The Help by Kathryn Stockett

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Amazon.com: 4 1/2 stars out of 5

What perfect timing for this optimistic, uplifting debut novel (and maiden publication of Amy Einhorn's new imprint) 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. -Publisher's Weekly

Why Did I Choose This Book?

I'll be honest. I only knew of the book after I found out that Chris Lowell will be starring in the film. And being a typical bookworm, I knew that I had to read the book first before watching the movie just because that's the right thing to do. So, as much as I love you Chris, the book comes first.

Then, I found out that the book is considered the opposite of Gone With The Wind. It's pretty much a Mami: The Untold Story. I bet Miss Scarlett will have a fit and lost fiddle-dee-dee if she knew the things that Mami would say about her in a book. Then again, the one reading will not be Miss Scarlett but rather Mr Butler.

I digress.

Despite the superficial reason of reading it for your favourite actor's sake, I'm always a sucker for family-based stories and The Help was one that would definitely touch on it.