Friday, February 17, 2012

The Help

Have you ever read a book that you didn't want to end, because you loved the characters so much?  Like you were going to lose some of your best friends when it was over?  That was exactly how I felt when I read The Help.  I laughed.  I cried.  I got attached.  It was a really fun ride.

The novel centers around two African-American maids in Jackson, Mississippi, and the white women they work for.  One of the white women takes an interest in the way the maids are treated, and decides to write a book about their lives.  The story is told  from the point of view of three of the main characters, while many true events from the decade explode around them. There are delicate issues presented here, dealing with segregation and racism in the early 1960's.  There are also life changing friendships and some plot twist so engrossing that you will not be able to put the book down.  What was wrong with Celia Foote (incidentally, one of the best character names, EVER)?  What did Minny do to Hilly?  What happened to Constantine?  I needed to know, so I enthusiastically read on.

via
I would absolutely give this book 5 our of 5 stars.  It is one of the best stories I can remember reading in a long time.  I loved the fully developed, muti-dimensional characters, and like I said before, I grew attached to them.  Sometimes they were funny.  Other times, they broke my heart (knowing that this was based on how it really was in the 60's in the South). I loved that the ending didn't try to tie everything up in a happy little package.  Then there is the movie, which did stick pretty close to the book (and is definitely worth seeing).  Have you read this book?  I would love to hear your take on it.

Up next, The Happiness Project, recommended by Emma over at Gawgus-Things.  I have already started it, and I am loving every page.  I can already see it having a positive effect on my life.  I will be back with a review soon.

18 comments:

joanne hegarty said...

I know what you mean exactly - I was like that when I read One Day - wouldn't recommend crying on a plane during sad parts - people thought I was mad . I must try and read this too.

Have a lovely weekend

Joanne

http://www.balletpumpsandroses.com
x

Jess said...

I loved The Help! I can't believe that it had been out for so long and that I didn't read it earlier

rooth said...

I haven't read The Help but I've read plenty of books where I've dreaded the ending because that would be it for the story.

Unknown said...

Yes, I know that feeling! i had with pan aroma years ago. note to self: start reading more again!

Heather said...

This has been on my reading list for months and I just haven't had time to get to it yet. I've heard nothing but great things about it and can't wait to get started reading!

Antonella C’est Moi said...

love it <3!! great post..if you want follow me on google friends and i will be happy to follow you back <3!!!enjoy the week-end
xoxo
A_C'est moi
LA MODE OUI C'EST MOI
FACEBOOK

Oh my Dior! said...

I want to read this book too!

http://www.ohmydior.org/

Loulou said...

I can't wait to read this book, more so now! I gave it to my mom as a gift and will be getting it back from her soon for my turn to read it! Yay. I just finished one I wasn't thrilled with, but once I started it I wanted to finish it. Anyway, I'm longing for a good juicy read such as you describe with this one.

Happy Sunday my friend,
Loulou

Patty said...

I loved the movie, I'm glad the book was as good! I'll be checking this out soon! Have a great weekend!

Alina said...

I loved this book!

Style, She Wrote said...

Great review! I've thought about reading this book, and your review has inspired me to actually do it. :) xo style, she wrote

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh...as soon as I saw this title I just KNEW it was this book. I loved the movie. Never read the book though!

xo
http://hautecouture3.blogspot.com

Gillie said...

I definitely loved the help, what an amazing book! I'm glad it effected you so much

xo Gillie

Grace said...

I still need to read this.

Love Grace.

E said...

I loved that book too! So good!

shopgirl said...

i agree with you erin! when I read it when it first came out I couldn't put it down. the movie is good but the book is always so much better.

http://rambleswithreese.etsy.com
http://rambleswithreese.blogspot.com

Stephanie said...

I totally agree with you. I thought this was such a good book I finished it in just a few days. I just saw the movie over the weekend and it was pretty good. It stayed pretty true to the book but I'm a bit partial the people I created in my imagination while reading!

Vision By Mila said...

I've just seen the movie, liked it lots!

I'm Erin

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Hi, I'm Erin. I am living back on the east coast after 15 years out west. Currently readjusting to humidity and mosquitos. I love to take pictures and read fashion magazines.... and to talk about nothing in particular (ok, and my dogs).

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