Book Cover
BOOKTALKING
Celia Foote endures the heartache of several miscarriages and the fear that if her husband finds out, he'll leave. Many women today can relate to the pain of losing a baby and the pain of wanting children but not being able to have any.
"Wasn't that the point of the book? For women to realize, We are just two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I'd thought." Skeeter (Page 530) This book does a great job of helping the reader realize that we are more alike than we are different and when we come together, differences and all, something great can happen.
The tender love between Skeeter and her childhood maid, Constantine, defies the logic of this time period. (Page 74) It goes to show that children are pure and love with an open heart. We could all learn more from the children in this book.
Skeeter is told to write about something that disturbs her and that bothers no one else. (Page 83) This novel is full of controversy for this time period and you will find yourself biting your lip while reading hoping that the main characters are not found out.
While young Mae Mobley's mother has no time for her, Aibileen takes time everyday to remind Mae Mobley she is kind, smart and important. (Page 107) Aibileen believes in the person that Mae Mobley can become. We have all had someone who believed in us and really made a difference in our life. This novel is a good reminder to go out and be that someone for someone else.
Skeeter gives up romantic love in order to do what she knows is right to help those she loves most. (Page 450) While it's easy to read about her doing this, it makes the reader ponder on if they would be willing to do the same.
DISCUSSION POINTS
Who was your favorite character? Why?
Why is Hilly Holbrook so hateful to the help and yet such a good mother to her children and active in good causes in her community? Can she really be such a good mother while being so cruel to others?
Even though Skeeter's mother is horribly critical towards her, as the book progresses you see that she really does love and want the best for Skeeter. Does her love make her a sympathetic character or does her criticalness overshadow any goodness and make her an unsympathetic character?
Does the time in which a person lives determine one's character? If so, how much?
Were you happy that Stuart walked away from Skeeter and took the ring with him? Why?
Do you feel that at times Minny was too harsh, or do you feel she was justified in her dislike of white people?
Is racism a product of nature or nurture? Do you think Mae Mobley will grow up to be like her mother or do you think she will remember what Aibileen taught her?
Do you think racism still remains in work environments where it is a colored person working for a white person?
Did Minny go too far in her revenge for Hilly?
BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Stockett, K. (2009). The help. New York, NY/USA: Penguin Books.
PAGES
530
PURCHASING OPTIONS
NOOK $13.99
Audiobook $29.55
Audiobook $29.55
Kindle $13.99
Hardcover $11.89
Hardcover $11.89
Paperback $12.68
Audio CD $26.00
ANNOTATION
Three women collaborate to show the joys and tragedies of black maids in the South.
SUMMARY
Three women in 1962 Jackson, Mississippi come together and risk everything to write an in-depth book of what it is like to be a black maid.
Aibileen, who is a black maid raising a white child feels compelled to tell her story after the tragic death of her son, Treelore.
Aibileen's friend, Minny is having a hard time finding work after Hilly Holbrook, her very influential and powerful former employer, starts lies about Minny stealing from her. Once Minny finally finds a job, she must keep it a secret so that Hilly doesn't find out and get her fired again.
Skeeter, a white young woman who just graduated from college, is an aspiring writer. She also feels disturbed by the way black people are treated and wishes that this subject would be talked about instead of swept under the rug and ignored. She is contacted by New York City senior editor, Elaine Stein. Miss Stein tells Skeeter that if she can write about something that disturbs her and is considered controversial, she will read it and give her opinions.
With the help of Aibileen and Minny, and despite the incredible risk, Skeeter is able to write a book of true stories from black maids all throughout Jackson that is both joyful and tragic that they hope will be the start of better days ahead.
MY REVIEW
This book is incredibly well-written from three different women's perspectives. Each storyline is captivating while remaining distinct from the others. Stockett does a great job of sharing not only the heartbreaking events that took place for black maids at this time in the South, but also heartwarming experiences that they experienced while they loved and cared for white children. It is a different perspective that was amazing to learn about. The villain of the book, who is a pretty deep character, is so good at being bad that it disturbed my soul. At one moment I would find myself wanting smack her through the book, and at the next moment wanting to stand and clap for the small victories of the three main characters. One minute I would be laughing and the next tearing up, I had become so invested in the character's lives. Even though this is a book about black maids in the South written by a white woman, I felt like the author did a great job making it authentic. She comes from a standpoint of wanting to understand rather than claiming she does understand.
SUMMARY
Three women in 1962 Jackson, Mississippi come together and risk everything to write an in-depth book of what it is like to be a black maid.
Aibileen, who is a black maid raising a white child feels compelled to tell her story after the tragic death of her son, Treelore.
Aibileen's friend, Minny is having a hard time finding work after Hilly Holbrook, her very influential and powerful former employer, starts lies about Minny stealing from her. Once Minny finally finds a job, she must keep it a secret so that Hilly doesn't find out and get her fired again.
Skeeter, a white young woman who just graduated from college, is an aspiring writer. She also feels disturbed by the way black people are treated and wishes that this subject would be talked about instead of swept under the rug and ignored. She is contacted by New York City senior editor, Elaine Stein. Miss Stein tells Skeeter that if she can write about something that disturbs her and is considered controversial, she will read it and give her opinions.
With the help of Aibileen and Minny, and despite the incredible risk, Skeeter is able to write a book of true stories from black maids all throughout Jackson that is both joyful and tragic that they hope will be the start of better days ahead.
MY REVIEW
This book is incredibly well-written from three different women's perspectives. Each storyline is captivating while remaining distinct from the others. Stockett does a great job of sharing not only the heartbreaking events that took place for black maids at this time in the South, but also heartwarming experiences that they experienced while they loved and cared for white children. It is a different perspective that was amazing to learn about. The villain of the book, who is a pretty deep character, is so good at being bad that it disturbed my soul. At one moment I would find myself wanting smack her through the book, and at the next moment wanting to stand and clap for the small victories of the three main characters. One minute I would be laughing and the next tearing up, I had become so invested in the character's lives. Even though this is a book about black maids in the South written by a white woman, I felt like the author did a great job making it authentic. She comes from a standpoint of wanting to understand rather than claiming she does understand.
RATING
Quality Rating: Gold
Popularity Rating: Diamond
Quality Rating: Gold
Popularity Rating: Diamond
GENRE & SUB GENRES
Historical Fiction
African-American Historical Fiction
African-American Historical Fiction
APPEAL FACTORS
This book would appeal to those who want to learn more about life during the Civil Rights movement as well as African-American history. It gives a unique perspective of what African-American people experienced at this time in history. This book explores the depth and remarkable resilience of humans. It flawlessly balances serious topics while remaining humorous and lovable.
Celia Foote endures the heartache of several miscarriages and the fear that if her husband finds out, he'll leave. Many women today can relate to the pain of losing a baby and the pain of wanting children but not being able to have any.
"Wasn't that the point of the book? For women to realize, We are just two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I'd thought." Skeeter (Page 530) This book does a great job of helping the reader realize that we are more alike than we are different and when we come together, differences and all, something great can happen.
The tender love between Skeeter and her childhood maid, Constantine, defies the logic of this time period. (Page 74) It goes to show that children are pure and love with an open heart. We could all learn more from the children in this book.
Skeeter is told to write about something that disturbs her and that bothers no one else. (Page 83) This novel is full of controversy for this time period and you will find yourself biting your lip while reading hoping that the main characters are not found out.
While young Mae Mobley's mother has no time for her, Aibileen takes time everyday to remind Mae Mobley she is kind, smart and important. (Page 107) Aibileen believes in the person that Mae Mobley can become. We have all had someone who believed in us and really made a difference in our life. This novel is a good reminder to go out and be that someone for someone else.
Skeeter gives up romantic love in order to do what she knows is right to help those she loves most. (Page 450) While it's easy to read about her doing this, it makes the reader ponder on if they would be willing to do the same.
DISCUSSION POINTS
Who was your favorite character? Why?
Why is Hilly Holbrook so hateful to the help and yet such a good mother to her children and active in good causes in her community? Can she really be such a good mother while being so cruel to others?
Even though Skeeter's mother is horribly critical towards her, as the book progresses you see that she really does love and want the best for Skeeter. Does her love make her a sympathetic character or does her criticalness overshadow any goodness and make her an unsympathetic character?
Does the time in which a person lives determine one's character? If so, how much?
Were you happy that Stuart walked away from Skeeter and took the ring with him? Why?
Do you feel that at times Minny was too harsh, or do you feel she was justified in her dislike of white people?
Is racism a product of nature or nurture? Do you think Mae Mobley will grow up to be like her mother or do you think she will remember what Aibileen taught her?
Do you think racism still remains in work environments where it is a colored person working for a white person?
Did Minny go too far in her revenge for Hilly?
WHY THIS BOOK?
I did not know a lot about African-American history and the Civil Rights movement and this book was an opportunity to get a better view of what these people experienced. I also watched the movie when it first came out over six years ago and remembered how much I loved it. I was curious to see how well the movie followed the book. When I picked up a copy of the book and read the reviews on the cover I was instantly intrigued.
THE AUTHOR
REVIEWS
"This could be one of the most important pieces of fiction since To Kill a Mockingbird...If you read only one book..let this be it." -NPR.org
"Wise, poignant...You'll catch yourself cheering out loud." -People
"This heartbreaking story is a stunning debut from a gifted talent." -The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
"A story that made me weep as I rejoiced for each of humanity's small but steady triumphs over hate and fear. I will never forget this wonderful book." -Dorothea Benton Frank
"Graceful and real, a compulsively readable story." -Entertainment Weekly
"(A) story with heart and hope...A good old-fashioned novel." -New York Daily News
SIMILAR TITLES/AUTHORS
Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen
Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns
Mudbound by Hillary Jordan
Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns
Mudbound by Hillary Jordan
AWARDS
#1 New York Times Bestseller
Orange Prize Nominee for Fiction Longlist (2010)
Audie Award for Fiction (2010)
Exclusive Books Boeke Prize (2009)
SIBA Book Award for Fiction (2010)
Indies Choice Book Award for Adult Debut (2010)
Puddly Award for Fiction (2011)
Lincoln Award Nominee (2013)
Grand Prix des lectrices de Elle for roman (2011)
Goodreads Choice Award for Fiction (2009)
Townsend Prize for Fiction (2010)
POINTS TO REMEMBER
- People who risk everything to help those they love
- Civil Rights movement in 1962 Jackson, Mississippi
- The resilience and goodness of humans juxtaposed with the evil humans are capable of when they give in to their weaknesses
- The differences we have may not be as great as we think and can, in fact, enrich our relationships with one another
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