The Help

Hello everyone!  If you'll recall, I began reading The Help over Easter break.  I finished the book last Monday, but in the whirlwind of final exams, I did not have time to write a review that would do this book justice.  I still don't feel like I have expressed just how good this book is, but I did my best!

The Help tells about life in a Mississippi town in the era of Jim Crow laws during the 1960s.  It is told from the perspective of three women:  Aibileen, Minnie, and Skeeter.

Aibileen is an older black woman that has served multiple white families during her life, raising their children.  She has an innate wisdom and my favorite quote from the book is about her:  “That’s what I love about Aibileen, she can take the most complicated things in life and wrap them up so small and simple, they’ll fit right in your pocket.”

Minnie is one of Aibileen's best friends and is a strong-willed black woman.  She has been fired from more than 18 jobs.  She eventually is hired by Celia Foote, an eccentric woman that is not accepted by the other ladies in town.

Finally, Skeeter is a young 24 year old white woman in the Junior League.  Skeeter is an aspiring writer and is growing more and more disconcerted with the overt racism in her town.

These three women come together when Skeeter decides to write a book telling the lives' of black maids, or "The Help" in the Deep South through their own eyes.  They embark on a dangerous, but meaningful journey together that will change each of their lives.

Stockett

What I love about The Help is that Stockett writes in such a way that really gets you into the mind of each of her characters.  Through their trials and challenges, you too will grow as a person.

Additionally, a few people have asked me about the dialect when reading.  Stockett does write using African-American dialect, which can be a bit tough when first reading, however, if you stick with it and really try and imagine the voices in your head as you read, it becomes a breeze to get through and a book you will not want to put down!

I can't wait for the movie to come out this summer!

Have you read The Help?  If so, what did you think?

If you haven't, run to your local library or bookstore and get it NOW!

As a side note, LCR at Outside Voice is doing a monthly Photo Share Link-Up on her blog and asked me to join in.  This month's theme is "Trees" so below are some pictures I took at one of my favorite Richmond spots, Maymont, a few summers ago!  Be sure to go check out the other entries!

Have a great day y'all...and remember, tomorrow's FRIDAY!!