Books Like The Help Novels & Stories

“Since you’re back, are you going to pick the next book?” I blinked. “Me?” “Of course,” she said, smiling. “You’ve been gone. You deserve the honor.” Everyone nodded expectantly. I looked down at the stack of books on the table, my fingers brushing across their covers. My hand paused on a novel about love, identity and societal expectations. This book will give them a glimpse of what I passed through during my absence. I smiled softly. “How about this one?” Brent groaned. “Oh no, not another depressing tragedy. Can’t we read something with a hopeful romance?”

I meant to transfer her to the Michigan branch if she continued to pester me with her loud music. When the driver started the car, I studied the book cover she gave me. Only now did I realize the title of the book, “Where Do Broken Hearts Go?” I suddenly worried about Leigh after realizing that this book is a kind of self-help, an inspiring book providing insights about loss and grief. I close my eyes, wondering how Leigh is now.

In the end, the inquisitive one won but first, I listened for footsteps and when I could make out none, I got off the bed and went for the book, flicking its first page open. The only person who could give me a book was Zena but it was also weird, what kind of book it was. It wasn’t the usual one we both read and enjoyed. It was some sort of self-help book and its title was even more weird. “Kicking trauma’s butt with style!”

At least reading, I could pretend that I was one of the characters of the book. Currently, I was reading about a woman who had just gone through a major loss in her life and was learning to cope with it. She was surrounded by friends and family that gave her the support she needed and loved her even when she was being difficult. It was my favorite book, I have repeatedly checked it out.

He drives us to a book shop and when we enter, I ask the assistant if they have any books on pregnancy which makes her smile. “Oh, yes we do, they are this way.” She eagerly leads us through to an aisle that seems to have every book you can imagine about pregnancy and babies. “Wow, how do we choose?” I chuckle hearing Grant speak, he sounds a little overwhelmed, so I pat him on the arm to give him comfort. “Oh, yes, I can see how this would be a bit much.” The assistants’ words make me smile as she states the obvious, but her friendliness and eagerness to help, endear her to me very quickly so I laugh it off.

Does he think this is some game, walking in here like nothing happened like he didn’t shut me out and hurt me? I finally reach the row of shelves stacked with books, the bold label ‘SELF HELP’ hanging over the top. I stop there and fold my arms over my chest, not turning to look at him. He wanted a book on second chances and forgiveness? Well, here’s a whole damn section full of them. “I don’t know which one to go for. I think I need a little expert help,” his voice comes from just behind me, too close. It brushes the back of my neck and I can feel him right beside me, close enough that his scent wraps around me.

How he must have laughed alone when, under the influence of champagne and moonlight and him, damn him, I had offered to help with her books. Aaah , damn it, I was sorely needy. And I hated myself for making it so easy. It was just like Jeffrey. So much to learn from my mistakes. Well, Damien Black, I had a surprise for him. At some point he would have to bring up the subject of his new book, hoping that silly girl here would be drooling over the beautiful writer and offered to help in any way he could. Well, I would soon find out

I even found the karma sutra amongst what I can only classify as the ‘self help’ section, opening it and then quickly closing it in case Enzo or his mother entered the room. A large book at the end of the shelf entitled “The Power and Responsibility of Men” caught my eye. It seemed to be more weathered than the rest of the books, but I didn't get why. “Who would be drawn to a book like that?” I asked myself, pulling it from the shelf.

As I perused the books, I could feel Aidan’s gaze on me. The shop, much like the one downstairs, boasted an impressive selection. These were books to be enjoyed in the coffee lounge, not purchased or taken home. A smile tugged at my lips as I reached the romance novel section. So, Well Thumbed had these too. I wondered if they had hidden gems, perhaps something I hadn’t read or that Uncle Alex’s book club, Bound To Please, hadn’t discovered yet.

"Only one way to prove that." "Careful, wife." I warned, my voice low and teasing. "I always rise to a challenge." She laughed softly, her gaze falling to the book she’d closed. "Do you know what this book’s about?" I glanced at the title again, pretending to think. "A family, right? Something about poverty and resilience?" She nodded, seeming a bit surprised though she had found the book in the beach house, probably assuming I've never read it. "It’s about overcoming tough beginnings and finding beauty in broken places. It’s sad but also hopeful." Her voice softened and she looked thoughtful.