The Help

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Stockett's first book is written about the changing of race tides during the 1960's, in the hot bed of Jackson Mississippi. The focus is on three strong women. Normally I would not enjoy a book based on women because they tend to destroy others to get their strength. I did however love this book. These women put aside their own safety to bring about change in a nonviolent manner. I loved each character as I learned about their lives, their struggle, their anger, their pain, their love and their relationships with the white women they worked for.

Aibileen is a black maid that has been raising white children for her whole career. What pains her is that she loves them and they grow up to be like their mothers, not liking her for the color of her skin.

Skeeter is a young white woman with the deep desire to become a writer. She has gone to college and returned to Jackson. She is living with her parents and trying to fit into Jackson society. She begins to really see the way that the 'help' are treated when her one time dear friend wants to pass an initiative to make sure the 'help' have their own bathrooms outside of the houses they serve in. Skeeter realizes she may have a story to tell.

Minny is another black maid. Minny has a mouth. She has been fired from many jobs and her last one for a 'Terrible, Awful' thing. She was blessed enough to land a job working for Miss Celia. Miss Celia landed one of Jackson's elite men even though she is what the society girls consider tacky and white trash.

Skeeter first convinces Aibileen to help her with her secret book project. Aibileen then convinces Minny and finally many more black maids to tell their stories.....the bad and the good. The book takes off like never expected. The time is just after the murder of Medgar Evers and just near the march on Washington. Bit by bit the times are changing but the women realize they may have endangered their own lives and the lives of their families.

This was a great book to emotionally connect with a time that I am glad I never had to be a part of.

Rating 4
Rating PG 13 Race violence, murder, domestic violence, critical issues, graphic miscarriage, alcoholism.