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!

DIY Bookmarks

Tonight I was finally feeling crafty after a few weeks of lacking inspiration! So I perused the pins on my Crafts pinboard on Pinterest and my craft drawers to see what kind of supplies I had on hand. I found a website for 50 things to do with paint chips, and luckily I had just picked up a bunch at Home Depot. Given yesterday's post about my new-found (or, found-again rather) love of reading, I thought a paint chip bookmark was appropriate.

I set out to make one bookmark and I got a little carried away. An hour later, I have 6 lovely bookmarks to choose from. Here are the supplies I gathered to start:

(I swapped the exacto-knife for scissors. I don't know what I was thinking.)

 And here are my final products!

 #1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

Which one is your favorite? I think I like #1 (geometric squares and ric rac) and #5 (blue and book circles) the best. Who wants a bookmark?? I've got extra!

Aaand here is my bed after this project was over :)

Bookworm

I'm in a rut. I feel so unproductive, and here's why. I spent 4 years of college never having free time, always having something "due." I always had a paper to write, a test to study for, or a project to start. Then, student teaching. My 50 page Teacher Work Sample, daily writing of lesson plans and grading kept me busy. Then, I dove into subbing, applying to different districts every night, updating my cover letter and resumé constantly.

Now, I finally have some time to myself, and I'm just not so sure what to do with it. I just don't feel like crafting every night, there's not enough room in my apartment for all my projects! I try and blog every night, but I don't always have something inspiring to write about and don't want to post something just for the sake of doing it. Kevin doesn't get home till 8 and then needs his own time to unwind and relax. That leaves me to watch crappy TV, peruse my favorite blogs and Pinterest, and waste time on Facebook. I need something more fulfilling in my life.

So, I've decided to read. Why haven't I been reading all this time? I used to read ALL the time. I always have a book going and one waiting in the wings. Then college came and I stopped. Now, I am going to start again. I put a call out to my facebook friends asking for recommendations. It is always so difficult for me to find a book to read. Here are a few of their suggestions, if you are looking for a book, too: The Hunger Games, The Hunger Games, The Hunger Games, The Hunger Games, Wicked, The Help, Life As We Knew It, An Unquiet Mind, and oh, The Hunger Games.

For those of you who really know me, you know I will avoid fads at all cost. I went to Barnes and Noble tonight, half planning on getting The Hunger Games just to see what all the fuss was about. Read the back, not interested. Saw this display, definitely not interested. Called my mom, who has read it, she said I wouldn't like it. Mother's know best. Speaking of which, Kevin's mom recommended The Help. The Help is what I got. I love historical fiction type books, books that make you think, and books with a great story. I haven't seen the movie, I'll read the book first.

(I also want to recommend Sarah's Key. I read it this summer and I absolutely loved it. Then I come to find out they made it into a movie. The movie is pretty good. Kevin even liked it. Read the book. Trust me.)

I am excited to spend an hour or so every night enthralled in a good book. Kevin has been reading this book. What a lame-o. Am I engaged to a CPA, or what?

If you have any recommendations of books, I'd LOVE to hear.