The Help By Kathryn Stockett

The Help. An amazing written book by Kathryn Stockett. Now who would ever want to read a historical fiction book called the Help? I'll tell you one thing, this book will blow you away. It is a story that tells of negro maids(that is what they were called in the book)and how they were treated poorly. The story takes place in Jackson, Mississippi during the year 1963 when diversity was really strong among the blacks and whites. Although there is swearing and uneducated language, this book was entertaining. You do have to know that the chapters are told by two negro maids and a white woman that interviews them. It is a well told book.

Skeeter Phelan is a curious, white woman and not exactly someone you would call attractive. She's confident with her views and values. All she's ever dreamed of is being a writer. She's challenged by Missus Stein to write something controversial in order to get her dream job. Skeeter takes a risk and decides she wants to write about the help. She must interview these maids about their life in order to get the story right. She looses friends, becomes the embarrassment of the town, her only friend is a maid, and she may even get caught writing this book. If she does, Skeeter Phelan may be on the verge of going to jail.

The book to me is interesting and entertaining. The reason why i would call it interesting is because of some awkward parts of the book. I do have to say there is a chapter where one of the characters has a miscarriage and it seemed a little too graphic for me to read. Other than that I thought it was very entertaining and fun.

My mind is on the same page with Kathryn Stockett as the story progresses. I love how she incorporates the maids' perspective in the story. It makes me feel like I know each main character personally, but I have to disagree with the way she wrote the beginning of the book. It felt like she was forcing information into my head. I felt overwhelmed and didn't really know what was going on. I think she could have written it a tad better, but considering this was her first novel, I think she did pretty well.

My only other issue I have with "The Help" is the swearing. Although there is more cussing in the world today, I feel when i read a book, I can get away from the selfish world. I did not feel that with this book. I felt like I was still hearing the same words in the book as I hear on television and the school halls everyday. Just make sure you know there is swearing in this book, because it just made me feel a little uncomfortable.

I really enjoyed this book, because of its creativity. Kathryn sure did have a lot to write about. The story line is wonderful and touching. Some parts made me laugh and others cry. I recommend this book to any of you that want to read a good book. This book definitely deserves a big fat A.