“The Help” A Must Read even if you have already seen the movie

Book Review of “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett

http://www.kathrynstockett.com/

I watched the movie first, which usually it is the other way around. With that being said, you would think that this would be not as exciting since I know what happens. And, yes, I loved the movie. I Loooved it.  (Do forgive on the extra o’s in love. Sometimes in print, a little help brings life words!)However, the book is absolutely amazing. The pace, the characters, the sense of urgency, the food, the plot. Genius. Some things are worth fighting for in this life.
I am thrilled Kathryn Stockett never gave up after 60 rejections and believed in her story. Some stories are born into this world through a voice,a person, a moment, an inspiration just like this one. A story about meanness, kindness and the power of human beings standing up together to defeat an oppressive world. http://www.more.com/kathryn-stockett-help-best-seller
I hope she writes many more to come. What I loved also in the book was her personal account of her private life and what originally inspired her soul to write this book.
With Four Academy Oscar nominations, how exciting for Kathryn Stockett to rocket to the moon on her soulful and “must never give up attitude.” She is an exemplary role model for us all.
Please read this book. It’s not one to skip.

Why is this book amazing? Character development, voice, and plot. The characters had something to lose and gain in the weaving of the story. With high stakes, how can you put that down? What do you have to lose if you stop reading  ”The Help,” by Kathryn Stockett?

Everything!

What drives a reader to read? The must knowing the conclusion to their character’s ending in the novel.

Here is one of the other jackets of the book before it was a movie:

http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/60-rejection-letters-didnt-stop-kathryn-stockett-and-her-bestseller-the-help

In her words:  Kathryn Stockett: ‘I will never truly understand what it felt like to be a black woman in the South.’

Well, this may be true, but Kathryn Stockett does exactly that in this amazing story women working together on their own personal, private mission to be known and understood in this fictional tale of “The Help.”

Agent: Susan Ramer at Don Congdon

Don Congdon Associates

I am rooting for “The Help.” For best bicture.  Way to be tenacious and brilliant Kathryn Stockett. You are an inspiration to me and any writer that loves books and believes in never give up on their dreams.

Coronado & Bid Time Return

Did you know you can elope on Coronado Island for less than $1500.00? This includes the backdrop of the world famous Hotel Del in the background, along with rose petals sprinkled across the sand. Can you see it? The bride and groom, white wedding dress, black tux, saying “I do,” in one of the most romantic destinations just on the other side of the Coronado Bridge.

Sometimes we forget the best escapes are only a car ride away. This one, however, happens to be local. North County residents can become submerged in the “wealth triangle,” you know, La Jolla, Del Mar, and Rancho Santa Fe, while overlooking one of the finest jewels in the most southern point of California.

If you were to ask the residents of this quant sophisticated beach town with rich history and small town values if they felt left out, there would probably be a resounding sigh of relief that their prestigious community is still truly is a world unto itself.  The late, great novelist, Richard Matheson, knew this more than anyone when he chose the Hotel Del Coronado to reside in, while he penned one of the most beloved love stories, “Bid Time Return.”

This tragic love story is about a man that falls in love with a photograph of famous actress in the late 1800’s. He then manages against all odds to travels back in time, to whisper the words, “Is it you?”  If this sounds eerily familiar, it’s because this book’s title when adapted into a screenplay was changed to “Somewhere in Time.” The movie starred Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeves. Many do not know that Coronado Island’s timeless energy laid forth the foundation of this classic love story. There are sacred stories like this one scattered across the sands of Coronado Island.

 When searching for the answers, always seek the best. That’s exactly what Fine Magazine did when choosing Ruth Ann Fisher as the feature for Coronado’s quick Q. & A.  Q. When did you start Selling Real Estate in Coronado?
A.  I started selling real estate in 2000 after my husband was transferred here with the Navy.  I had previously worked in Florida with a mortgage bank handling their foreclosures and REO’s. 
Q.  How has last year’s recession affected the housing market on Coronado ?   A. The prices have obviously gone down but not to the extent of other communities.  Coronado has unique qualities that have helped us weather this economic storm.  With limited boundaries, great schools and a Mayberry charm, Coronado will always draw homeowners, second home buyers and investors.
Q.  What are the benefits to living on Coronado Island as apposed to San Diego ? A.  Besides what was written above, an incredible low crime rate.
Q. What encouraging words do you have for home buyers that are looking to invest in Coronado Island ?  A. If you have been considering a purchase in Coronado or have been waiting for the right time, Buy Now!  Prices are lower than they have been in many years. There is a good selection of homes available however, many of the buyers who have been on the fence have started to make moves since the first of the year and our inventory is starting to go down.

Q.  What would you say to entice a buyer to choose Coronado over let’s say Rancho Santa Fe or La Jolla ?
A. Coronado is a lifestyle choice.  It is a charming smaller coastal town just over the bridge from a metropolitan city with all it has to offer.  For commuters, we are 15 minutes, from the airport and a ferry ride from the train station.  Our family has even taken our bikes on the ferry and then caught the train to Santa Barbara for the weekend.  We also have parades on the 4^th of July and at Christmas and we have concerts in the park each Sunday during the summer where everyone comes out and enjoys their picnic dinner with family, friends and neighbors.   To quote from the Wizard of Oz, “There’s no place like home”.  And, there’s no place like Coronado .

Thank-you Ruth, for sharing your thoughts with Fine Magazine. Just remember the next time you might need a ‘great romantic escape’ is only a skyline and a bridge away. To quote Richard Matheson, “Ah; a bridge ahead, “I’ll take it. I don’t care where it leads so long as it is away from this. Coronado says the sign. Driving straight into the sun…”

Originally published in FINE Magazine, November 2009

Up from Grieving~

Book Reviews: Six Contemporary Female Fiction Authors

I am a lover of authors and books. My great escape in this world is to turn my head down and to bury my thoughts inside the words and books. 

There is nothing more satisfying than taking a journey inside a novel. There is nothing more pleasing to the mind than to find a character that you can identify with, and say, “Yes, I feel like sometimes, too.” Some are drawn to nature. Some are obsessed with sports, bird watching, ocean loving, hikers, beauty, fashion, movies, friends and well, for me—BOOKS. I had so many that clutter my life, I have had to abandon them on occasion. Rather give them to a second hand bookstore.  In 2007, I walked away from over 500 books that lined the room of my walls like army of friends and angels protecting me when I lived alone with my son. When I do not take time to nurture my soul by finding a book within reach, I can feel overly sullen, then suddenly realize I haven’t been devoting enough “Me” time to myself. That happens to be turning off the computer, turning off the cell phone and sitting quietly with a story in hand without being disturbed by anyone. I went through a Biography phase in my early twenties, the must have “Self Help Guru Books,” when I lived in Hollywood, and the period of philosophy books when I felt rather intellectual for reading “The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran. However, honestly nothing compares to an amazing novel.  A book that can take you somewhere else,  meet new fantastic characters and pull me out of my daily routine. John Irving once wrote in “Trying To Save Piggy Sneed” that he felt like he had known fictional characters better than those living. I can relate to that. I can relate to why I search out an author,  their many many books, and try to read them all in one sitting. Just briefly, I thought I would share with you my current favorite authors. You might see a trend; they are all women. There have only been a few authors that I love that are men, but that truly is another post, and I don’t want to get sidetracked into telling you why I prefer John Steinbeck any day over Ernest Hemingway.  So, get ready to meet some truly fascinating authors that are worth finding, buying and devouring their books in one full sitting when you can find the time.

#1  Luanne Rice Luanne’s writing is like visiting a sacred place. Her fiction novels all deal with truly deep moving issues we all must face at

some point like grief, loss, recovery or starting over. She also writes about the dynamics between families: Young characters to older;  sister relationships and broken family ties.  Luanne definitely writes character driven novels that pull you in right from the beginning of the book.  Magically written, her style is used sparingly with meaning and depth.  Her stories ring true to your bones.

The first novel I ever read of hers was “Cloud Nine.” This book dealt with the main character battling cancer.    Besides dealing with life battling issues, her books are filled with meaning and hope behind all of her plots.  There are lessons and answers you can find within yourself, while reading one of her books. Also, many of her books take place near the beach and sand. The air is full of sea salt and you can feel the wind brush your cheeks as you turn the pages in one of her books. Here are my top favorites by Luanne: “Home Fires,” “Follow The Stars Home,” “Beach Girls,”Deep Blue Sea for Beginners,” Angels All Over Town, “Cloud Nine,” “Summer Light,” and her newest novel, “The Silver Boat.”  Luanne has written 30 novels, and is a New York Bestselling Author.

 http://luannerice.net/

****Why do we love certain books and what makes them mean so much to us? Impact, I would say is the 1# thing for me when I consider why certain novels resonate deeper than others. At the time I discovered Luanne Rice’s novels, they were like white little beacons of hope touching my soul. I found them when I needed them the most. For this reason, Luanne will always rank as my top female modern author.

#2  Morag Prunty (a.k.a. Kate Kerrigan). Talk about making a great discovery in the year of 2010, Irish writer, Morag Prunty truly added some much needed fun back into my life. (This period I am referring to is shortly after being married to my husband, and all of fun single friends, well, yes, went on being single, while I found myself in the other category looking sideways at silly, which lead me to finding more books to read at Barnes and Noble.) “Recipes for a Perfect Marriage,” made me laugh. I loved the opening and I never even realized that how appropriate I should find that book then, but I just loved this book. I don’t want to describe it because I have just realized you will immediately think I saw the same correlation in my marriage, too, to the main character, which I didn’t. But let’s just say her witty style and selfless approach through the main character made me remember what it was like to laugh during a time I missed the laughter. The chapters open with a recipe, which the main character’s grandmother created. Each recipe reveals a foreshadow in it that fits with the evolving plot and character developments. What I loved most about this novel is how there are two love stories woven into the book;  the grandparents and the the granddaughter. Perfect, salty, sweet, and loved the recipes, this story brought me to all of Morag’s other books, so I will forever love it the most.

Here are some of her other books: “Disco Daddy,” “Dancing with Mules,” “Poison Arrows,” and “Super Star Lovers.”  I also loved her “Miracle of Grace.”  I’ll never forget the disappointment I had when “Dancing with Mules” arrived at my doorstep and I had already read the American printed version by Harper Collins!  My heart sank because I was so jazzed about reading another new book by Morag!  http://www.katekerrigan.ie.

#3 Elizabeth Berg  “Pull of the Moon,”  really spoke to me, you know, I literally could her “Nan” in my head.

She was real.  I went on that journey with her. I found myself looking for a solid green rock to keep next to my bed just like she did. And I wanted to congratulate Nan on taking off and finding herself when sometimes in life we do absolutely lose ourselves along the way. Where did that girl go?   You know, the one I was when I was 13, 22, 33 etc, etc?  This book deals with thoughts  like that, andwhy we lose pieces of ourselves in relationships or in the midst of our journey.  I have read it several times. When I read “Pull of the Moon,” I found myself rooting for Nan, begging her to find herself in that turquoise diary that was overpriced. And,  that green rock?  Well, I kept wondering, did she she take that on the trip, too? Berg’s writing is sharp and crisp and just like you are there with the tiny details that reveals more than just the setting, but also how they describe so much about each scene.  I will forever love her as an author because that book is in my top 5 of all time. http://www.elizabeth-berg.net/

“Pull of the Moon.” “Range of Motion” and “Open House.” The reason I found Morag Prunty was because Elizabeth Berg endorsed one of her novels.

#4   Sophie Kinsella  I know. I am a little late in the game and everyone has been reading “Chick Lit”  for at least ten years.

 Becky Bloomwood’s quirky disasters and her needs to own the latest must-have designers like an alcoholic, had me bursting with laughter through the entire series. Becky sense of love for her friends, self, family and husband add another texture to this funny and witty character that also depth and spunk in her heart, too… However, “Twenties Girl,” with a ghost named Sadie and a must have necklace may be my absolute favorite stand alone novel. I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to be Sadie somehow, too. She inspired me to dig deeper into my closet and pull out the more fabulous things and retire the beach shoes. (Although, I’ve never been a flip-flop girl!)

“Undomestic Goddess,” “Gatecrasher,” (this title was under her married name) are also two of my favorites. I will wait patiently for Becky’s move to Beverly Hills with the rest of Sophie Kinsella fans.  “Can you Keep a Secret,” “Twenties Girl,” and all of the Shopaholic Books, period. Which is my favorite of all?

 Becky Bloomwood (Brandon)  is a modern day Holly Golightly with more fun and verve to her. I absolutely would follow Becky anywhere!

 www.sophiekinsella.co.uk/

 #5  Alice Hoffman  The first book I ever read by Alice Hoffman was, “The Ice Queen.” I think I cried within two pages of reading this novel. I’ve never been so moved so quickly by such an up close first person narrative that I was entranced by this story about lightning striking human beings, the love story within and how sometimes icy roads must always be avoided. The brother and sister in this book both learned about life the hard way after losing a mother very on in life and how some pieces of our childhood can never be mended with time. The butterflies at the end, the baby on the way and the therapy group. Need I say more? Here are a few of her other books that I also loved: “Local Girls,” Here on Earth,” “Skylight Confessions,” “Practical Magic,” and “Blue Diary.”

Alice Hoffman can shatter me in two pages. Her writing takes you down to the depth of the characters muck and things you may not even want to see, but you go there because you can’t resist turning the page. At the end of each novel that I have read, I am always filled with a sense of hope, a small light shining across the horizon.  I know when I read a book by Alice Hoffman, I must prepare myself to be ready to feel.~

www.alicehoffman.com/

 #6  Maeve Binchy   I went through a period recently, where the highlight of my day was finding her paperpack novels and reading them all in a row, one after another. “The Lilac Bus,” what can I tell you? I want to go to Ireland just to ride this bus and meet the folks that rode it on this novel. “Quintins,” when can I get there to eat that this fabulous place? “Echoes,” where can I find this cave that sat at the bottom of the town?  This wind swept seaside, where a body is found floating in the water at the beginning of the novel? The fear in finding out the person that had drowned kept me reading for hours by my nightstand, lit in a yellow haze book- glaze of wonder at unraveling this plot, these characters with slow, delicate reading, for fear I might miss something. Maeve Binchy is also writes wonderful short stories of fiction. “The Return Journey” is perfect if you are looking for easy, light stories to read with heart, meaning and fun.

“Tara Road” was my first Maeve Binchy book that I had ever read.  I had read it when I was pregnant with my son. Those nine months rank up there as probably the worst due to  health conditions, fatness, and the fact I had just left Los Angeles, a career and my life. “Tara Road” walked around in my hands like a friend, as I remodeled a Ranch house in a  place called The Ranch.  I just felt so connected to those two women that switched homes one summer and rediscovered themselves again in a new environment. You see, as I write this, I can see how that book gave me comfort in the very thing that had been happening to me at that time…

http://www.maevebinchy.com/

Books~ A place to be, to escape and to live in our dreams. Forget your iPad, your Kindle, your computer, your little phone that is giving you wrinkles as you try to read your stories On-line. (Ladies, remember, don’t wrinkle your squint your eyes!)  Pick up a book at your local Bookstore and take time to read, even if it’s just for fun. You might find that life is never better when you have a story to look forward to after the sun sets. I could keep going on and on about this journey of reading. Books have helped me discover things about my own soul that I know I might not have recognized without the insight and stories from other writers.  In the midst of busy schedules, friendships and other relationships, a book helps us focus our mind inward and become reflective about what we are reading. In the process, we find those hidden jewels we might have missed if we hadn’t buried our minds inside the pages of a book.

I love a lot of other women authors, too:

Billie Letts, Sue Monk Kidd, Emily Giffin, Lolly Winston, Barbara Kingsolver, Marian Keyes, Candace Bushnell, and Daniel Steele, Jodi Picoult, Elizabeth Gilbert, Kristin Hannah, Kathryn Stockett, and Susan Minot.

“The Ice Queen,” by Alice Hoffman

The Ice Queen: My first Alice Hoffman novel. On around page 80- reading while reading some other books. Reduced to tears within the first three pages…there’s a reason I am going through a “Chick-Lit phase with books.” My soul is too sensitive for the deeper waters right now, but goodness, when the book is brilliant, wasn’t it worth it? Sort of like great love, you know.

What a brilliant writer with amazing prose……………….
Well! Rip my heart out Alice Hoffman.

God! ”The Ice Queen” genuinely moved me in ways I did not want to remember the depth of dispair.  Then drudging up something that taps deep into the sacred places of my soul. This book blew me out of this world, to a point I had to cry silently after I had finished. And, then I could not hold all of the emotions that came undone after furtively reading this book inbetween another Sophie Kinsella novel. Now I know what all of the fuss is about when it comes to Alice Hoffman. Rock Star is more like it! A must read for the deeper souls out there that like to feel edgy, soulful and remember life can be brutally harsh, yet full of hope and butterflies near the ocean…. Machel Penn Shull -A lover of books.

Sophie Kinsella’s “Twenties Girl,” A Must Read for Anyone

Wow, when I am wrong, I am wrong. I have only read one other book by Sophie Kinsella, “Remember  Me?” and put it down. See, my husband always purchases books for me to keep me lined up on Amazon. He recently purchased two of her books. Well!! “Twenties Girl,” is now in my my top 5 books of all time. Even though the book I have says on the back cover, “Laugh out loud funny,” this book reduced me to tears twice, which is exactly what makes Sophie Kinsella a brilliant storyteller. Not only does she weave an amusing story of “Sadie the Ghost” looking for her necklace, you also develop a sense of kinship for her and Lara. I just loved the dialogue, the outfits, the discoveries and how the plot unfolded magically to the ending.

Clever, engaging and heartwarminly Delicious. If you are looking for that exceptional fun read that will surprise you with deeper layers of sentiment and thought provoking lessons in life, this book has all of that, too.

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Five Books to Read when the Summer is Over

“Five books to read when Summer is over.” 

With summer becoming a fleeting memory, I have been thinking about all sorts of wonderful images for the fall. My favorite image is sitting next to fire under a cozy blanket reading some of my favorite philosophy books. Forget about ‘summer reads’.  It’s time to hunker down with books that actually makes you think.  The next five books listed have shown me some much needed answers at different periods in my life.
#1.  The Power of Positive Thinking,

by Norman Vincent Peale is considered by some to be one of the first ‘self-help’ books ever written. In my mid-twenties, my Grandmother Lula sent this book to me during a time I was searching for deeper answers to life. Originally from the mid-west, I associated the Bible more with ‘fire and brimstone’ and that hardcore side that gives us those cheesy television images of evangelists on Sunday morning. This book links psychology, prayer and knowledge all into concise principles that are easily applied to your daily routine. “ACT AS IF,” and it shall be. Sounds simple enough doesn’t it? Trust me, this book is a must for anyone. Set your religious thoughts aside and pick up the book that made positive thinking ‘trendy’ pre-hippy era.
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#2.  A Course In Miracles. Read Online the backs-story on how this book came to the shelves of our lives, plus inspire an institution called “A Foundation for Inner Peace.” This book is told from the stand point that reveals universal truths that could reveal hidden secrets in one of our most sacred religious books. Thick and wordy, this book is like taking a a visit to your therapist in 3D—literally. The book is rather pricey. My suggestion is to go to second hand book shop for this one. It’s fun to analyze.

 #3. Return to Love by Marianne Williamson. If you are not into a ‘3-D therapist feeling’ with the last book I mentioned, then read this book instead. Ms.Williamson amazingly translates “A Course in Miracles” simply for the masses. Her book outlines the basic message for you to comprehend and how interpret A Course in Miracles. If you have gone through a recent break-up, need direction or comfort, this book is a self healing non-fiction book that makes you believe in the power of love.

#4.  As a Man Thinketh, by James Allen. Written in 1902,

don’t let the publishing date keep you away from this quick influential read. This simple, yet succinct book on how our inner thoughts shape our daily lives, nails the basic fundamental principles of a good ethic upbringing. Not only does this book lay out moral code, it also inspires you to believe in your dreams. I will never forget lying in bed in Santa Barbara over Thanksgiving weekend when I read that fabulous line: “Dreamers are the SAVIORS of the world.”  How wonderful.

 #5. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People has gained much notoriety over the years.
Stephen Covey’s breakdown on interdependent relationships and how what we think can influence our daily relationships has taught me how to interact better in social and work settings. This book has the theory of writing down your life mission, which can help a person find more stability with their own desires and needs.  Covey delves deeply into why perception of the mind is everything.  I’m sure you’ve heard of this book. If anything he should receive a medal for one of the best titles to ever hit a Barnes and Noble.

If I had to chose only one book, it would be my first one listed. Norman Vincent Peale wrote many fabulous books. Do yourself a favor this fall and read something…wordy.

This  article originally appeared in “Machel’s Ranch” in 2009.

Book Reviews & Authors

This site is under maintenance. Previously published book reviews on other sites will be added. New Content and Author coverage coming, too