The Help

by Kathryn Stockett – 2009 (hardcover) – 451pp
“set during the nascent civil rights movement in Jackson, Miss., where black women were trusted to raise white children but not to polish the household silver. Eugenia Skeeter Phelan is just home from college in 1962, and, anxious to become a writer, is advised to hone her chops by writing about what disturbs you. The budding social activist begins to collect the stories of the black women on whom the country club sets relies and mistrusts enlisting the help of Aibileen, a maid who’s raised 17 children, and Aibileen’s best friend Minny, who’s found herself unemployed more than a few times after mouthing off to her white employers. The book Skeeter puts together based on their stories is scathing and shocking, bringing pride and hope to the black community, while giving Skeeter the courage to break down her personal boundaries and pursue her dreams.”

On Beauty

by Zadie Smith

2005 – 464pp
Set in a fictitious New England college, this novel focuses on issues of class, race and fidelity. Howard Belsey and his family are not sympathetic characters, but are oddly compelling. There is much to discuss.

Winter Girls

By Laurie Halse Anderson
I just finished Wintergirls – and, all I can say, it’s breathtaking, stunning. This YA novel is a riveting look at the world of anorexia from the inside. Lia’s struggles with food, family, and life is painful to watch but you glimpse how her logic makes sense to her. At the same time, you witness the pain and helplessness of those around her. The brilliance and clarity of writing is spectacular. The author uses a wonderful device near the end of the book that stopped my heart for a moment. I heartily recommend this book. — LDSG

Visit Laurie Halse Anderson’s web site to learn more about this book and its author.

The Trouble With Boys

By Peg Tyre

Interviewing hundreds of parents, children, teachers, and experts, journalist Peg Tyre explains just why and how the educational system is failing our sons — fron the banning of recess and the lack of male teachers as role models to the  demands of No Child Left Behind.

Readings and More

PikePOD (People in Open Dialogue) is a group sponsored by the Diversity Committee at The Pike School and is open to faculty and staff.

PikePOD seeks to expand awareness of all those issues that divide us.  Books (fiction, non-fiction, young-adult) and videos about race, culture, sexual orientation, and physical or mental differences will be this group’s focus.