The Help. Many have seen the movie, some have read the book. But everybody’s talking about it. On Wednesday, September 28 at 5 p.m., we will host a “Community Conversation” about The Help at Off Square Books, open to the public.
The Help, by Mississippian Kathryn Stockett, was published in February, 2009. Initially rejected by over sixty publishers, the book has now been on the bestseller list over 100 weeks, published in 35 countries, and sold over five million copies. The book’s film adaptation grossed over $100 million within the first three weeks of its release.
The story, set in Jackson, Mississippi, involves the relationship between a young white woman and two black maids in the early 1960s period and environment of Civil Rights.
The featured guests for our event are Gene Dattel, Mississippi native and author of Cotton and Race in the Making of America: The Human Costs of Economic Power, called “a superb study” by historian Niall Ferguson, and Deidra Jackson, journalist and University of Mississippi faculty member. Dattel has given presentations on “The Help: Fact or Fiction” and Jackson has published articles about The Help.
We will have a moderator on hand to keep the conversation going and help field questions from the audience. This event is free and open to everyone with seating available on a first come first serve basis. RH
For more information and the event listing please click here.