Book Review: The Help

The Help is a great novel by Kathryn Stockett. A southern gal from Jackson, Mississippi, wrote this wonderful pure fictional book about what it was like to be a black maid in the early 60's when most of Mississippi was fighting tooth and nail to keep segration. 

I loved this book! Stockett did a great job to capture the emotion of the times. Being a would be historian, I know there was a whole lot of danger, fear and hate going on down there. But this book, really, it doesn't feel that. Yes, there are elements of each in the book, but really, it's just about love, y'all. Love of a black maid for her white babies. Love of a white girl for her missing black maid. What happened to her? Love of friends and seeing their true colors. 

My favorite parts were from Minni's point of view. She was a hoot! And I loved seeing the high society women and how they treated one another. Didn't much care for the back bitting or the lack of parenting, but I guess that's part of the charm of the book.

I found myself worrying about what was going to happen. I prayed that none of the characters, Aibileen, Minni or Skeeter would get hurt. I prayed that justice would be served for the wrongs that happened to Minni. I found myself reading all night long to finish the book (Not a good day the next day, lol!)

After reading this book, I found myself looking inward, hoping that I have always treated people with love and respect. I know I haven't always, and that's where forgiveness comes in. I really, truly, loved this book! Recommended to us by Steve's brother, I thought it strange that a dude would read a book about 1960's maids. But I totally understand why he liked it.

If you haven't read it yet, do so! You won't regret it!

You can find The Help on Amazon for $8.61 in paperback, or $9.99 for the Kindle. As always, you can find it at your local library (but I'm sure there would be a waiting list!)