BOOK REVIEW: THE HELP

Title: The Help

Author: Kathryn Stockett

Number of Pages: 444

Number of Stars I'm Giving: 5

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  In fact I loved it!  Some people might classify this as a "girlie" book, but men are missing out if they don't read it.  I loved the plot, the writing, the humor, and especially the characters.

I can't even pick a favorite character.  I liked them all, because the way in which she writes about them, you really understand their personalities and you can envision each person in your head very clearly.  I even liked Hilly, who I also hated.  This book makes you stop and think about the daily conveniences that you have and most importantly it reminds you of the freedoms you enjoy.  It teaches us the value of people and you can see how some of the characters grasp the importance of love for your fellow bothers and sisters here on Earth. Since I can't think of a favorite character I will just list my favorite thing about each of them.

Aibileen - She has such a tender heart.  I also enjoy the way that she looks at the day to day mundane choirs and finds humor and satisfaction in them.  

Minny - I see myself the most in Minny.  She is always putting her foot in her mouth, and she holds more thoughts in her head than she lets out.  My head is full of unspoken jokes or criticisms. But the truth is we need people like that in this world to speak the truth when no one else will.  It was interesting to me how brave she was in front of everyone in the world with the exception of Leroy.

Miss Skeeter - I really felt her loyalty towards those she loved.  She was willing to look at the world and see her own mistakes and learn and grow from them. 

Miss Celia - She really isn't one of the "main" characters, but I just adored her.  She is like that crazy neighbor or aunt that all of us has.  She never judges others and she is always positive.  You just have to love her despite her bright pink skin tight pants and Marilyn Monroe hair.

And last but not least...

Miss Hilly - I think Miss Hilly is the living version of Minny's chocolate cake.  She's all sorts of nasty on the inside wrapped up in the most scrumptious and adorable chocolate cake you've ever seen.  You can't help but love her enough to gobble up two slices, even if you might regret it later.  This comparison may only make sense in the chaos in my mind!

I do have one negative comment.

Again as with so many books I read lately, most of the men in this book were portrayed as no good drunks who either abandoned their wife and children or stuck around to bet them.  This book was better than most.  At least there was Mr. Skeeter and Mister Johny to redeem mankind a little.

All in all an entertaining and gripping read.

You won't be bored once from cover to cover!