Saturday 18 February 2012

The Help - Book Review


The Help - Kathryn Stockett


Cover
I have the cover from the film so it's nice but I usually love the covers that were brought out before it was released as a film but I couldn't find it. A cover isn't that important but I do think it's nice to have an appealing cover its usually what attracts you to the book in the first place.
Why did I choose this book
This book is so hyped up I had to get it and I really wanted to see the film (I still haven't got round to seeing it yet) and I like to read the book before I see a film.
Description
Jackson, Mississippi, 1962 Aibileen is a black maid: smart, regal, and raising her seventeenth white child. Yet something shifted inside Aibileen the day her own son died while his bosses looked the other way. Minny, Aibileen’s best friend, is by some way the sassiest woman in Mississippi. But even her extraordinary cooking won’t protect Minny from the consequences of her tongue. Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter returns home with a degree and a head full of hope, but her mother will not be happy until there’s a ring on her finger. Seeking solace with Constantine, the beloved maid who raised her, Skeeter finds she has gone. But why will no one tell her where? Seemingly as different as can be, Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny’s lives converge over a clandestine project that will not only put them all at risk but also change the town of Jackson for ever. But why? And for what? (taken from Amazon)
Thoughts
I loved this book! Plain and simple. Although I (obviously) wasn't around during this time I feel like its a really accurate potrayal of the stereotypes, violence and segregation that existed. Everytime I thought I knew what was going to happen I was shocked again and was kept guessing all the way through the book. I was very emotional through out this book and some of the things that are described are hard hitting and really make you think what kind of world we live in but there is also humour within The Help as well. It was one of those books that when you realise you're getting near the end you try you're hardest to slow down because you don't want to finish it but also you can't put it down because you need to know what happens. I don't want to give anything away but I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the civil rights movement or anyone that wants a book that will stay with them for ages.
Rating 
*****


Rough guide of the ratings
* really did not enjoy this book
** wouldn't recommend it
*** had some good moments
**** would recommend it to a friend
***** loved it

6 comments:

  1. I loved this tooo. It was one that made me laugh yet also cry. :) x

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  2. I loved this book, I sat and cried once I'd finished it! I love reading anything to do with American history and felt the setting and characters were portrayed very convincingly x

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed it too! Yeah I agree, American History was one of my favourite subjects at school. Have you seen the film? what did you think? xx

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  3. I haven't seen it yet! I can't believe I didn't make it to the cinema, but as soon as it's out on DVD I'll grab a copy. Have you seen it? x

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    1. No I haven't but as soon as it's on DVD I'm going to watch it, hopefully it lives up to the book. x

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So.. what do you think? I love hearing your opinions on my post.