this as the only way. In the end though, I'm glad it wasn't her and that it was Rosie. Rosie had just as much reason as Marlena or Jacob for sure, and some how I doubt animals feel guilt, at least not like people do.

4. In connection with Jacob’s formal dinner with August and Marlena in their stateroom, Jacob remarks, “August is gracious, charming, and mischievous” (page 93). To what extent is this an adequate characterization of August? How would you expand upon Jacob’s observation? How would you characterize August? Which situations in the novel reveal his true character?

At that point in the story I'd say it IS an adequate description. However, as the story goes on, and August's character is revealed further, I think Jacob (and the reader) certainly add to their initial thoughts. He is crazy. Apparently he is a paranoid schizophrenic, but I'm not even sure that does justice or even explains his immense cruelty. One thing can be said for him, he is not biased as to who he beats (physically and emotionally)... from his wife, to Jacob, to the animals-- he is a maniac. I think I felt better through all the tales of his insaness knowing that he gets what's coming to him in the end.

5. August says of Marlena, “Not everyone can work with liberty horses. It’s a God-given talent, a sixth sense, if you will” (page 94). Both August and Jacob recognize Marlena’s skills, her “sixth sense,” in working with the horses. In what ways does that sixth sense attract each man? How do August and Jacob differ in terms of the importance each places on Marlena’s abilities?

As a trained vet Jacob also has a sixth sense with animals. This is shows through not only Rosie, but other animals-- Bobo for example. Jacob and Marlena are very similar in many ways. You can certainly understand why someone so caring and amazing with animals would be attractive to a vet. August, on the other hand-- I feel he is attracted to Marlena simply for status' sake. She is beautiful and talented, and sure to attract a LOT of attention. August seems to seek out attention-- both good and bad. And as she was considerably younger than he-- not only is she like a prize, but more easily manipluated by him.

6. After Jacob puts Silver Star down, August talks with him about the reality of the circus. “The whole thing’s illusion, Jacob,” he says, “and there’s nothing wrong with that. It’s what people want from us. It’s what they expect” (page 104). How does Gruen contrast the worlds of reality and illusion in the novel? Is there anything wrong with pandering to people’s need for illusion? Why do we crave the illusions that the circus represents?

It seems few things in life are ever what they seem. As for events like the circus, or the lives of celebrities, etc... I think people realize how fake it all is. But as August says, it's what people want. Everyone wants to escape their own lives from time to time-- to be wowed and amazed! Often times though, reality is more chaotic than fantasy. Look at the end of the book-- here's Jacob stuck with no job, no degree, a pregnant girlfriend, a dozen horses, an orangutan, and an elephant-- and murderous elephant at that. And that is ANOTHER thing he has-- Rosie's secret. To use Rubes, the circus represents the impossible-- people flying through the air, walking on wires, riding on and performing with exotic WILD animals... not to mention the romantic notion of life on the road- part of a caravan of performers and workers. Nothing to tie you down and hold you to a certain place. Freedom.

7. Reflecting on the fact that his platitudes and stories don’t hold his children’s interest, the elderly Jacob notes, “My real stories are all out of date. So what if I can speak firsthand about the Spanish flu, the advent of the automobile, world wars, cold wars, guerrilla wars, and Sputnik—that’s all ancient history now. But what else do I have to offer?” (page 110). How might we learn to appreciate the stories and life lessons of our elders and encourage people younger than ourselves to appreciate our own?

Life is a lesson we can constantly learn from. I personally love to hear stories my 95 year old grandmother tells of her life and struggles. But I am also a person that loves history-- I would love to teach nothing but social studies to the 5th graders I work with. I recognize that this is usually their least favorite subject-- and I relish in the challenge of showing them how fascinating it can be. And showing them that they are living in history right now-- that one day their kids and grandkids will ask them about events they witnessed and lived through. Of course there is also the whole "we can learn from past mistakes" -- which it seems we rarely do... perhaps because we are not paying attention to these old timers' tales like we should be.

8. Looking at himself in the mirror, the old Jacob tries “to see beyond the sagging flesh.” But he claims, “It’s no good.... I can’t find myself anymore. When did I stop being me?” (page 111). How would you answer that question for Jacob or any individual, or for yourself?

I think everyone goes through times in life when they lose themselves, or do not recognize who they have become. Perhaps this is stronger later in life... I'll get back to you on that one!  :)   For the character of Jacob, he has gained and then consequently lost so much through his life. And after all the years of excitement-- during both circus shows, raising a family, life with exotic animals.... to be stuck in a wheelchair in the lobby of his nursing home, forgotten by seemingly everyone, I can see how he would feel lost.

9. After Jacob successfully coaches August in Polish commands for Rosie, he observes, “It’s only when I catch Rosie actually purring under August’s loving ministrations that my conviction starts to crumble. And what I’m left looking at in its place is a terrible thing” (page 229). What is Jacob left “looking at,” how does it pertain to August’s personality and Jacob’s relationship with August, and what makes it a “terrible thing”?

I think Jacob is afraid that Rosie has, as he did, fallen for August's manipulations. At first Jacob pretty much befriends August-- he dines with him, goes out with him, etc. But more and more he sees what August is really like, and I'm sure feels somewhat foolish for believing in him at first. I think he is afraid that Rosie has done the same. Luckily though, Rosie is NOT as dumb as a bag of hammers, and can see through the manipulation. Animals are usually smarter than humans on this point.

10.  How did you react to the redlighting of Walter and Camel, and eight others, off the trestle? How might we see Uncle Al’s cutthroat behavior as “an indictment of a lifetime spent feigning emotions to make a buck” (in the words of one reviewer)?

I was horrified! Of course, after all the attention drawn to the act of redlighting, I suppose it was inevitable that it would happen to one or more of the main characters. This is going to sound horrible, but I was SO relieved when I found out Queenie was spared! I have always had a hard time with books that feature cruelty or death to animals-- and lord knows this book had both! I think the saving of Queenie helped restore my faith a bit. As for Uncle Al, I'm not so sure he wasn't as crazy (or more so!) than August. It is clear that his employees (whom I have already mentioned function more like a family) meant nothing to him. But in the end...well, karma is a bitch!

11. After the collapse of the Benzini Brothers circus and Uncle Al’s having“done a runner” (page 314), Jacob realizes, “Not only am I unemployed and homeless, but I also have a pregnant woman, bereaved dog, elephant, and eleven horses to take care of” (page 317). What expectations did you entertain for Jacob and Marlena’s—and their menagerie’s—future after they leave the Benzini Brothers circus? How do the elderly Jacob’s memories of Marlena and their life together confirm or alter those expectations?

I figured they would join another show-- at least for awhile. I wondered though, if her pregnancy would cause a problem with this plan. I was glad to find that it did not. I knew that they had had many more loving years together. I am in awe of their love story!

11. At the end of the novel, Jacob exclaims, “So what if I’m ninety-three?...why the hell shouldn’t I run away with the circus?” (page 331). What would you project to be the elderly Jacob’s experiences after he runs away with the circus the second time? How does his decision reflect what we have learned about his early years?

First of all, I agree-- why shouldn't he run away with them? I like to imagine that he had many more fulfilling years as the ticket seller. And that he was able to regail many more younger circus folk with his fascinating take-- probably leaving Rosie's secret out this time.

12.  In the words of one reviewer, Water for Elephants “explores...the pathetic grandeur of the Depression-era circus.” In what ways and to what extent do the words “pathetic grandeur” describe the world that Gruen creates in her novel?

I think it is certainly an apt description. Many thing during this era were certainly "pathetic." But what better entertainment during this dark era than the magical menagerie of a small circus? For people during this time, that small, desperate circus probably was the grandest thing they had ever seen. And I like to think that it gave people hope and inspiration. Of course, had they known the reality of that lifestyle-- the drinking, fighting, red lighting, even just the injustice if the social classes within the circus itself-- I'm not sure how hopeful the audiences would have been.

1st to Die by James Patterson

1st to Die by James Patterson

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Poor writing, somewhat annoying narration... not a favorite for me...



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Magical Menagerie

I am almost halfway done with Water for Elephants and I am still LOVING it! I am very impressed with this author's style of writing. And while I envision Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon, I have no trouble making up the other images in my imagination. (And REALLY, it's not too stressful to picture RP or RW!)

Normally I really struggle with books that contain animal cruelty... I just CAN'T read them. But I am doing surprisingly well with this one... I just keep telling myself, "It's ONLY a book! Those animals never existed!" (Though in my head, and heart, I know that animals are often not treated well at these venues).

I am very anxious to see how the plot turns out-- AND to see the movie for comparison! I mean, I GUESS I can watch Robert and Reese for a couple of hours... if I HAVE to!

;-)

Water for Elephants

Just had to drop a line... I have only read 2 chapters so far, but WHOA! What fantastic, descriptive writing! I am already loving this book. SO glad we decided to read it!

{Water for Elephants}

After much thought I have decided that this book will be my next choice. When will I start this book? I hope to begin by the end of the week. I am going to be passing my Nook onto my husband. Before you panic, I am passing it on because I am getting an iPad THIS WEEK!!!! We ordered it on March 31, also known as My Birthday, but it won't ship until tomorrow..... Crazy, right?? Well anyway once I have it set up I will be using it as an e-reader too! Have you read this book? Do you have any thoughts on it? Discussion questions? Please share!

Happy Reading!!

-Justy

yes, i'm still here....

OH MY!! I have completely been neglecting my reading time. Life has been rather hectic with school craziness, sick children and husband, and studying. Yes, STUDYING!!! What am I studying for? I am taking the School Leaders Licensure Assessment in June. Am I crazy? Yes, probably. I should have done this a long time ago as it is something I am very interested in. However, I will save all that for another post.

 

Books I have read since last time:

• Unbearable Lightness by Portia De Rossi
• Look Again by Lisa Scottoline
• Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler
• Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Chelsea Handler
• Life Laughs by Jenny McCarthy

 

I downloaded "The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo" but haven't started it yet. I would also like to read "Water for Elephants".

 

Thoughts?

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

Anyone that teaches school, or is thinking about teaching school, is a parent, or has ANY interaction with children NEEDS to read this book. It is honest, eye-opening, hilarious, and even a touch sad in sections. It really makes you aware what it is like for children (or adults) with ADHD.

I give this book 5/5 stars

Link to Goodreads

Unbearable Lightness: Finished!

So I finally finished Unbearable Lightness by Portia DeRossi! It didn't take me forever and day because the book was bad or slow or anything like that... I just lost my reading train of thought for awhile. Plus things got hectic at home and school, which interfered with my reading time.

I liked this book a lot. As I said before, I do not typically read biographies, or even a lot of nonfiction for that matter. I like to be taken away from the real world when I read. That said, I did enjoy this book. I commented before about the author's complete honesty-- and this held true until the end.

My only negative is that parts of the book seemed very repetitive. I found myself feeling like I was reading the same line over and over. I think Ms. DeRossi's writing is great, I feel the editing could have been better.

Still I would recommend this book for anyone dealing with an eating disorder (your own or someone else's), or even anyone that is just a fan of Portia or even Ellen.

I gave this book 4/5 stars

Still Here!

Whew! Things have gotten a bit crazy in the last couple of weeks! School has been NUTS-- as have the kids! The hubby and I also joined a gym-- so that has eaten into my reading time a bit-- but I have also lost 6 lbs, so it's worth it I guess.  :)

Right now Justy Mac and I are reading Unbearable Lightness by Portia De Rossi. I don't usually read biographies or autobiographies, so this is something different.

So far (I am about 30% done), I am enjoying the book. It deals with the author's battle with weight, self-esteem, and eating disorders. I am familiar with Ms. De Rossi from Ally McBeal mainly. (I never really got into Arrested Development). I find she writes very well-- she is thoughtful and, at times, painfully honest.

I guess my biggest shock so far is how she describes the set and cast of Ally. I LOVED that show, and while her character ("Subzero Nell") was a complete BEYOTCH, it certainly added to the show's quirky characters. I always envisioned them as buddies off-set as well. Apparently this was not the case. Not that they were not friendly to each other, but they just didn't hang out, or really talk much it seems.

I am also impressed more so with her acting after reading what I have. I imagined she was just as confident (though not as hateful) as Nell. Turns out it is quite the opposite. I have always found Portia De Rossi to be beautiful- so her low self image is intriguing.

Has anyone else read this book? Thoughts? Opinions?

On a sidenote, I just finished a GREAT audiobook-- A Red Herring Without Mustard by Alan Bradley. This is the 3rd in the Flavia DeLuce mysteries. I LOVE these books and the way they are written-- but I especially LOVE the woman that narrates the audiobooks, Jayne Entwistle. This is a series that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

The Help: Discussion Questions

**WARNING** May contain spoilers!! If you haven't read the book-- you might want to wait to read my answers!

1. Who was your favorite character? Why?


This is a tough question! I really liked all of the 3 main characters for different reasons. Even the characters I didn't "like" were very well developed and written. Skeeter might be my MOST favorite character. She was viewed by her friends as awkward, brainy, and reserved. But in reality, she was more confident and courageous than any of them could ever dream of being. Just goes to show how little some people really get to know their "friends."


I think some of my favorite Abileen moments occurred with Mae Mobely. I loved the stories of "Martian Luther King" and how she was always telling MM that she is special and smart. Having taught kids that have grown up in homes like MM's, I know how important these few words can be. I often have students too, who have been brought up in moderately racist homes-- so teaching the Civil Rights era is often eye-opening for some of them. Can I change all of their minds? No. But I do try to make it clear that this is a choice that THEY get to make. This is not one of the things parents can decide for you.




2. What do you think motivated Hilly? On one hand she’s so unpleasant to Aibileen and her own help, as well as to Skeeter once she realizes she can’t control her. But she’s a wonderful mother. Do you think you can be a good mother but at the same time a deeply flawed person?


I think overall Hilly is a miserable person. I think she is probably in a marriage that she doesn't really want to be in. Perhaps she never got over Johnny ditching her, and just grabbed the first available "appropriate" spouse-- maybe to make Johnny jealous? She is having kids because that is what is EXPECTED. It helps her keep this "perfect" image. This of course is completely opposite of the route that Skeeter takes. And I view Skeeter as a much happier person-- even though she has to deal with all of Hilly's nonsense.


Yes, I do think a person can be a good mother (or parent) but be deeply flawed. Again, as a teacher, I see this all the time. Unfortunately, these parents tend to teach their children (often through example) to be just like them. And of course, it can work the other way too-- be an amazing person, and a lousy parent.


3. Like Hilly, Skeeter’s mother is a prime example of someone deeply flawed yet somewhat sympathetic. She seems to care for Skeeter – and she also seems to have very real feelings for Constantine. Yet the ultimatum she gives to Constantine is untenable. And most of her interaction with Skeeter is critical. Do you think Skeeter’s mother is a sympathetic or unsympathetic character? Why?


Again, I think she is just doing what is expected of her by society. Unlike Hilly, I don't think she is in a miserable marriage, nor do I think she had children just because she was expected to. But I think she maybe sees Skeeter and is a bit envious of what she is going to be able to do with her life. Instead of being a housewife/ mom, Skeeter can move to the big city and get  a job and be her own person.


Her mother certainly becomes more sympathetic when diagnosed with cancer. But I also think she becomes more who she really is, or rather SHOWS Skeeter more who she is during this time. She seems to become less critical-- maybe because she is just so exhausted, or maybe because she wants Skeeter to see how she really is/ feels. Through all of her silly ways, you can see she just wants the best for Skeeter and for both of her kids to be happy.




4. How much of a person’s character do you think is shaped by the times in which they live?


I think a LOT. Most people do not want to be viewed as different or radical. It is human nature to want to be accepted by others. Luckily we do get the rare people who not only THINK something different, but they try to DO something about it. And I don't just mean opinionated people that always speak their minds-- those people are usually just all talk. I mean the people that risk it all-- career, reputation, even their life to try to make a difference- to try to make society better.


The Civil Rights era brought MANY examples of this- both good and bad. Of course we have Martin Luther King, Jr. but we also had the other side-- governors of these southern states, police chiefs in these towns (like Bull Connor)... I always try to remember that without these "bad" (though I choose to say they are uneducated and ignorant) people, the "good" (educated and brave) people could never have achieved what they did. I very much believe in fate-- everything happens for a reason. Sadly this era brought forth many tragic and seemingly senseless deaths-- MLK of course, but also lesser known african americans and also white "freedom fighters" such as Rev. Jonathan Daniels.


5. Did it bother you that Skeeter is willing to overlook so many of Stuart’s faults so that she can get married, and it’s not until he literally gets up and walks away that the engagement falls apart?


Not really. First of all, even if he had stayed, I don't think it would ever have worked out. Secondly, her mother lay upstairs dying-- I think Skeeter wanted to do SOMETHING to make her mother's last days happy and give her some hope.


6. Do you think Minny was justified in her distrust of white people?


Well, sure! Think of everything she had seen growing up in the deep south. For all the good relationships she might have seen, they were totally overshadowed by the horrible things. And how many times do you think she was lied to through the years-- and lied ABOUT! Sometimes I think that is worse. Lie to me, not good but ok-- lie ABOUT me to others and oh! It's ON!


7. Do you think that had Aibileen stayed working for Miss Elizabeth, that Mae Mobley would have grown up to be racist like her mother? Do you think racism is inherent, or taught?


I totally think Mae Mobley would NOT have been racist-- and I choose to think that because of all that Abileen did for and with Mae Mobley, she STILL won't be racist.


I firmly believe racism is taught. Children hear their parents making racial slurs, telling racist jokes, and making overall negative generalizations about another race. Children look up to and model their parents (and other important adults in their lives). Children are taught to think that their parents know best and are always right. As I said above, I have many student raised in racist environments, and these kids are often SHOCKED when they see videoes and pictures from the Civil Rights era. "How could people treat other humans that way?!" This is usually a response to physical and violent abuse they see. But they are often just as appalled by the verbal abuse. Ironically, this is the same they have grown up with at home.


8. From the perspective of a 21st century reader, the hair shellac system that Skeeter undergoes seems ludicrous. Yet women still alter their looks in rather peculiar ways as the definition of “beauty” changes with the times. Looking back on your past, what’s the most ridiculous beauty regimen you ever underwent?


HMMmmmm... I guess when I first started highlighting my hair, it was still the pull-through- the-cap method-- which was insanely painful! Nowadays it's the foil method, which really does look ridiculous. I often sit at the salon on color days, looking around at all of us ladies in our aluminum best and wonder, "If an alien walked in, or even a person from a third world country, WHAT would they think?!"


9. The author manages to paint Aibileen with a quiet grace and an aura of wisdom about her. How do you think she does this?


Abileen tends to keep her thoughts INSIDE her head (instead of OUT of her mouth like Minny). Even Skeeter is expressing her thoughts-- mainly through writing, but even verbally at some points. Abileen appears resigned to her life- at least to people like Elizabeth and Hilly-- but little do they know!


It's like the old saying about always being  aware of the quiet ones!




10. Do you think there are still vestiges of racism in relationships where people of color work for people who are white? Have you heard stories of someone who put away their valuable jewelry before their nanny comes – so they trust this person to look after their child, but not their diamond rings?


Oh sure! And there is still plenty of just old-fashioned racism in the south. Nationally I think a lot of racism, and behavior like mentioned in this question, are focused more on hispanics. Unfortuanately it is hard to trust ANYONE in today's world-- but there are just as many "nice respectable" white folks that do things just as bad as the minorities.


11. What did you think about Minny’s pie for Miss Hilly? Would you have gone as far as Minny did for revenge?

Well, I despised Hilly as a person, so I think the pie was HILARIOUS! Would I ever go that far-- no. I am not nearly as brave as Minny!

Discussion Questions for "The Help"

Yes, I am finally getting around to this!!! I kept promising and telling Ms. SDub that I would get on this... Then in true Justy fashion I would forget. So here I go... Please forgive any spelling and grammatical errors!

Which character do you feel you are most like? Why?
Woo-wee!! This one was so hard for me. I really had to do some comparing and contrasting and here is what I have come up with. I feel I am a combonation of Aibileen and Ms. Celia. Forgive me if my explanation is long winded. It is hard to put into words why I chose these two characters. Let me begin with Ms. Celia. She is described as somewhat of a ditzy blonde that can't do anything domestic. I don't feel this side of her is what I relate to. The side of Ms. Celia I can relate to is her longing to "fit in". She desperately wants to be a part of Ms. Hilly's circle. She offers to help with the Junior League Banquet... She calls everyday... Now the reason I can relate to this is because of where I work. Let me explain. I work with some of the BEST teachers in the state. I truly mean that. I have been in several schools and I have never encountered a group that cares about teaching and learning like our staff does. Here is my thing though. These ladies have all lived in the same town together, many went to high school together, some even went to college together. They all know each other and their families. I came into this town as a "transplant". I am at a disadvantage simply because I didn't grow up there and do not know many people outside of who I work with. There are many days where I just want to "fit in". Does this make sense???? These girls go out together, have dinner together, go to concerts, etc. I have mentioned that I would like to do things with them but it just hasn't ever really happened. Now, don't misunderstand me. This is not intended to be a pity post at all!!!!! This is just how I feel I can relate to Ms. Celia just wanting to belong somewhere. I hope that makes sense??? Like I said it's hard for me to put it into words!!

Whew!! That took alot for me to write that out. I'm not a good writer and it's hard for me to make sure the words I am typing convey my feelings properly. UGH! I need to work on this! I will come back later and write about Ms. Aibileen.

Happy Reading!!!

SO CLOSE!

I only have 38 more pages of The Help! (I know-- you are thinking, "Well, it's ABOUT time!") I had to force myself to stop reading at 11:30 last night when it became clear that I would not be out of school for snow. I am DYING to finish it up! I have enjoyed it all along-- but man! It really gets GOOD during these last 100 pages!

And Oh, Minny! Love her!

SO-- I WILL be done tonight! And I will be answering my discussion questions SOON!