by Kathryn Stockett
plot simplified:
"The Help" deals with racism in the 1960's. But even better than just being another book about dealing with racism, it's a book that has WOMEN that deal with racism. It's nice to hear an historically accurate fictional book addressing the change that occurred in our country in the 1960's.
Skeeter, a white women in Jackson, Mississippi, inadvertently starts seeing how her friends are very degrading towards their maids, and gets the idea to write a book from Aibileen and Minny's perspective. Skeeter is also a misfit, who is too tall, too boyish, and too forward thinking to fit into the role given her by society, which helps her have a better perspective of what Aibileen and Minny and their friends are going through. Aibileen is the maternal, sensible reason that many white women want for their children. She is a great teacher, which you can see through her interaction with kids, and makes you want to love your kids more. Minny is the best cook in Jackson County, and has a cheeky mouth that continues to get her into trouble. She brings spice, and a great foil to the passive way that many black women acted around white women in that era.
stats:
I counted 2 swear words, but it has true 60's southern jargon (aka, they say "Lord" a lot). Two graphic scenes, one a black boy gets beat up (which is historically accurate) and number two is a streaker. Most of what she includes in the book (Kennedy's assassination, Medgar Evans assassination, Rosa Parks) are true events.
final word:
This is a very well written book. Stockett does a good job of creating people that are real and interesting. I found myself holding my breath, crying, laughing out loud, chewing my nails, everything!
Minny's act is pretty controversial, but I feel that it was necessary. One reason is it becomes the solution to there problem of anonymity. The second being that what else could Minny do? In the time period she is in, and the situation she is in, she has nothing she can do. She is cornered. She finds something that cannot get her in trouble with the law because it would require publicity for her to be punished. I love Minny's character. And I love the fight in her.
you might like this book if...
-you like historical fiction
-you need a reason to shut your door for 8 to 10 hours
-you like a little drama
time: 10 hours
2 comments:
my sister and mom read this book and loved it..... I am on the waiting list number 37 to read it at the library!!! so hopefully soon!!
Hmmm...typically I like more swear words.
And I feel like you listing your reading time of ten hours is more of a challenge than merely a statement. Like you're talking smack before our big read-a-thon. (Which we should have)
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