The Help by Kathryn Stockett (Amy Einhorn Books, a Putnam imprint, 2009), 464 pages
Summary
Through the alternating viewpoints of Skeeter, a recent college graduate who’s back at home and struggling to find her place; Aibileen, who works as house help for Skeeter’s friend Elizabeth; and Aibileen’s sass-mouthed friend Minny (also a maid), we get a picture of Jackson, Mississippi, 1962-1964. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement as it’s taught in schools — Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, sit-ins at the Woolworth’s lunch counter — The Help paints the situation from a different perspective.
Thoughts
Like The Book Thief, this is one I’ve known I wanted to read for ages. I’ve heard amazing things about it, but unfortunately it took me awhile to get my hands on it and read it. Once again, I wasn’t disappointed by the hype.
I love this book. This isn’t really surprising to me, since it has so many elements that I frequently love in a book. Certainly, some very tough situations are presented to the reader. I love this book enough that I’m having trouble putting my praise into words. I have no complaints. An awesome book.
Filled with triumphs and moments of deep sadness, The Help is ultimately a hope-filled story.
If you haven’t read The Help yet, why not? If you have read it, how do you feel about it now, a little more removed from it?
About the author
The Help is Stockett’s debut novel. Kathryn Stockett grew up in Jackson, Mississippi and received a degree in English and creative writing from the University of Alabama. She lives in Atlanta.
Other reviews (more raves!)
The Book Lady’s Blog
At Home with Books
S. Krishna’s Books
Maw Books
One Person’s Journey through a World of Books
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I checked this book out from the library.
12 comments
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February 18, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Lenore
Yep! Completely lived up to the hype!
February 18, 2010 at 1:07 pm
Natasha @ Maw Books
I’m thrilled that you loved it! Such a good book.
February 18, 2010 at 2:46 pm
kader kamel
i loved it bcause isuch a goodbook.by leisawatkins and words from myreading and writting
February 18, 2010 at 3:11 pm
bermudaonion
I haven’t read this yet because I just haven’t made the time to savor it. I need to do it soon!
February 18, 2010 at 5:57 pm
Bookjourney
I still get excited when I hear someone has read it. A friend of mine is reading my copy and I am so eager to hear her thoughts on it. I am glad you enjoyed it too! *rave* *rave*
February 19, 2010 at 5:15 am
Beth Kephart
Lovely to hear from you and fun to read your thoughts here about The Help…. Your site is as beautiful as ever.
February 19, 2010 at 8:05 pm
diane
I never get tired of reading everyone’s thoughts on this wonderful book– great job!
February 20, 2010 at 11:26 am
Literate Housewife
I’m really glad I read it. The audio book was great. Skeeter still drives me a little nuts when I think about her in any depth, but Aibileen and Minny are such wonderful and classic characters.
February 20, 2010 at 3:47 pm
stacybuckeye
I have no reason for not having read this yet. At least not a good one!
February 21, 2010 at 6:21 pm
Care
I’m still thinking about this book and still very glad I read it. LOVED it. I am looking forward to more from this author.
February 21, 2010 at 8:13 pm
Bookjourney
I read this last fall and the book still stays with me. It is one of those books that I really fully engaged in and enjoyed so many of the characters. My copy is currently in the hands of one of my friends who I insisted read it!
February 22, 2010 at 10:22 pm
J.T. Oldfield
I haven’t read it but the only person I know who didn’t love it was my mother, and yet I trust her judgement on books probably more than anyone else’s. So, that’s probably why I haven’t gotten around to it yet.