Tuesday, April 27, 2010

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.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.


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!!

5 Shout Outs:

Nicole said...

Glad to hear it was good

Jeana said...

Sounds awesome! I can't wait to read it!! :-)

Becky said...

I cannot wait to read it!!! I'm gonna snatch it at the next book club!!!

Abbie H. said...

How coincidental! I just saw this book on the desk of the receptionist at the Mammogram/ultrasound place this afternoon. I wondered what it was about and in the midst of all the chaos and emotions running, I wondered if it was a book that I needed to read. Glad to get to see what it was actually about!

Newberry said...

That sounds really interesting! I might have to go get that book--thanks for the recommendation.