Book Review: The Help

Though I was hoping to craft the crap out of my spring break, I actually spent most of it reading, and it was very relaxing. I love the feeling of being so enthralled in a book that it's the only thing you want to do. That's how I felt reading The Help.

I was engrossed in it from start to finish. It was a great book that really made me think, it made me laugh, and it made me cry. I couldn't put it down. It of course had a great message and would be a book I'd recommend to anyone.

The book is about a 23 year old college grad named Skeeter, who goes back home to live with her family and overbearing mother in Jackson, Mississippi. It seems everyone in Jackson has a maid, whom they call "the help." The controversy at hand is the treatment of the colored in that time period. Separate bathrooms, no legal protection, unequal education. Civil rights is a hot topic all around the country, but the people of Mississippi seem to be oblivious to it--except Skeeter. She starts writing a book with the assistance of colored maids in Jackson. Of course this is extremely dangerous and against the law--but Skeeter and her comrades are determined to do the right thing and share the perspective of the help. It turns the town upside down. There is a little love story, but it doesn't overshadow the issue at hand, which I appreciated. The characters are easy to identify with and spark real emotion from the reader. I loved it.

Immediately when I finished the book, I went off to rent the movie, which I hadn't seen yet. I watched the movie with a very skeptical eye, watching out for discrepancies and criticizing what was included and what was left out. Honestly, I am surprised to admit I also loved the movie. I thought they included the important information in the short amount of time allotted for a movie. Nothing significant was changed to make it a "better" movie. It certainly did not disappoint and I can see why it won so many awards!

I definitely recommend reading The Help. It gave me a new perspective on what life was like back in the 1960's and kept me entertained for awhile!

Next up: Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. This time, I watched the movie first (which I LOVED) so hopefully the book comes through for me, too!