The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

Dan Brown's latest thriller, The Lost Symbol, was released recently and immediately sold a million copies, many of them pre-ordered. It's been six years since his blockbuster The DaVinci Code, and readers anxiously awaited the arrival of this newest bestseller. Although acclaimed as a talented writer, Brown's previous books have ignited controversy, many seeing an anti-Christian or at least anti-Catholic stance. In the pre-publication press chatter there was some fear that he had now focused his attention on the Masonic organization, with perhaps a negative view. Indeed, The Lost Symbol, delves deeply into the history, membership and activities of the Masons as a secret society.

In this new novel, we are re-united with Robert Langdon, professor of Symbology, who raced through Paris and London in search of the Holy Grail in The DaVinci Code. He receives a request from old friend Peter Solomon to lecture to a select group of Smithsonian supporters at the U.S. Capital bulding in Washington, D.C. When Langdon arrives at the National Statuary Hall, he is first puzzled then horrified at what he discovers. Someone has kidnapped Peter Solomon, and Langdon is the only person who can negotiate his freedom. He sets out to locate the key to a secret which could change the course of human life. Numerous clues and puzzles must be interpreted and Langdon eventually partners with Solomon's daughter, Katherine, a brilliant scientist in her own right. Hampered, then hounded by government officials they escape and hurridly make their way through historic monuments all over Washington, finding their way to parts of national buildings never viewed by the public. Twists, turns and surprises abound in their search for the secret to supernatural human power. When the duo finally becomes aware the object of their quest lies under the cornerstone of a famous national landmark, they are stunned to learn its identity. Readers will also be surprised at the conclusion, but most will certainly smile and nod.

Dan Brown reigns as king of storytellers. His attention to detail and meticulous research makes this book a treasure trove of information, and together with quick flowing, action-packed style, a novel well worth the time. Readers will enjoy seeing Washington tourist sites in a new light. On a scale of 1 to 10, I rate it a 9.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Kathryn Stockett has taken the literary world by storm with her first novel, The Help. Set in the volatile 60's. this excellently written book deals with black domestic workers employed in white households in Jackson, Mississippi. Motivated by memories of her own family's household maid, the author attempts to accurately create a scenario of the thoughts, emotions, and struggles of these strong black women.

Eugenia Phelan, better known as Skeeter, returns home from college to the family planatation, without a job or potential husband. She lands a position with the local newpaper writing a column on household hints; unfortunately a subject with which she is totally ignorant. She enlists the help of her friend's maid, Aibileen, who is more than knowledgable about cleaning and running a household.

Getting to know Aibileen, and thinking back on the the black maid who helped raise her, Skeeter begins to realize these strong ladies all have stories to tell. She asks Aibileen if she would tell about her life and ask other maids to do the same. Even though Skeeter promises they will remain anonymous, the ladies are very nervous about the repercussions should their identities become known. Skeeter convinces a publisher in New York to consider such a controversial book.

A "book within a book" the women decide to call their book "Help". Some of their tales revealing the prejudice and ignorance of the 60's seem incredulous today, but will certainly enlighten the reader of the plight of black people then and the efforts it took to allow them to take a real place in American society.

This is possibly the best fiction work of 2009. Not only it it a "hard to put down novel", it deals accurately and courageously with a sensitive subject. Buy, borrow, or check out a copy and endulge yourself in what could be a true American classic. This one's a '10' folks.