The Help by Kathryn Stockett

4/5

Disclaimer: I know this book was recently made into a movie that won big at the award shows. However, I have never seen the movie so I cannot comment on that.

This is a book about race relations in Jackson, Mississippi, specifically the way different races related to each other as maids/nannies and employers. While the book briefly mentioned some of the truly violent incidences that could have taken place, the reader is nevertheless left with a powerful expression about what that time was like. Skeeter, one of the main characters, decided to write a book about what it was like to be a colored maid at the time. She was motivated in part by her ambitions as a writer and in part by her own close relationship with her own nanny growing up. She is helped by Aibileen and Minny, who have to work past their own demons before they can tell their stories. Like the book written in the story, this book gives the impression that for all the horrible experiences as a maid/nanny, there is still the occasional close relationship formed that knows no colors.

Disclosure by Michael Crichton

5/5

This is a book about a sexual harassment accusation in a workplace. The twist is that it is a male being harassed by his female boss while the company is in the midst of a major merger. The characters are believable and the story line is gripping. Crichton keeps you guessing right up to the end about what the verdict of the case will be. I'll admit that I am a fan of Michael Crichton's books; this one is as great as all of his others. Although the language can get graphic at points, I highly recommend this one for everyone!