As the weather starts to cool down, sitting in front of the fireplace here at Mountain Whispers with a good book and a glass of red is starting to become more appealing. But with so many books on the market, how do you choose just one or two to pack in your bag?
While we could give you a list of best sellers, or our own personal favourites (of which there are more than a few), we thought who better to reach out to than Dymocks Neutral Bay owner, and repeat Mountain Whispers guest Gina Pettitt for her recommendations.
The Help – Kathryn Stockett
Published in 2009, The Help is a historical fiction novel about African Americans working in white households in Mississippi during the early 1960’s, a time of racial segregation and civil rights struggles in the United States. The story revolves around three main characters: Skeeter Phelan, a young white woman aspiring to be a writer; Aibileen Clark, an African American maid who works for Skeeter’s friend Elizabeth; and Minny Jackson, another African American maid known for her outspoken nature.
Skeeter, troubled by the injustice and racism around her, decides to write a book documenting the experiences of African American maids working for white families in Jackson. She secretly collaborates with Aibileen and Minny, despite the risks involved. The novel explores the complex relationships between maids and their employers, shedding light on the racial tensions and societal norms of the time.
As the book progresses, the characters navigate through personal and societal challenges, and the narrative highlights the courage and resilience of these women as they strive for change. “The Help” explores themes of racism, friendship, and the power of storytelling, providing a poignant and thought-provoking perspective on the racial dynamics of the Deep South during the 1960s.
Gina: I loved this story. I laughed and cried, feeling despair and hope. This is an important story that shows how far we have progressed and how much more we still have to accomplish.
Tuesdays With Morrie – Mitch Albom
“Tuesdays with Morrie” is a memoir written by Mitch Albom, recounting his experiences and lessons learned from his former college sociology professor, Morrie Schwartz. The narrative is based on Albom’s real-life relationship with Morrie and their Tuesday meetings.
Albom, a successful sports columnist, stumbled upon a television program featuring his old professor, Morrie, who is now battling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Struck by the news of his former mentor’s illness and inspired by the profound impact Morrie had on his life, Albom reconnects with him.
The heart of the book lies in the weekly conversations Albom has with Morrie on Tuesdays. During these meetings, Morrie shares his wisdom on various aspects of life, including love, work, family, and death. The discussions serve as a philosophical guide, and Morrie imparts valuable lessons on embracing life, finding meaning, and cultivating meaningful relationships.
As Morrie’s health deteriorates, the bond between teacher and student deepens, and the book becomes a meditation on mortality, human connection, and the importance of living authentically.
Gina: A heart-warming memoir about the author’s weekly visits with his former professor, Morrie Schwartz. Through their discussions, Morrie teaches Mitch about life, love, and what truly matters. Incredibly poignant, inspirational and insightful. I am forever humbled, more human, more alive and deeply touched by Morrie and Mitch.
All The Light We Cannot See – Anthony Doer
A historical novel set during World War II, the narrative unfolds through the perspectives of two main characters: Marie-Laure LeBlanc, a blind French girl, and Werner Pfennig, a German orphan with a talent for radio technology.
The story is intricately woven, alternating between the timelines of Marie-Laure and Werner. Marie-Laure and her father flee Paris during the German occupation, seeking refuge in the walled city of Saint-Malo. Her father, a locksmith at the Museum of Natural History, carries with him a valuable and mysterious gem called the Sea of Flames.
Werner, on the other hand, grows up in an orphanage in Germany. He demonstrates a keen interest in radios and engineering, and his talent eventually leads him to be recruited by the German military. Despite his intelligence, Werner grapples with the moral complexities of the war.
The novel explores themes of survival, resilience, and the impact of war on individuals.
Gina: This amazing book tells the story of two teenagers during World War II (WWII), one a blind girl in Nazi-occupied France, the other a German orphan boy pressed into service by the Nazi army. Truly one of the best novels I’ve ever read and so easy to fall in love with the characters.
Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte
A classic novel that unfolds as a dark and passionate tale of love, revenge, and the destructive power of obsession, Wuthering Heights is narrated by Mr. Lockwood, a gentleman renting a nearby estate called Thrushcross Grange. He becomes intrigued by the mysterious Wuthering Heights and its residents, particularly Heathcliff, an enigmatic and brooding figure.
The novel revolves around the intense and tumultuous relationship between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. Their love is characterised by its fierce and unrelenting nature, but it becomes entangled with betrayal, social class differences, and revenge.
The narrative explores themes of passion, revenge, and the supernatural, with a haunting and atmospheric portrayal of the Yorkshire moors serving as the backdrop. “Wuthering Heights” is celebrated for its complex characters, gothic atmosphere, and its exploration of the darker aspects of human nature, making it an enduring and influential work in English literature.
Gina: In this wild, stormy countryside, Lockwood asks his housekeeper, Nelly Dean, to tell him the story of Heathcliff and the strange denizens of Wuthering Heights. Honestly one of my all-time favourite novels. This book is a classic way ahead of its time. A must read for all the classic connoisseurs !
The Zookeeper’s Wife – Diane Ackerman
The Zookeeper’s Wife tells the true story of Antonina and Jan Żabiński, the keepers of the Warsaw Zoo during World War II. The book is based on Antonina Żabińska’s diary and other historical sources.
Set against the backdrop of the Nazi occupation of Poland, the Żabińskis use their zoo to shelter and save hundreds of Jews from the Holocaust. As the Germans invade Poland and the Warsaw Ghetto is established, the Żabińskis covertly transform their zoo into a refuge for persecuted Jews. They hide individuals in empty animal enclosures, attics, and underground tunnels.
The narrative captures the courage, resourcefulness, and compassion of Antonina Żabińska as she navigates the dangers of Nazi-occupied Warsaw to protect those in need. The Zookeeper’s Wife not only sheds light on the heroism of the Żabińskis but also provides a unique perspective on the impact of war on both human and animal lives.
Gina: This nonfiction book tells the story of Antonina and Jan, who used his position as the zookeeper to allow the zoo to be used as a safe house for up to 300 Jews during the course of the Second World War. One of the most incredible books I have read. This story spoke of protecting animals and people and how to value life.
Looking for somewhere to escape this autumn? We’d love to welcome you to Mountain Whispers.
