Back at it -- 2015!

Who wants in ??? Book of the summer -- "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"\ Start it now; we will gather mid to later July to discuss. Please respond if you're interested! Either post here or fb me or email me: ms_wyckoff@yahoo.com or twitter: @msJWK We will create the best way to communicate after a group has committed! jwk

Character

One for the virtual club...
How much of your character is shaped by the time/place you live in?

Just wondering what your thoughts might be.
~Jeni

When it is impossible

Yea, WK, it does seem impossible to stand up for what you believe in. I often remember the girl who was asked if she believed in God before she was shot at Columbine for answering "yes."

Could you find the courage to write the story? Could you find the courage to tell it to someone who is supposed to hate you because of the color of your skin? Who has more to risk? More to lose?

Perhaps we can all use a boost of courage every now and then. And some Crisco.
~Jeni

"You have to be taught to hate"

Such a string of quotes that show the ultimate brainwashing of children... and Aibileen's struggle against it. This must be why she leaves the kids by age 9 every time. Makes me think about how I am raising my kids and opportunities to teach them.

"I want to yell so loud that Baby Girl can hear me that dirty ain't a color, disease ain't the Negro side a town" (96).
"...what I really want to do is put my hands up over her ears so she can't hear this talk. And worse, hear me agreeing" (185).

And worse, hear the agreement. This also makes me think about teaching the strength to stand up for what is right. I know that I haven't always spoken out against racist, etc. statements when I have heard them. My silence could be just as deafening as Aibileen's agreement... hmmm...

I love this book!

What happened to Constantine??? (J/K don't tell me if you already read it!!!). Good questions are keeping me in it!
What did Minny do to Miss Hilly??

The history buff in me is pleased to incorporate the Medgar Evers life within the story... (geek).

end of chapters, sections...

OK, this might seem odd, but I want to compile all of the final statements at the end of the chapters or the end of the sections within the chapters because they are always moving and poignant. I continually find myself re-reading these statements -- sometimes sections -- over and over.
Pay attention to these!

Anyone else flying through the book?

I am completely engrossed in these characters' lives. Abileen has especially grabbed me -- I cried with her on her anniversary date -- didn't want to open myself up to that level with this book, but I am HOOKED! I am ahead of the schedule, but look forward to anyone's comments throughout the chapters.