I am glad to be part of an amazing book club. Amazing I say, because we are a very meticulous lot when it comes to the reading, discussions and stand clear of unwanted banter. Every reader has a unique perspective, a special intellectual quality, humour, wit an an attribute that is enriching. It is refreshing what each of the 12 members bring to the table.
Earlier this year, we read a book that was made into a movie ‘The Remains Of The Day’. I had already seen the movie before reading the book and it affected my objective read. I had a face to the character and an interpretation of the film-maker. The movie conjured up all the images, expressions and notions for me. Besides, I knew what was coming next.
This time around, when I host the book club meet at my home, it’s another book made into a movie- The Help. I saw the movie a couple of months ago. And yes I have everything conjured-up, but still I am making a conscious attempt at giving it an objective read.
I am immersed in the story – the book is written like a conversation, and has a melodic rhythm to it. Before I turn in each night, the voice of the protagonist starts running through my head. I love the sound of the African American Vernacular English (AAVE) mixed with the Southern dialects of American English in this book. It is warm, soothing and comforting.