Even though I read on a Kindle, I still like to go to the book store and look at books. I like to look at the covers and read the back of the book. I had picked up this book several times, but just now had downloaded it to my Kindle. It took me a long time to read this book. I kept thinking "this is going to turn out bad and I don't want to know" so I wouldn't read. That doesn't mean that it wasn't a good book, it was a good book! This is the story of black maids/nannies in Jackson Mississippi in the early 60's. Just when the civil rights movements were taking place. The book tells the stories of several maids and the hard life that they were living. The work was hard, and their employers were even harder. It also tells of how much the maids love the families and children they took care of despite how horrible they were treated. The maids are telling their stories to a white lady in secret and she in turns writes a book in secret. They sneak around and live in fear while telling their stories. The tension in the book builds and builds and then in the end it turns out OK. The book kinda just ends, and I wish that maybe more good would have come from them telling their stories!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Book Review: The Help
Even though I read on a Kindle, I still like to go to the book store and look at books. I like to look at the covers and read the back of the book. I had picked up this book several times, but just now had downloaded it to my Kindle. It took me a long time to read this book. I kept thinking "this is going to turn out bad and I don't want to know" so I wouldn't read. That doesn't mean that it wasn't a good book, it was a good book! This is the story of black maids/nannies in Jackson Mississippi in the early 60's. Just when the civil rights movements were taking place. The book tells the stories of several maids and the hard life that they were living. The work was hard, and their employers were even harder. It also tells of how much the maids love the families and children they took care of despite how horrible they were treated. The maids are telling their stories to a white lady in secret and she in turns writes a book in secret. They sneak around and live in fear while telling their stories. The tension in the book builds and builds and then in the end it turns out OK. The book kinda just ends, and I wish that maybe more good would have come from them telling their stories!
Thanks Aaron for posting this! I also have the kindle and feel the same way about going to the book store to find my books. There is something about seeing the covers in color and in person that draws me to a particular book.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the books that I have been considering as my next read. Thanks for your input! It is on my Kindle wish list......just might have to go ahead and purchase!
Definitely read this book. I just loved it - the storytelling quality is superb.
ReplyDeleteRight after I finished reading it I saw a lady reading it at the local starbucks. I wanted so bad to interrupt her and discuss it but she was clearly engrossed. Ironically I ran into her a few minutes later in the grocery store next door and I started chatting with her. She immediately begged me with great desire "Just tell me the story ends okay - I can't take it. The tension is so high and I just can't stand thinking it ends bad". I assured her it does end okay and she said her thanks.
I have recommended this book to many people and never had anyone express disappointment!
I too loved this book. I worry about the ending of books too. This is why I don't like John Grisham books. If I'm entertained thought out, it is usually enough for me.
ReplyDeleteThey have made this book into a movie. I saw the preview yesterday when I saw Water for Elephants. It looks so good. I need to read the book first before I see the movie.
ReplyDeleteI just finished the book too. Like you, it took me a long time to read, but I did enjoy it! I also felt it ended abruptly. :-) Can't wait for the movie!
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