Two Books by Mark Hyman, MD

I read an article by Mark Hyman MD (what a name!) about health, eating, and wellness. It rang so true to me. I reserved the books from the library and read them as they have come in. Ultraprevention was very motivating and explained and confirmed a lot of what I believe about the cycle of eating and health. Ultrametabolism is a great book to start trying to make changes to your diet and your health. I heartily recommend both. Ultramind is next ...

Side note:
My best friend has a myriad of health issues. While reading this book, I kept thinking of her and sending her emails and texts about what I was reading. She asked for the books and read them super Fast! as she had a meeting with her doctor a few days away and wanted more information. She took her questions and queries into the doctor's office. There, she discovered that her doctor had trained with Dr. Hyman and was committed to his plans for wellness. They were able to have a positive validating conversation about wellness and health issues as never before. It gave us both chills. Connection is so important.

Thanks to all my friends who connect with me daily.

A Celebration!!!

After meeting with my friend, Karen, I decided to reread Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth before reading the 2nd installment. I read the original book 20 years ago and you can realize I remembered nothing except enjoying it. I got the book on cd and we ripped it (don't tell). It was 32 cds which should have made me faint, but I started to listen and listen and listen. Six weeks ago, I got the book from the library to try and read some of it. Last night I finished! Yahoo. It took about 8 weeks to listen / read it. Woah!! That was a long time! The story was good - involved and fun, but the writing didn't hold up to me as an adult reader so I was a little sad. My tastes have changed and I'm a better reader and require a little more. I am still going to read the 2nd one, but I am taking a LONG break from any cathedral building. Still I was happy to read it again - or really for the first time!

The Careful Use of Compliments

Audio by Alexander McCall-Smith

The pleasures of a Muddy Saturday

Audio by Alexander McCall-Smith

Marley & Me

I finally read this bestselling novel by John Grogan. I first remember it when Steven gave it to Erica for Christmas. It thought that was so sweet as they were both dog lovers. I needed a quick read for the vacation to Great Wolf Lodge and packed the book.

It was very enjoyable and readable. What a dog! Don't we all feel that way about things in our life that are out of control?

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Three very different women in Jackson, MS in 1962, tell this story titled The Help. The Help refers to the "black women" who "help" out around the house. Some of the wonderful women raise the children and do all the work. I remember my friend, Audra, in Mississippi telling us about her Black Mama and how much she loved her. The book unfolds during the hottest moments of the Civil Rights Movement. Some of the stories seemed contrived to fit the times, but most illuminate. In the middle of the book, I was so sad about the truth of the 1960's that I wanted to stop reading it, but I went on. Susan claims that the end of the book was too neatly wrapped up - a bow, even. I was satisfied.

I loved the book despite the truth of the sadness. Skeeter was a beacon of light. Hilly a caricature of racial hatred and Southern Politics. Aibileen was a true woman of value and character and faith. I loved her. Constantine's story was so sad and told from the third person - almost vacant. Minny's character was sharp and tough.

"Stockett's characters, both white and black, are so fully fleshed they practically breathe. Don't miss this wise and astonishing debut." Joshilyn Jackson

I found some reveiwers that questioned Stockett's ability to tell the story of a black maid in Mississippi in 1962. This question will NEVER go away. I am actually sick of it. Good writers, well researched can tell any story!
http://calitreview.com/2526

This is a response to the reviewer's question answered by the woman that Stockett patterned Minny after:
LET’S ASK MINNY:
Elinor, first of all let me begin by saying that I truly enjoyed reading this review as you raised some interesting questions, but I would be remiss if I didn’t respond. As a black woman, I am thrilled that Kathryn Stockett, a white woman, had the courage to tell the stories. She crafted complex, strong, moral, loyal and need I say it, intelligent women, in Minny and Aibileen. Usually in literature, black women are relegated to being one dimensional, stereotypical characters: all nurturing, asexual, or completely invisible servants. So, I applaud her for at least giving these women emotional depth.

Second, you question the veracity of Minny or Aibileen’s voices. This tells me that you have not spent much time in the south, because any one who has, will surely feel the authenticity of these characters and their circumstances. I can state emphatically that Minny was my mother. She was an opinionated, strong, hardworking, sassy, progressive, MAID,

Finally, I think you posed the question, ‘what gives her the right to tell these stories, in the voice that she chose.’ My response to that is simple, she’s human. My interpretation of the story is that we are all human. What better way to demonstrate that than taking America back in time to an ugly part of her history, and showing through the experiences of these provocative characters that beautiful, human side. A writer needn’t be black or white to tell these stories, just truthful.

Kathryn Stockett should be lauded for writing brave characters in a time where bravery came at the ultimate price.