I've recently read a couple of amazing books I thought I'd share:
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
This book took some serious balls (and talent) to pull off. A white woman writing in 1st person from the POV of two different Southern black maids in 1963? I doubt I'd have the guts to attempt it. There is such potential for things to go so, so wrong. Luckily for us, the author is not only brave enough, but skilled as all hell, because I can't remember feeling such adoration for a character in a long time. The way she captured each of the three voices (2 maids and a well-to-do white woman who takes an interest in their stories) was just...well, I'm not one to gush, but they felt so real. The novel the theme of racism head-on without ever once falling into the same old tropes.
Real Life and Liars by Kristina Riggle
Okay, so here's another book with several different POVs interweaving into one cohesive story. The Zielinski family has some problems understanding one another, which is all too apparent when they get together. I loved pot-smoking hippie matriarch Mira right away--her attitude just appealed to me. So much so that at times I forgot she was dying of cancer. Each of her three children have their own issues, but I rooted for all of them to get it together. They felt, at all times, like a real family. Aside from the characters, her prose is lovely and full of little insights. It drew me in right away.
Both of these books are well worth your time. And you know I'd never steer you wrong.
12 comments:
I've got Real Life and Liars sitting on deck on my nightstand. I'd never heard of The Help, but I'll definitely go get it!
I'm getting ready to send out my first full on Murder on Twilight Circle. How's life in the submission world treating you?
Wow, those both sound great. I recently read an interview with Kristina Riggle and I thought it looks great.
Debra--The submission world is slow! GL on your full.
Melanie--Yep, she did a good job. She also has excellent taste in what she reads. (She was my Literary Mama editor for one of my short stories. Ha!)
The first one sounds particularly great. I'll write both titles down now. Thanks, Wendy!
I like the concept of Real Life & Liars. Thanks for the suggestions!
I almost picked up The Help the other day. Now I have to.
I thought The Help was one of the best books I ever read. And it's the author's first novel!
I did a review of it too - I read it in one day. Could not put it down.
I read The Help, but have not read the other novel! I'll check it out.
Both of those books sound really interesting. I love unique points of view. I really want to read that first one. How interesting!
I'm amazon'ing Real Life and Liars.... that sounds interesting....thanks!
Real Life and Liars sounds great, thanks for the tip.
Aww, thanks, Wendy!
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