Monday, May 2, 2011

The Help - Book Review

I just finished reading a fabulous novel that I just had to share with you. It was 464 pages (the longest book I have ever read) and every spare minute I had, you could find this book in my hands.

I am not a really experienced reader (this was only the 12th book I have read) and I am not sure that I have the qualifications to do a book review, but here goes.......

First off I want you to know that this is Kathryn Stockett's first book. I will be looking for others that she might write in the future. The story is set in Mississippi, in the 1960's. It is a book about female friendships and race relations. It is both heartbreaking and heartwarming, all at the same time.

There are 3 main characters......Skeeter, a young woman just returning home after graduating from Ole Miss and two black maids, Abbileen and Minny. Abbileen is a wise woman raising her seventeenth white child and Minny is Abbileen's best friend and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. These 3 women come together to work on a project that puts them all at risk.

My favourite thing about this author is how she is able to capture each character's pitch-perfect voice. This helps to paint the perfect scene as you move through this book, chapter by chapter. On many occasions I found myself laughing out loud at some of the phrases.

I found out that they are making a movie about this book and it is due to release in August. I have never been to a movie that I have read the book for. This will be a new experience for me. I was really curious, so I looked up the trailer.



I can't wait to see it. Many say I will probably be disappointed in the movie vs the book, but I am willing to take the risk.

I am enjoying my new reading hobby so much! Some days I feel like I just can't read fast enough. I have made a list of books that I would like to read over the next few months.
  • A Reliable Wife - Robert Goolrick
  • Handle With Care - Jodi Picoult
  • Lowboy - John Wray
  • The Cradle - Patricia Sommerville
  • Thanks for the Memories - Cecelia Ahren
  • Darling Jim - Christian Morek
  • Life Sentences - Laura Lippman
  • Happens Everyday - Isabelle Gillies
  • Strange But True - John Searles
  • A Boy Still Missing - John Searles
I will keep you posted on my progress.


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8 comments:

  1. Thanks for the review Carolyn. I think I'll be making a trip to Chapters at lunch!

    I would highly recommend reading Secret Daughter by Shilpi Somaya Gowda. I loved it!

    Happy reading!

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  2. This book was already on my list - thanks for the review, I will be sure to pick it up soon! Happy reading!

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  3. I read this book last year, and loved it! Glad you enjoyed it too.

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  4. Carolyn, thanks for adding the movie trailer. I didn't know it was being made into a movie. I can't wait to see it. I loved the book. I'm glad you have found the love of reading. :)

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  5. So you finished it! I can't wait to start reading my copy, but I have a few on my shelf that I need to read first...
    Joanne xo

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  6. Hey- I am glad you liked it!! I have Handle with Care when you are rteady for it.

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  7. I hate when katie is signed in- I have the book :)

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  8. Great layout. Love the waves!
    Kboso@Columbus.rr.com

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