The Help

Title: The Help
Author:  Kathryn Stockett
Finished: January 28, 2011
Edition: ebook

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Kathryn Stocket was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi,  The help is her debut novel and according to Kathryn's web site soon to be a major motion picture from Dreamworks.  Kathryn currently lives in Atlanta with her husband and daughter.

SUMMARY

The Help takes place in Jackson, Mississippi, "The South", Kennedy is President and coloured folk just aren't as good as the whites.

This story is about three women:

Miss Skeeter, a white woman, has just graduated from college, and wants to be a writer.   Miss Skeeter is a daring young woman who chooses to question the black people are treated. Miss Skeeter has lived a sheltered life and doesn't quite realize how dangerous it is in the south at this perilous time of "change", but she does know that there is something wrong when the black woman who raised her and loved her and who Miss Skeeter loves back, cannot even use the same bathroom as her.

Aibileen, is a black maid who works for Miss Skeeter's friend Elizabeth Leefolt.  Aibileen's son died in a work related accident while his white boss stood by and did nothing to help him.  Aibileen is tired of the "white ways".  There is something boiling inside her since her son died but she never lets it out.  Aibileen is raising the white child Mae Mobley Leefolt, Mae is the 17th white child Aibileen has raised and knows the clean, pure feelings the child has for her will change once her mother's bigoted seeds are planted in the child's mind.

Minni, is Aibileen's best friend, she took care of Aibileen after her son passed away.  Came every day to ensure that she was still breathing and brought her dinner.  Minni is also a maid who works for Miss Hilly's mother.  Miss Hilly is another friend of Miss Skeeter's.  Minni works hard but just doesn't seem to know her place and has a sassy mouth that gets her into trouble according to Aibileen.  Miss Hilly fires Minni and spreads a lie through town so no one will hire her again.  Thanks to Aibileen, Minni gets a new job working for a white woman who is too new in town, to know about Minni.  Minni soon realizes that her new employer doesn't seem to know the "white rules", and that her new employer has a secret of her own.

Miss Skeeter wants to be a journalist, wants people to read her written work, and has come up with an idea for a project that would shock anyone she knows.  To complete this project Aibileen and Minni must help her, something that just isn't done in Jackson, Mississippi, putting them all at risk.


MY THOUGHTS

I read The Help for the Take a Chance Challenge.
Even though I was in the middle of reading A Dangerous Fortune, I'd joined the Take a Chance Challenge and was quite anxious to know which book I would be reading first.  Last Friday after work I took a trip to the local Chapters, walked down to the very back of the store, that is where the Staff Pick section is.  It didn't take me long to make my decision, it was so quick I cannot even tell you what else was on the shelf in that section.  I saw The Help, liked the look of the cover, picked it up read the back and I knew I had my book.  Headed home to download my new book for my Kobo.

Now reading on my Kobo I don't really have a good sense of when my book is coming to an end. What does she mean you ask?  Well my machine told me I had two more chapters to go, I flipped the page and found the Acknowledgements and was heart broken that I couldn't spend more time with Aibileen, Minni and Skeeter.  I did not want this book to end.  I cannot tell you enough how much I loved The Help.
The Help is definitely a keeper and will be listed as a to be read again.  Oh can I start now. ;)

My Rating:  5/5

Signing off till next time
L

A Dangerous Fortune

Title:        A Dangerous Fortune
Author:    Ken Follett
Finished: January 24, 2011
Edition :  ebook

SUMMARY

A Dangerous Fortune is set in the late 19th century and the story revolves around the Pillaster's, a prominent banking family in England.  The story beginnings at an English school where two young Pillaster boys attend when a tragedy occurs. This tragedy sends the Pillaster boys Hugh and Edward, their friends, acquaintances and family down a spiraling road of love, hate, lust, intrigue, blackmail and drama.


MY THOUGHTS

This book was my introduction to Ken Follett.  I've had Pillars of the Earth on my to be read list for a long time, but never seemed to get around to reading it.  My husband and I watched the mini series over our Christmas vacation and really enjoyed it.  I felt it was too soon to read the book so I looked for another one, A Dangerous Fortune is what I chose.

I had mixed feelings about this book, maybe it was my mood.  On the front cover it states that this book is a page turner. It was a slow paced, drawn out book. 

I rate this book 2.5/5

Signing off till next time.
L

Slow-Cooker Chestnut Stew

I have to admit I didn't have time to work with chestnuts, so I used water chestnuts instead.  They were crunchy and added a nice texture to this meal.  I will definitely try this recipe again with the chestnuts when I have more time. 

This stew was cooked in the slow cooker for 7 hours, placed in the refrigerator overnight and warmed for supper the next day.  Extremely flavourful.

This recipe was found in Tosca Reno's The East-Clean Diet Cookbook.  Trust me there is nothing diet tasting about this dish.


INGREDIENTS

3 lbs lean, boneless bison or beef, cut into 1 inch chunks ( I used beef )
1/3 cup flour of your choice ( I used whole wheat )
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp dried oregano crumbled
1 tbsp dried basil crumbled
3 tbsp olive oil
1 large sweet onion, peeled and chopped fine
4 cloves garlic, passed through a garlic press
2 thick carrots, peeled and chopped
2 thick parsnips, peeled and chopped
4 ribs celery, trimmed and chopped
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 cup of steamed chestnuts, chopped ( I one can of water chestnuts )
1 tbsp tomato paste ( I didn't use this ingredient )
3 cups water, beef or vegetable stock  ( I used vegetable stock )


PREPARATION

In a container with a lid, place the flour, sea salt, pepper, oregano and basil.  Put the lid on the container and shake.  Now add the cubed meat and shake again to coat each piece with flour and seasonings.  Set aside.

In a large skillet, place olive oil and set over medium-high heat. Remove the meat cubes from the flour mixture one at a time.  This ensures no excess of flour, and the coating on each cube will not be disturbed.  Place the meat in the skillet.  You may have to brown it in batches.  Once the meat is nicely browned, remove from the skillet.  Place the meat in the bowl of a slow cooker.  Add all remaining ingredients to the slow cooker, mix gently and set to high.   Cook covered for 6 hours.  Serve hot!

Signing off till next time.
L

Room

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emma Donoghue was born in Dublin in 1969.  Emma is an award winning writer and is currently living in Canada with her family.  To visit her web site please click  HERE.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

To five-year-old Jack, Room is the entire world. It's where he was born and where he and his Ma eat and play and learn. At night, Ma puts him safely to sleep in the wardrobe, in case Old Nick comes.


Room is home to Jack, but to Ma, it's the prison where Old Nick has kept her for seven years, since she was nineteen. Through ingenuity and determination, Ma has created a life for herself and her son, but she knows it's not enough for either of them. Jack's curiosity is building alongside Ma's desperation -- and Room can't contain either of them for much longer...

Told entirely in the inventive, often funny voice of Jack, Room is a celebration of the resilient bond between parent and child, and a brilliantly executed novel about a journey from one world to another.

MY THOUGHTS

When this book was first being talked about, prior to it being available for purchase, there was quite a hype and everyone was chomping at the bit for it to be released.  I'm usually one of those people but something was holding me back.  What?, you ask.  I'm not really sure.  Then the reviews started pouring onto the net and I was intrigued.  I purchased the book but had to wait to read it, I had another book on the go and a couple in the to be read pile.

I started the book close to the end of my Christmas vacation and was pleased to have a page turner in my hands.

This story is told through the voice of a young boy named Jack who lives in "Room".  He knows nothing of his hardships because his Ma has spent five years protecting him from the reality of their lives.  After Jack's fifth birthday we start to learn the circumstances surrounding their situation as his mother's need to leave "Room" increases for both their sakes.  Unbeknownst to our young story teller there is a whole world outside of "Room", which has become a comfortable cocoon like environment for him with routine, structure and the protection of four very close walls.  It takes a special person like Ma to keep the horror of her life in "Room" from her young son for 5 years until she realizes that he may be her only hope.

This was an exceptionally well told story.  Many times throughout this book I found myself saying that Jack doesn't need to know so much from his mother, that he was treated more like a friend and confidant, not a five year old boy.  I've tried to imagine myself in her shoes and I suppose I wouldn't have treated my child any differently in the situation that unfolds in this story.

I definitely recommend this book.

Signing off till next time
L.

Thyme-Roasted Chicken with Garlic Gravy

I found this recipe in December/January 2011 Healthy Directions.  I usually pick up the free magazines when I'm in the health food store.

I loved the chicken, I will definitely be make this again.  The house smelled wonderful today. The only thing I didn't do, was crush the garlic into the gravy.

INGREDIENTS

1 chicken (3 1.2 lbs)
10 cloves garlic, peeled
1 tsp dried thyme leaves
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 1/3 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup white wine
4 tbsp flour

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat oven to 325°F
• Roasting pan with rack
• Remove giblets and neck from chicken.  Rinse and pat chicken dry inside and out.  Place 2 cloves of garlic inside cavity.  Starting at cavity opening, gently lift skin and rub thyme, salt and pepper over breasts and legs.  Tie legs together with string;  tuck wings under back.  Add remaining garlic, chicken stock and wine to roasting pan;  place chicken breast side up, on rack in pan.
• Roast in preheated oven, basting every 30 minutes, for 1 3/4 to 2 hours or until pan juices run clear when chicken is pierced and meat thermometer inserted in thigh registers 185°F.
• Transfer to a platter; tent with foil and let stand for 10 minutes before carving.  Meanwhile, strain pan juices, pressing down firmly to mash garlic into juices; skim off fat. 
• In a small saucepan, stir together pan juices and flour; cook, stirring, over medium heat until boiling and thickened.  Serve with chicken.

Signing off till next time.
L.

Canvas Mixed Media Art

It's Sunday and very cold.  Currently it's -17, - 28 with the wind chill, good day to stay inside and keep warm.

My friend Angie started an Art inspired blog,   he{ART} and Soul  a few weeks ago and I thought I would give her first project a try.  I'm not set up for scraping and don't own stamps, so I improvised a  bit.  I'm still very pleased with the result.

David just has to hang it up for me.  Thanks Angie for the inspiring ideas, please keep them coming.

Signing off till next time.
                                      L.

Reading the World Challenge

While browsing though the blog  At Home With Books  I found a Reading Challenge that was very intriguing.  Alyce of At Home With Books, found the challenge at Caribousmom.

This challenge is a personal challenge with no time limits, I will be including books I've already read and adding books that I read in the future. 

I will be breaking Canada down into Provinces and the U.S.A. into States.


Africa

Congo

East of the Sun by Barbara Bickmore

Gambia

Roots by Alex Haley

Morocco

The Tenth Gift by Jane Johnson

Asia

Afghanistan

Tiny Dancer by Anthony Flacco

Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

Swallows of Kabul by Yasmina Khadra

China

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See  (Also Japan and U.S.A.)

Peony In Love by Lisa See

Distant Star by Barbara Bickmore

Snow Flower & The Secret Fan by Lisa See

Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan    (also U.S.A.)

India

Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda  (also U.S.A.)

Iran

Prisoner of Tehran by Marina Nemat

Israel

The Attack by Yasmina Khadra

Japan

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See (also China and U.S.A.)

Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden

Jordan

Honor Lost by Norma Khouri

Leap of Faith by Queen Noor

Russia

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

Europe

France

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Labyrinth by Kate Mosse

Cassandra Lost by Joanna C. Scott

Iceland

Avalon by Anya Seton (also Greenland)

Ireland

Testimony of an Irish Slave Girl by Kate McCafferty (also Barbados)

Italy

Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (also Vatican City)

Monaco

Bridesmaids: Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco and Six Intimate Friends by Judy Quine

Netherlands

Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy  Chevalier

Sweden

Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

United Kingdom

England

Sisters Who Would Be Queen by Leanda De Lisle

Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen

Katherine by Anya Seton

Scotland

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Caledonia by Michael Phillips

Dark Birthright by Jeanne Treat

Vatican City

Angels and Demons by Dan Brown (also Italy)

N. America

Barbados

Testimony of an Irish Slave Girl by Kate McCafferty (also Ireland)

Canada

Newfoundland

Catherine Snow by Nellie P. Strowbridge

Random Passage by Bernice Morgan

Nova Scotia

The Birth House by Ami McKay

Ontario

The Day the Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan

PEI

Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Jamaica

Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton

Greenland

Avalon by Anya Seton (also Iceland)

U.S.A.

California

Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda (also India)

Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan (also China)

Los Angeles

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See (also Japan)

Massachusetts

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent

Mississippi

The Help by Kathryn Stocket  

New York

The Friday Night Knitting Club by

Oklahoma

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

Where the Heart Is by Billie Letts

Oregon

Beyond the Promise by Barbara Bickmore

Rhode Island

Sing You Home by Jodi Picoult   ***NEW***
South Carolina

Secret Life of Bees by Sue Kidd Monk

The Mermaid Chair by Sue Kidd Monk

Tennessee

Dolly by Dolly Parton

Texas

Deep In the Heart by Barbara Bickmore

Oceania

Australia

The Moon Below by Barbara Bickmore

Back of Beyond by Barbara Bickmore

Outback by Aaron Fletcher

S. America

Colombia

Out of Captivity by Gonsalves, Howes, Stansell, Brozek

Signing off till next time

L.