Another Pairing: "The Help" and Two Museums

Looking for something interesting to read and then explore a little bit more of? Try readying Kathryn Stockett's The Help. It's a wonderful story which takes place in Jackson, Mississippi in the 1960s. Rotating through a cast of three very different women, Stockett takes on mother/daughter, race, and class issues of the day in Southern America. Her language is very appealing and makes for easy, memorable reading. Loaded with great quotes (including: "This Emilio Pucci character must stick his finger in a socket every morning.") the voice of the characters is very real and honest. But my absolute favorite quote has to be: "I always thought insanity would be a dark, bitter feeling, but it is drenching and delicious if you really roll around it it." You said it sister!

If you finish and would like to explore this interesting and complex part of American history, the National Portrait Gallery just opened a new permanent exhibition called The Struggle for Justice. The exhibition is a collection of portraits of activists ranging from those fighting segregation to women's issues. If you're not in DC, the Portrait Gallery has a very nice website set up with images and interactive menus.

Still have time left over from the Portrait Gallery? Head on over to the Smithsonian American History Museum - on display is the Greensboro Lunch Counter located on the second floor.