Friday, February 20, 2009

Mississippi Has A New Author !!


Books get me excited!If you follow this blog
that isn't news to you but there is a new book that has me REAL excited!
The book is titled "The Help" a debut novel
by Mississippi Author Kathryn Stockett.
" The Help" was released on February 10,2009. It is getting 5 Star reviews from all who read the Advanced Reader Copies.
When I heard that this new book by Kathryn is already being touted as a Pulitzer Prize Nominee by some and that her writing is being compared to Harper Lee, Carson McCullers, Fannie Flagg and Flannery O'Conner, I sat up and took notice! No........I haven't read the book yet but a brand new copy is on its way to Swiftwater Farm! I spoke with Kathryn and as soon as I've read the book, I am going to do an interview with her on The Writers Porch!

The setting for "The Help" is in Kathryn's hometown, Jackson,Mississippi. Set in the years 1962-1964, a period of racial turmoil in a state that was a hot bed of the Civil Rights era, it is narrated in the voices of three women. Skeeter, a young white woman fresh out of college, Abilene the black woman who works for Skeeters family as hired help, and Minny another black woman who is continually getting fired from her jobs as a cook for white families because of her inability to keep from mouthing off to her white employers. Even though Kathryn wasn't born until
1969, the reviews claim she has captured not only the time and place but also the emotions perfectly! When asked how that was possible for her, she explained that the character Abilene is based on memories of a black woman named Demetrie who worked for her family helping raise two generations of children.
She confesses that she loved Demetrie dearly and kept her memories of her, the stories she told and the sound of her voice buried in the crevices of her soul. That writing Abilene, was like hearing Demetrie's voice again after many years. That along with having a 98 year old Grandfather with a perfect memory, gave her not only the bones but also the meat to create this story.

I was a young girl living in Hattiesburg during this era and I remember well the turmoil of this time in Mississippi history. I also had a black woman in my life, Ruby Hurst who worked for my maternal grandparents. I adored her, as she did me. I have vivid memories of her and the love and kindness she showered me with.I had myself thought of writing about this very subject when I moved back to Mississippi. I went in search of Ruby and was devastated when I discovered she had died in 1998. I wanted so much to tell her how much she was loved by me and now the chance was forever gone! So I am very eager to read " The Help" in hopes it will " help" me recapture
the sound of Ruby's voice!

Congratulations Kathryn on your new book and I look forward to seeing you on The Writers Porch!!


20 comments:

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

I read a review of this book recently. It looks most interesting and I'll look forward to your interview!

Kaye Wilkinson Barley - Meanderings and Muses said...

The Writers Porch is a newly discovered treasure for me, through Vicki Lane.

Welcome, Kathryn! I am very much looking forward to reading "The Help." This is a period of time that is heartbreaking, but fascinating to me. I grew up in one of the small towns the Freedom Riders visited in the 60s, witnessed first hand events which were part of what shaped me into the person I am.

Craig Glenn said...

Can't wait to hear about the book.

Craig

Carol Murdock said...

PT&E..........thanks for coming by!
I have never seen such great reviews on a brand new debut!

Kaye....thank you for the kind words!I lived here in Southern Mississippi from age 10-22 and the Civil Rights Era events shaped me into the person I am today too!
It is truly an era that all Southern Writers need to delve into. I applaud Kathryn for taking such a brave step!

Craig....I can't wait to review it either!I'm really excited about it!

get in here said...

This looks really interesting, thanks!

Sandi McBride said...

Great review!
Sandi

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Oh can't wait to read this one !
What a great job you do, with these reviews....if I was an author, I'd pay you handsomely to review my writings...

steviewren said...

Please let us know what you think when you read the book. I'm always happy to 'find' a new author.

NCmountainwoman said...

Another book to add to my list. The more I read your blog, the longer the list (and stack of books) becomes. Thanks for the heads up.

Femin Susan said...

I HAVEN'T READ THIS BOOK BUT LONG TO READ IT...THANKS FOR SHARING SUCH A BOOK REVIEW..ONE MORE THING TO SAY
I LOVED YOUR STYLE..
CHEERS!

Gutsy Living said...

Your review made me want to buy her book. I'm fascinated that she's able to tell the story as 3 different characters. I can't wait for your interview. Thanks again for a great post.

Tess Kincaid said...

Thanks for the heads up!

Shrinky said...

It sounds a fascinating plot, and I am sure it will prove a wonderful read - I look forward to her interview with you. Please keep us posted..

Femin Susan said...

Thanks for sharing.......This looks really interesting,

Elenka said...

Just found your blog....through 29 Black Street....I also am anxious to read the 'Help' , but unfortunately I have to wait for paperback.

Birdman said...

Been searching out some new(to me)writing blogs and found you this morning. Looks interesting. I'll check this out!

http://pasttimeamainebackyardandbeyond.blogspot.com/

Peggy said...

Oh, another good read to add to my book queue. Can't wait for your interview!

The W.O.W. factor! said...

Pretty soon, I won't be visiting any other blogs! You keep presenting wonderful reading for me to take on!
Heck, I won't even want to garden this year, just snuggle up in the sun and read and read and read!
This book sounds awesome!!

Anonymous said...

I just heard about this book on another blog the other day.
And of course, I will have to order it and somehow find a space for it on my bookshelves.
Terri
http://www.islandwriter.net

Anonymous said...

I just heard about this book on another blog the other day.
And of course, I will have to order it and somehow find a space for it on my bookshelves.
Terri
http://www.islandwriter.net