The Help

Set during the nascent civil rights movement in Jackson, Miss., where black women were trusted to raise white children but not to polish the household silver. Eugenia Skeeter Phelan is just home from college in 1962, and, anxious to become a writer, is advised to hone her chops by writing about what disturbs you. The budding social activist begins to collect the stories of the black women on whom the country club sets relies and mistrusts enlisting the help of Aibileen, a maid who's raised 17 children, and Aibileen's best friend Minny, who's found herself unemployed more than a few times after mouthing off to her white employers. The book Skeeter puts together based on their stories is scathing and shocking, bringing pride and hope to the black community, while giving Skeeter the courage to break down her personal boundaries and pursue her dreams. Assured and layered, full of heart and history, this one has bestseller written all over it. (Feb.)
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What a great book, especially for someone who didn't experience those times. I loved the characters, they came to life for me and I could see this book being played out in my head the whole time. I enjoy books that take me into another society and time and that's exactly what The Help did. This book is a light read with a heavy theme; I had no problems forging through. I'm excited to say this book is scheduled for the big screen in 2011.

Happy Reading!!