Thursday, April 7, 2011

The Help

As many of you know, I love the library and reading.  I mostly keep my recreational reading light with fictional "chick-lit" books.  But I do occasionally read for substance, most recently with The Help.  Although I had heard rave reviews, I didn't know what this book was about until I started reading and it took me a few chapters to get into it.  But once I did, I couldn't put it down.  It's an eye opening account of the civil rights movement, told from the perspective of both the maids and their white employers.  The stories are shocking, heart-breaking, and touching, showing the irony of the time period.  Stockett did an excellent job of drawing you in with her skilled writing style, powerful stories, and developed characters.  I can't remember the last time a book made this much of an impression on me.  Have you read The Help?

30 comments:

this free bird said...

I haven't read it, but Val - someday I'm going to have time to read a book again. Someday.

xo,
C

Mary Ann Pickett said...

Thanks for the recommendation.

Brenna [fabuleuxdestin] said...

I read this this summer and loved it :) :)

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

I read it and loved it. Great book...and different. Not just the same story you've read - you know? I just finished Water for Elephants which was also really good.

Jewel at EatDrinkShopLove said...

I read and thought it was great. I can't wait to see the movie this summer.

melissa said...

Read it and loved it! As you said, it's definitely a "can't put it down" read. I'm conflicted on the movie though. Movies based on books rarely live up to the book and I loved the book so much I fear the movie won't do it justice. Are you planning to see it?

Marcie said...

Yes, yes and YES! I am in LOVE with this book. It has been a favorite of mine for a long time. They are making a movie too!

xo Marcie

Gabriel said...

I'm glad you liked it, maybe I'll check it out as well.

Nicole Marie said...

i LOVED it

Chiara said...

Thanks for the tip, I am looking for good books at the moment!
Have a great day, C.

STYLE'N said...

OH Valerie you are reminding me to get back into this book. I read 100 pages but as you know life gets busy and this book is sitting next to my bed. i really need to pick it up again...especially since the first 100 pages were great.

Kristen said...

Yes, I have. and I think everyone should because it's such an incredible read.

Sam W. said...

i bought this book but have yet to open it. i have a bad habit of just buying and buying and never reading :)

Jaime @ laviejaime said...

AMAZING book. I was so sad when i finished- i just love(d) the characters. I hope the movie lives up to my high expectations!

Josie said...

I've never read this but maybe this summer when I'm nannying... I usually go for really light recreational reading but I've heard amazing things about this.
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

Never even heard of it but it sounds great!

this free bird said...

Okay I was so delusional I don't think I realized this may have been a sign to hire "the help" for moving. HAHAHAHAH!! So glad you're back!!

xo,
C

Annie said...

I haven't, but I'm glad to hear you like it so much because I've been wondering about it!

Kayla said...

I loved the book. Loved it. I even gave a copy to a friend and my mom I loved it so much.

Ramblings of a Small Town Girl
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Lyndsy said...

I am halfway through it right now and love it so much!! It seems absolutely crazy to me that this all happend a little over 50 years ago. Excellent novel!

California Wife said...

The Help is one of my all time favorite reads!!! I'm so excited for the movie this summer.

Jess said...

I've heard such great things about this book, too. Going to add it to my list of books to read. Wish I would have thought to bring it on my recent trip!!

xo

Jamie said...

I love reading! I have especially been reading like crazy now that Scott's gone. It is a great distraction, especially before bed to quiet my mind. Chic lit is my FAVE. Just finished 'Something Blue' by Emily Giffin and ordered her next one 'Baby Proof.' I can't wait for it to get here!! :)
This book sounds really interesting. Will have to add it to my list!

http://www.glamlatte.com

Ashley said...

I was the same way...everyone said to read it but I wasn't sure about it. Once I got into it, I couldn't stop and was so disappointed when it ended!

torrie said...

We listened to it during a vacation on audio, and LOVED it- Ryan, Jacob, & I. Such a wonderful book!

Marie said...

I want to read it again.:D

***** Marie *****
allthingsmarie.com

Michelle {lovely little things} said...

Yes, loved it, could hardly put it down!

shopgirl said...

I read this last year and it was completely absorbing!

PursuitOfLLT said...

i read it and absolutely LOVED it! so good, and you're right, once you get into it you can't put it down. they're filming a movie about it right now with emma stone as skeeter! :)

Lindsay With An "A" said...

Got it for Christmas, and I can't wait to read it! It's up next on my list! :)