Book Review: The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Title: The Help
Series: Standalone
Author: Kathryn Stockett
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Published: 02/10/2009
Publisher: Berkley
Genre(s): Literary Fiction

DESCRIPTION

The wildly popular New York Times bestseller and reading group favorite.

Aibileen is a black maid in 1962 Jackson, Mississippi, who's always taken orders quietly, but lately she's unable to hold her bitterness back. Her friend Minny has never held her tongue but now must somehow keep secrets about her employer that leave her speechless. White socialite Skeeter just graduated college. She's full of ambition, but without a husband, she's considered a failure. Together, these seemingly different women join together to write a tell-all book about work as a black maid in the South, that could forever alter their destinies and the life of a small town...

MY THOUGHTS

I decided to read this book solely upon the recommendation of one friend, who just recently said she could "hear" it. Several others, once they found out I had a copy, said the book was "INCREDIBLE," "supah," and "wonnnnnderful." They are all right. The Help is all those things. The one word description that I've chosen (and mentioned in an earlier comment) is vivid. I came to hear and envision the time, place, and people through the words and observations of Miss Skeeter, Aibileen, and Minny. Their firsthand accounts were what made it all so vivid for me. Their dialogue was powerful! Their stories so human. Their inner strength so admirable. I feel very fortunate to have been introduced to them. Thank you, Kathryn Stockett!


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