Monday, July 02, 2007

Today in History

"on July 2, 1964, President Johnson signed it (Civil Rights Act) into law."

What a coincidence that Eva from A Striped Armchair posted a review for the Southern Reading Challenge on a book set in 1964's South Carolina which uses the Civil Rights passage as a catalyst for change. One blogger posted that the present date coincides with the passage of that law! Eva claims Secret Life of Bees left her with "that satisfied reader's glow." Read more...

Debi from Nothing of Importance stated, "It's not often that I stumble upon a book that I fall so deeply in love with...". Read more...

Nymeth from Things Mean a Lot says, "There are many reasons why I loved this book. The writing itself, for starters, is both simple and beautiful, and, above all, it feels very genuine." Read more...

10 comments:

Unknown said...

No way! I am currently reading that book right now! How crazy that you post about it. It must be some kind of bookish sign. :)

maggie moran said...

Ew, how eerie Aka_Nik! Actually, I think there are two more participants out there who are currently reading it along with you. Just think, you may possibly be on the same page, the same sentence, the same word...agh-throw the book down and run away! :D I look forward to your thoughts.

Anonymous said...

I read Secret Life of Bees a couple years ago - loved it! It's so full of emotion and good writing.

sage said...

I didn't realize the book was about the Civil Rights act of '64.

maggie moran said...

That's the back drop, Sage, one reason for all the turmoil. It is a work of fiction, though.

Carol, I'm glad you liked it. Please share thoughts with the others on their blogs by clicking the read more. They have all done excellent reviews/thoughts.

Bookfool said...

Hey Maggie,

I just read an adolescent book that would have been terrific for the Southern Reading Challenge if I'd joined (which I didn't - 'cause I was convinced I'd rather read about Europe when it's hot). I assume the town is fictional, but it's set in Halleluia, Mississippi and it's just the cutest darn book: Love, Ruby Lavender by Deborah Wiles. I highly recommend it and will be writing up my review, soon - maybe tomorrow, since I have to go fetch the hubster from the airport, today.

maggie moran said...

Oh, thanks Bookfool! I need to get my hands on it. I hear her Each Little Bird that Sings was selected as a Newbery honor; although, I'm not positive on that. I look forward to your review.

Oh, I totally understand the reasoning for not wanting to read Southern in the summer. You can still participate in the "sense of place" contest though. Right up your alley, really! :D

maggie moran said...

Oh, my, I'm sorry Chris. I overlooked your name and saw Carol instead. Please, forgive me! Oh, and Carol, too!

Hubby keeps saying I need glasses, now that I'm 40! :D

Carol M said...

LOL Maggie! No problem!

Anonymous said...

The Secret Life of Bees is my favorite book by SMK, I was disappointed in The Mermaid Chair, I suppose because I had loved Bees so much and felt it fell flat in comparison. But I also fully acknowledge that perhaps you have to have come to a certain point in your life to really appreciate the story.

I'll be clicking away to see what else these folks have said beyond your teasers. :)