The Help - Kathryn Stockett

464 pages

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. What perfect timing for this optimistic, uplifting debut novel 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.

I absolutely loved this book.
I always admire people standing up for what is right, despite the consequences.

I admire the courage of these woman to tell their stories, to reveal the truth, even knowing that by doing so they were putting themselves and their families in grave danger.

Some parts of the book were so intense that it was hard to read.
I had to stop and put it down at one point.

I think the overall theme of this book is hope.
Hope that things can get better, and that right will prevail.

Currently Reading: Death of a Prankster- M.C. Beaton
2010 total: 12