Obsessed with 1963

When my favorite television show, Mad Men's season ended this fall, I was left hungry for more storylines from this era. I was particularly interested in the complicated relationship between Betty and her maid. As this season concluded, Betty leaves her three children in the care of her maid. I couldn't believe her decision and wondered how the dynamics of that worked.

Soon after, I overheard some friends at work talking about a new book called The Help. They said it also took place in 1963, but this time in the racially segregated plantations of Jackson, Mississippi. This story illuminates the tangled inner workings of wealthy white women and their black help. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on that book.

I stopped to pick it up on our way down to Belleville for Thanksgiving. By the time the turkey came out of the oven… 2 days later… I had devoured every page of the book with pleasure!

My dad suggested that I read Sullivan’s Island next. It also highlights the connection between black maids and the children they look after. This was a great book. My dad said this book was “like going home” to him. He felt a strong connection with the location and family in the story. I love reading books that someone has recommended to me. It makes me feel closer to them.

I have three new books arriving sometime this week. I hope they are as good of reads as these were!