The Help, a bestselling novel by Kathryn Stockett [Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam, 2009], is a popular choice for bookclubs. Here are several suggestions for creating a successful gathering and group discussion.
Plot Summary of The Help
Set in Jackson, Mississippi during the volatile 1960's, Stockett's book follows several characters as they personally come to grips with race, civil rights and true friendship. Skeeter Phelan, a recent Ole Miss graduate and aspiring writer, is disturbed by the sudden disappearance of her family's black maid and the small injustices she sees as her white friends deal with their domestic help.
With the assistance of two brave, black women, Abilene and Minnie, Skeeter writes a tell-all book detailing the lives of Mississippi families and their servants. As the women write, and once the book is published, the citizens of Jackson are forced to examine the realities of their unfair traditions and false beliefs.
Bookclub Suggestions – Setting the Stage
Literature circle hosts can set the mood for an interesting discussion with a bit of advanced preparation. Taking bookclub members back in time to the early sixties is one way to create atmosphere.
Playing on the fact that The Help takes place in 1962, the bookclub hostess can play a few of the year's top musical hits. Some suggestions could include:
- The Twist by Chubby Checker
- Breaking Up is Hard to Do by Neil Sedaka
- The Loco-Motion by Little Eva
- Johnny Angel by Shelley Fabares
- Good Luck Charm by Elvis Presley
Newspaper headlines and advertisements of the sixties are easy to find at news paperarchive or other historical websites. These can be printed out and displayed to create a 1960's feel and spur bookclub discussion. Headlines from Jackson, Mississippi and other Southern towns during 1962 would be particularly pertinent.
Encouraging Discussion
As bookclub members arrive at the gathering, each can be given a nametag with a character from The Help. Encouraging each guest to introduce themselves as the given character and to tell his or her side of the story is an interesting icebreaker.
Putnam Publishing has a list of discussion questions which can be found at kathryn stockett These can be printed in advance and passed out among bookclub members to encourage discussion among all participants.
Recipe Suggestions
No bookclub gathering is complete without a few killer desserts. Fortunately, food plays an important part in The Help and can serve as inspiration when planning refreshments.
Minnie, one of the book's main characters is famous for her caramel cake recipe. Bookclub hosts can recreate the flavors by topping store-bought pound cake with caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream.
Chocolate pie is another food central to the plot of the story. Bookclub members who like to bake may enjoy bringing their own favorite recipes and having a chocolate pie taster's table. This Southern Brownie Pie would be the perfect finale to a satisfying evening of history and discussion.
The Help is a wonderful choice for any bookclub. With a bit of advanced preparation, literature circle hosts can create an atmosphere which will spur great conversation and encourage understanding.
Gabi Larson - A former schoolteacher and reading specialist, I currently use my creativity, teaching and organizational skills at home with my four ...
