The Help by Kathryn Stockett Hardcover - $13.72 Be prepared to meet three unforgettable women: Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a...

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"A southern community is turned on its head when one of their own rights an expose with The Help."
by lizbeals (see profile) 04/03/09
Great book! I could see and hear the characters.

"The story of a southern white woman secretly writing a book from the perspective of black maids about their relationships with their bosses."
by tammyoldghent (see profile) 04/03/09
Great book - you get attached to the characters, and admire the great risks they take to tell their stories.

"Great characters and a real glimpse into the south in the 1960's."
by sreardon27 (see profile) 04/09/09
I couldn't put it down..

"A captivating and enlightening perspective."
by aashe (see profile) 04/28/09
Kathryn Stockett takes you right into all that makes up Jackson, MS in 1962. The tension and the moral angst that constituted that time in our history and she does it through the eyes of affecting characters. I felt respect, empathy, and anger. Brilliantly written and a captivating read.

"Wonderful, quick read."
by monie (see profile) 04/29/09
The Help is an interesting look at 3 women and their lives in 1960's Mississippi. It reveals both the beauty and the darkness in the relationships between white and black women at this time and how both races were trapped by the roles that society gave them.

"The Help by Kathryn Stockett"
by allisonsacres (see profile) 05/05/09
This insightful book brings multiple emotions to the reader. I am amazed at the way we treated other human beings just 40+ years ago. I wonder, even now, if we have truly moved forward and embrace each others differences and similarities. Can we forever put the bigotry of our past behind us? I pray we have and will continue to do so on many other levels than race.

"A fairly decent read"
by julialily (see profile) 05/29/09
If you are easily able to overcome the use of vernacular speech then you may really enjoy this novel. I found the language annoying at times and the characters not always completely consistent (i.e. Minny) It is often difficult to believe in a character that is generally strong yet is utterly feeble at the same time. If nothing else, the book is easy to read & makes for a lively discussion, especially when you reside in the South and may have experienced some of these situations firsthand.

"I so underestimated this book!"
by doodlebugsmom (see profile) 06/10/09
When I heard that my book club would be reading The Help, a novel about the 1960s civil rights movements, I was not excited because I was tired of heavy and mentally exhausting subjects. Once I started reading, I was pleasantly surprised. Although certainly this book does bring us deep into the civil rights movement, it is much more so a book about love and the relationship between mothers and daughters and more importantly, how women relate to each other. This is "the story" behind the civil rights movement, what prompted people to make the choices they made during that time period both good and evil. This is a human tale not to be missed.

"Inspiring and life changing"
by beckylampl (see profile) 06/11/09
Gave me a whole new perspective on the civil rights movement..... Opened my eyes....

"One of our all time favorite books...."
by dcraggs (see profile) 06/12/09
The Help inspired some great discussion. There were so many wonderful characters and so many layers to explore. After 8 years of meeting we all agreed, this was one of our favorites. Everyone in the club gave this book the highest marks. We would recommend with out a doubt.

"What a beautifully written book!! you can imagine the characters and feel for them and their struggles."
by dtcfife (see profile) 06/13/09
I could not put this book down, I would highly recommend this book! You could really imagine the characters and certain parts were LOL funny. The book really made you understand what life was like in jackson, Miss. in the 1960's. This is a must read!!!!

"Great Read; Great Story"
by michgano (see profile) 06/15/09
For those in the over-50 crowd who were part of (either directly or on the sidelines) the civil rights era, this book provides a different perspective. Allows us to view that era from the points of view of both housekeepers and those who employed them and the thought processes of each side; and to see how that era changed viewpoints on both sides. Fascinating book!

"The Help - Raed it!"
by brownbag (see profile) 06/15/09

"Fun, inspiring read with colorful characters..."
by Onewoman (see profile) 06/18/09
The Help was fun reading. It shows the little "nit-picky" things we all do as women--no matter your background. This story is about race and personal morals and ethics...trying to do what's right and not what is popular. When we met to discuss this book we decided to go to a book signing and we met the author who made me feel as if she put so much of herself into the book. It was a lot of fun reading and I found it very insightful.

""The Help" by K. Stockett"
by anneg57 (see profile) 07/09/09

"The Help Review by Beach Readers"
by picovitt (see profile) 07/25/09
A very different perspective for most people. Lots of points to discuss - eye opening and a sad documentary of our past as a society.

"The Help by Catherine Stockett"
by louisedroz (see profile) 08/01/09
Wow! I have to admit that I didn't know as much as I thought I did about life in the South of the 1960's. This book moved quickly and I didn't want to put it down! Minnie was my favorite character and one of the the strongest that I have come across.

"Highly recommend reading The Help"
by Tonia (see profile) 08/03/09
Excellent book that I enjoyed reading from the beginning to the end. The characters are well developed and I was drawn into their world. I enjoyed 'experiencing' the varied lives of numerous African-American housekeepers/nanny's in the early 60's and their employers with several different opinions reguarding segregation. Reading this book helped me appreciate just how far our nation has come in less than 50 years.

"A new look at the civil rights movement"
by writeco (see profile) 08/03/09
"The Help" gives valuable insight into the South of the 1960s, as well as to the roles of women, both African American and white, during a time of multiple societal changes. Although it is an easy read, it's no lightweight novel. You find yourself cheering for the women who — like members of a resistance movement —meet in secret to compile the book containing their stories. And hoping the club women who employ them get their come-uppence. Whether you lived through the '60s or not, you will discover how much things have changes -- or have they?

"The Help = Good Book"
by ErinMather (see profile) 08/06/09
Well written! Informative and fun to read! This book lead to the most interesting book club discussion we've ever had.

"intimate race relations"
by rsallee (see profile) 08/06/09

"Glad I found this one!"
by mswift0022 (see profile) 08/15/09

"Great Discussion Book"
by homeisbest (see profile) 08/20/09

"The Help is fantastic"
by dcb155 (see profile) 09/01/09
Excellent book for discussion

"Review of The Help"
by cmscull (see profile) 09/01/09
Very interesting book about the writing of a book; the challenges that all of the characters were faced with; and the way that two sides can come together to accomplish something greater.

"The Help by Kathryn Stockett"
by Scoop (see profile) 09/01/09
I found it to be slow reading for me and felt that I didn't like it until we discussed it at book club. As we talked about the characters and events, I felt that I had gotten a lot out it and should not have been so quick to judge it.

"The Help and what Jackson Mississippi was like for Black Maids in the 60's"
by Tam (see profile) 09/01/09
I was kept wondering what was going to happen. I kept feeling edgy and that things could go terribly wrong. I learned a lot about southern domestic help in the 1960's in Jackson, Mississippi. I liked that the author was from the location and had first hand experience. The characters were well thought out. I remember those times and I remember the fear we all felt about the south.

"Loving "The Help""
by mmckeon23 (see profile) 09/01/09
We met last night to discuss "The Help". I found the book to be one that I found myself having trouble putting down! The characters were wonderful and you ended up loving them and hating them. The book was an eye opener to the life of those that worked in the homes of whites and the whites that worked to fight back against prejudice. It was wonderfully inspiring and I would recommend this to other book clubs.

"Top book this year"
by klacorte (see profile) 09/04/09
I really love this book. The three main characters are so interesting and the way the author switches between them kept me peeled to the book. There are tender moments, shocking moments and very funny moments. The best book I have read this year!

"I can't recommend this book enough! - A MUST READ for any book club!"
by amiz1122 (see profile) 09/11/09
I could not put this book down. It is written as to make you feel as though you are talking to these people, you hear the way they talk and really get a feel for these ladies and who they are. I can't recommend this book enough!

"Couldn't put it down."
by tripleword (see profile) 09/16/09

"Honest and courageous"
by Periwinkle (see profile) 09/17/09

"The Help by K. Stockett"
by dgarza8198 (see profile) 09/17/09
Found this on my own and decided it sounded like a good read. What it ended up being was a fantastic read. The vernacular wasn't difficult to get past. Have heard people talk in that manner most of my life as I am from the south. The characters are easy to identify with and some you can actually despise. My book club will be reading this soon and I can't wait to reread this book.

"New all-time best discussion!"
by Drizzyjo (see profile) 09/21/09
I first listened to the audio version of "The Help" and loved the voices of the characters. I loved it so much I then bought the book and have re-read several parts. If you get a chance to listen to it, it is worth the 18 hours it takes!

"The Help was a Success"
by rgs159 (see profile) 10/01/09
The entire club really liked this one, and pleasing all of us is difficult. We even stayed on topic for this one- forgoing our usual forays into make up and celebrity scandals. We loved the characters and felt their stories were fresh and compelling ( a difficult accomplishment when tackling a historic topic). In fact, we liked it so much, we felt that students should be required to read it.

"The Help is in my personal top 5 books of all time!"
by usarica (see profile) 10/01/09
While reading The Help I just didn't want it to end. Having the story told from 3 different perspectives was wonderful and provided great insight into life in Mississippi in the early 60's. I can't wait for Kathryn Stockett to write another book -- this one was a home run. Heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once.

"The Help is an amazingly well written book about 3 women from Mississippi in the 60s"
by red99lucy (see profile) 10/01/09
This book was one that was hard for me to put down. I kept wanting to read to find out what was going to happen next. I really felt like each character had her own voice, and that you could actually hear it in the way the author wrote her part. Really a moving book with great strong women characters.

"The Help by Kathryn Stockett"
by Susanif (see profile) 10/02/09

"Fabulous Read"
by BarbaraNizewitz (see profile) 10/02/09
Excellent choice for a book club. Lots to talk about. Interesting main theme and lots of "sub plots" to discuss. Each character makes an impact and causes you to think about what will happen to her/him in the future.

"The Help was powerful"
by Helenesp (see profile) 10/04/09
Great read!

"One of the most engrossing books in a long time"
by kdaane (see profile) 10/05/09
This was one of the best books I've read in a long time. It didn't draw me in right away because I wasn't sure I would enjoy deciphering the different dialects. Soon enough, though, I was completely engrossed and didn't stop for the rest of the book. The description was vivid and the story dramatic. Like I said, one of the best books I've read in a long time.

"The Help, by Kathryn Stockett"
by kathyp28 (see profile) 10/08/09
The Help, was an overwhelming success as far as the discussion went with this novel for our bookclub! Personally, I felt the character development was so well done, it was like being part of each characters life. Skeeter is a strong woman for the early 1960's. Aibileen and Minny you grow to love. Miss Hilly, you grow to dispise. I wonder if Kathryn Stockett has plans to continue the story of, The Help??!!

"Very impressed"
by kittykatt415 (see profile) 10/09/09
I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting much from this book. However this has become my new favorite book to read this year. As a black woman there were times when my blood would boil during some of the scenes because I know these events didn't take place that long ago. However there are truly many laugh out loud moments. I hated for the book to end.

"The Help, a novel"
by speoni (see profile) 10/09/09
Very well-written book that generated a lot of discussion in the group.

"I will miss my friends"
by seky23 (see profile) 10/12/09
I loved this book so much, that when I finished it I was so sad. I had to say goodbye to my friends. you will connect with the women in this book.

"Great read!!"
by cjb (see profile) 10/16/09
We had someone from Jackson talk about the book and draw from her personal experience. We had an interesting discussion.

"Beautiful Story and Characters"
by momofthreewi (see profile) 10/22/09
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters are so memorable and I could see it provoking a lot of interesting discussion in a book club setting.

"Review of The Help"
by whitneybug84 (see profile) 10/22/09
I've been reading books that have taken place during the turbulent Civil Rights Movement over the past few months. It was so refreshing to see maids depicted with feelings of disdain for the women they worked for, as opposed to maids with a mammy mentality. The author eloquently described the struggle these women went through to make things better for the future generations of African Americans. I highly recommend this book to any woman.

"honest look at a changing time"
by cshelley27 (see profile) 10/24/09

"Wonderful read"
by sharshep (see profile) 10/24/09

"beauutiful insight"
by Angela6 (see profile) 10/25/09

"A great read!"
by Limbacher (see profile) 10/26/09
Everyone in our club enjoyed this book - it was unanimous! It was interesting, informative and even though, a quite serious topic, it was often funny. I really enjoyed the author's writing and look forward to more books written by her.

"Incredible!"
by lilcranberry (see profile) 10/26/09
This is an amazingly written and insightful story about the deep south during the peak of discrimination. My Godmother grew up in the south during these times, and as most of the white rich girls of that day, she was raised by their maid. She has told me stories, but until I read this book did I really understand what she was talking about. I loved hearing all the different perspectives. If you are one that likes to listen to books while driving, etc. Audible.com has a wonderfully narrated version.

"The Help accurately depicts what Missisippi society was like in the 1960's."
by ginrose (see profile) 10/26/09
Though I never lived in Jackson, I was in a sorority at Ole Miss in the 60's and met my husband there. My mother-in-law could have been Skeeter's mother and her "help" could have been any one of the black women Kathryn Stockett brought to life in this beautiful book. The dialect is accurate and the situations are believable. I could almost taste the fried chicken and caramel cake. I knew women like the Junior League members bad and good. It was easy to empathize with Skeeter, Celia, and even Elizabeth. Although I was married to a young professional raised in that town, it wasn't easy being a closet liberal, coming to live in a small Mississippi town as an outsider, and trying to live on a start-up income while having to socialize with women from "old money". I can't help but wonder if this book had been written 40 years earlier how life in Mississippi would be today.

"the Help by Katherin Stockett"
by Bogie0712 (see profile) 10/29/09
I didn't want it to end!

"Informative, Insightful, Well-Written"
by gmmoreno (see profile) 10/29/09
Great Boook. Fully developed characters and storyline. Insightful read into the life in Jacksonville, Mississippi in the 1960s.

"Southern Charm"
by lollygil (see profile) 10/30/09
Our Bookclub loved this book. We held our meeting with fried chicken and yes....Chocolate Pie! We were trusting and did sample it!

"The Help a novel"
by stashin (see profile) 10/30/09
Excellent. well written, enjoyable. An eye-opener

"The Help -- too short, wished it had continued with the characters lives..."
by SandraReader (see profile) 10/31/09
Wished it was longer... Missed Skeeter, Abilene after I finished the book. Cannot believe that only 45+ years ago, things were still SO backwards.

"A Must Read"
by AZannie (see profile) 11/02/09
Beautifully written, Kathryn Stockett masterfully captures the language and dialect of the era.

"The Help draws you in from the first page and doesn't let go..."
by hokiegirl (see profile) 11/02/09
Set in Mississippi during the turbulent times of segregation, The Help opens your eyes to what people endured because of prejudice. The book is well written and just fascinating. This is a book that makes you appreciate how far we have come but it is so hard to believe that we were ever in that place to begin with!

"The Help- Honey, dinner's going to be late."
by PEP2312 (see profile) 11/02/09
This book will leave you yearning for more. The characters are so real they seem to be sitting in the room whispering their stories. The book sparked an insightful discussion on the lingering remnants of racism in our current day. A superb bookclub selection.

"The Help by Kathryn Stockett"
by EllieCat (see profile) 11/02/09
The story is rich with three main characters who are each full of personality...a fantastic book!

"This book brought back fond memories of "our help.""
by tnewman123 (see profile) 11/03/09
So many of our members who grew up in the South had their own fond memories of their special "Constantine" or "Minny." Those of us that didn't still enjoyed the ability of the author to capture that time in our history, especially in the South. There were so many times that I either laughed out loud or smiled while reading this book. It is a jewel and only one of two books that have gotten our highest rating among our members.

"The Help - Review"
by jwilker (see profile) 11/03/09
Having grown up in the South in the '60's, I could totally relate to this terrific first novel. Thought-provoking, funny and poignant, The Help was an accurate look at life in the South through the eyes of "The Help".

"Worth the read!"
by tallard90 (see profile) 11/05/09

"Great Read"
by lboeck (see profile) 11/07/09

"I could not put this book down once I started it"
by tarabranham (see profile) 11/08/09
What an excellent book. It drew me in to the characters lives so well that I could not put it down.

"A page turner"
by jlcesmsrd (see profile) 11/08/09
What a wonderful book. One of my most favorite books our Club has read.

"kht54"
by kht54 (see profile) 04/10/10
our book club feels this may be one of the best books we have read yet. Loved this book, great discussion book.

"The Help by Kathryn Stockett"
by keilerman (see profile) 11/11/09
Very well written; it brought to life the conditions that blacks were forced to live under as well as their true beauty and worthiness as caretakers for their employers' children.

"The Help should be read by all Americans"
by cls337 (see profile) 11/12/09
Couldn't put it down. Felt like I was living down the street and had a bird's eye view of how they lived and felt. Very thought provoking and insighful into the lives of southern women, both black and white, in the 60's.

"The Help by Katherine Stockett"
by Barsuglia (see profile) 11/13/09
I thought it was an excellent book. I loved the three main characters and enjoyed the way in which she wrote the story. Very engaging and truly a favorite.

"The Help is A Great Book"
by SharonBrower (see profile) 11/13/09
Everyone in our book club loved it. It's one of those books you can't put down.

"The Help was recommended by all our members"
by pachutabelle (see profile) 11/14/09
This book provoked a lively discussion among our members. Well written and great characters. I think the author captured the time and place with great accuracy.

"One of the best!"
by Kwizgiver (see profile) 11/14/09
One of the best discussions our group has ever had was centered around The Help. We didn't even use the discussion guide because our own analysis and discussion was lively and ongoing. We could have discussed the book for hours, unfortunately, we didn't have hours.

"Great for conversation"
by LeadMomma (see profile) 11/16/09
What is great about this book is it gives you a multiple perspectives on what life was like in segregated Mississippi. There are so many things we've forgotten from our not so distant history, and with some members of our growing up in the segregated South, it made for even better discussion.

"The Help"
by Dove (see profile) 11/16/09
I loved this book. It kept me interested and laughing to myself the entire book. I found it insightful too.

"Realistic, Real, Insightful"
by lauriecole7 (see profile) 11/16/09
Sometimes disturbing since I did not experience the 60's. I am so glad I didn't because that would have been so difficult.

"Predictable, but worth it"
by carriebino (see profile) 11/16/09
This was a good book. I did keep looking over my shoulder a bit as I read the book and how it affected everyone. It will lead to some interesting discussions

"Very good book"
by shelbymomof2 (see profile) 11/16/09
Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, sometimes melancholy, always interesting.

"Kind of boring"
by CapeMom (see profile) 11/16/09
I found the premise to be interesting but the author's style was boring. It could have been so much better.

"best book club pick!"
by dani10019 (see profile) 11/17/09

"Loved this book"
by kristinrus (see profile) 11/19/09

"I loved it!"
by baharris67 (see profile) 11/19/09

" I needed no Help being sucked into this book"
by marian416 (see profile) 12/01/09
This story grabbed me right away. The "Help" were powerful in their own ways when they could be. I loved that Skeeter did what she could do in that situation, in the process bringing out her own power. The mother issues that were brought up left me thinking long afterwards.

"I enjoyed learning about the nature of the relationships addressed in the book."
by kulagunter (see profile) 12/03/09

"Great book, entertaining, quick paced, insightful"
by jenniferharding (see profile) 12/04/09
Loved this book. The writing is superb, particularly since this is the author's first novel. My only complaint about the book is that there are some loose ends when the book ends. The ending is a little disappointing. And I hate when there are subplots that seem to have no purpose. The mom's cancer adds nothing to the story and I had a hard time with that. But everything else in the book is amazing. The characters are incredibly well developed. The characters you are supposed to like, you will love. The characters you are supposed to dislike, you will dispise. I would absolutely recommend this book to others without hesitation.

"Good not Great"
by msblairmsblair (see profile) 12/15/09
I found myself reading it quickly but I didn't enjoy it. Might be more appealing to teenagers. Nice story but it could have been edited down a great deal.

"A very good read!"
by JeanaVid (see profile) 12/15/09
I liked "The Help" very much. I thought it was an interesting portrayal of the relationships that can exist amongst people if they can see beyond their prejudice and judgment of others. I really identified with Miss Skeeter and her need and desire to be something bigger and better than the expectations of those around her who resisted change. Someone mentioned that they didn't feel like the characters were fully developed. I thought about this, and my conclusion on this statement is that I don’t think we as readers were supposed to have a concrete finality in these characters. I think that we’re supposed to feel their message. The power and message of the book comes from beginning a journey with these three women, hearing their voices, and seeing their struggles but also, having the ability to channel our own feelings so that our individual imaginations determine what becomes of these three women in the end. Overall, I found this to be a very good read!

"Black maids and their white employers in 1962 Mississippi. Wonderful characters and plot."
by Enaid (see profile) 12/16/09
Terrific book. Listened to it on audio CDs and loved it.

"Enriching read"
by lindacrabtree (see profile) 12/16/09
The Help is a beautifully balanced look at all sides of the internal conflict imposed on people by cultural predjudice and personal arrogance. The author does a marvelous job of developing characters' personalities through her expert use of dialect and dialog. The reader feels personally acquainted with the main characters by the end of the book and one can not help but be challenged to examine one's own attitudes on race, class and justice. I give The Help my greatest compliment--I was enriched by its reading.

"I never knew..."
by rgemom (see profile) 12/17/09
I just never knew that life was like this. I just can't imagine living in a world like that portrayed in this book. But what an amazing, beautiful story of love, bravery, courage, and even a little bit of revenge.

"The Help by Kathryn Stockette"
by ChrisA (see profile) 12/17/09
A women ahead of her time, Skeeter seeks to gather stories from the black maids of well-to-do white women of JAckson, MS at the cusp of the civil rights movement. All of the maids and Skeeter brave job loss, ostracization, injury and perhaps death as they meet in secret to share their stories for a book. An insightful book on race relations in the south among this group of people.

"Realistic flash-back to the Civil Rights movement as it unfolds"
by Kathym (see profile) 12/19/09
Kathryn Stockett takes the readers on a trip back in time...and we enjoy the trip so much we want more! How many of us have romanticized living back in a different time? This book gives you a chance to see what life was really like and regain your faith in mankind's ability to rise above the tides of change.

"Can't say enough"
by monijones71 (see profile) 12/21/09
Please read this. It was wonderful and when I was done it was like saying goodbye to a friend. I really loved it.

"The Help: Review"
by brookefreitag (see profile) 12/22/09
Great book, Read it in 3 days, could not put it down.

"Great Read!"
by milyde65 (see profile) 12/26/09
I have shared this book with friends and family and they in turn are passing it forward!

"My favorite book... Ever"
by Shane (see profile) 12/28/09

"Great book club selection"
by hchc35 (see profile) 01/07/10

""Such a Good Read! Couldn't Put it Down!""
by terrihatfield (see profile) 01/07/10

"Loved The Help"
by LisaDVanB (see profile) 01/09/10

"We all really liked it"
by moretodaythanyes (see profile) 01/09/10

"One of my new favorite books!"
by szedkatz (see profile) 01/09/10
Loved it, didn't want it to end, an amazing first novel, well-written, great story, informative and inspriring.

"Three beautiful, well written stories"
by mpaniaguatej (see profile) 01/11/10
about three women, with different perspectives and experiences about being black in the South of the US. Very informative and at the same time inspiring and dramatic. It will open your eyes to new points of view.

"Good Read!"
by svinogini (see profile) 01/16/10

"A great read"
by jodes999 (see profile) 01/16/10
I found the first few chapters a little slow, but once I was in I couldn't put it down!

"Excellent!"
by carolbrady (see profile) 01/17/10

"Sad to Put it Down"
by bbobko (see profile) 01/17/10
This book was simply fantastic. We are reading it for Martin Luther King Holiday this month and the book fits perfectly. The voices were clear and believable. I became attached the women in this book..very well written.

"Help is on the Way"
by Nute (see profile) 01/18/10

"Wonderful Read"
by bwolter (see profile) 01/18/10
You can't go wrong with The Help. It has it all historical novel, social commentary, suspense, humor, but most of all it is beatifully written

"We all loved this book."
by laurag (see profile) 01/18/10

"A Unanimous "Thumbs Up" from all 10 members of the Somerville Readers."
by rkarpinecz (see profile) 01/19/10
Stockett captured accurately the voices of the African American maids and the Southern white women for whom they work. Her characters are rich; the relationships are real. The Help is a "must read" for those who remember this tragic period in our past and for those don't remember but need to know.

"The Help is a must read book !"
by louky (see profile) 01/20/10

"THE HELP - excellent characters and story."
by TWOIDA65 (see profile) 01/21/10
i couldn't wait to see how it ended.

"Great characters!"
by tishrickards (see profile) 01/22/10
Accurate depiction of the attitude of the times. Good character development, and character growth. Author does a great job of connecting the reader with the characters.

"The Help will help you get a glimpse of the 1960's southern white, black and gray"
by rlacourse (see profile) 01/22/10
Racial changes have taken years to occur but we tend to think only about the world we live in NOW. This book beautifully brings you into contact with characters so alive that you feel you know their thoughts and hearts from the 1960's. The Black Help that so many people hired were woven into life but many were afraid or blind to the connections. Great chance to feel and experience the fear and ignorance of the time while savoring the beauty of life connected.

"Never Read a book this fast..."
by laurajosan (see profile) 01/22/10
Couldn't put this book down. IT was amazing! Felt like I was right there in the middle of all of the drama...LOVED IT.

"Excellent Read"
by evereli07 (see profile) 01/22/10
A compelling story that grabs you and holds on until the very end. Can't wait to discuss it in book club.

"Intriguing Story"
by critzyj (see profile) 01/23/10
I loved this story. It takes place in the early 1960s in Jackson, Mississippi. Skeeter Phelan comes home after graduating from college. All of her friends are married and starting families. She wants to be a journalist. She is advised to look for a topic that is different, thought-provoking. So, Skeeter begins to observe her friends and their interactions with their black maids. She decides to try to interview maids and write a book about their stories (good and bad). This is a dangerous undertaking for both her and the maids. They could lose everything, but they could also make a difference with the interactions between blacks and whites. Excellent book. A page-turner.

"WONDERFUL"
by SebastiansMom (see profile) 01/23/10
We read this for book club last month. What a wonderful story. Delve deep into the lives of negro maids/cooks/caretakers in the 60's. This book gives you a behind-the-scene look at how life was like for "the help" waiting on sometimes spoiled, rude, disrespectful, elitist white families. "The Help" were entrusted to 'raise' the children of these families and cook their food, but because they were disease ridden filthy non-humans, they couldn't use the same toilet. Hard to believe this behavior existed just a few decades ago. The story centers around a group of white society ladies. Some are married with children, some, like Skeeter, are not. Each has her own maid. After an incident with her friends, Skeeter, an aspiring writer, sets out to talk to the "help" to get their take on what life is like for them. Her goal is to write a book that will make a difference. So she talks with and interviews her best friend's maid Aibileen, who convinces Minnie and other maids to secretly meet with Skeeter too. What ensues is a lot of drama, fun, heartbreak and secrets. This is a WONDERFUL story that our entire book club LOVED! We could not believe that this was Stockett's first book and sincerely hope she has another one on the way!!

"Loved The Help"
by BetteStephens (see profile) 01/24/10
Very will written. Draws the reader in. Characters were well developed.

"The Help was an amazing read."
by dwoodard035 (see profile) 01/25/10
Amazing true to life story about the way life was and is.

"The Help review"
by elizeah (see profile) 01/26/10
I liked this book but it took me a while to get into it. However, I am glad that I stuck it through and read the whole book because it really taught a good leason and showed me (I'm only 26) a whole new perspective on how life used to be for those of other races in the United States. I am glad that things have changed and this book made me realize how difficult it was for those that were involved with the change.

"The Help by Kathryn Stockett"
by glkbob (see profile) 01/26/10
This book was loved by everyone at book club! That is a rareity! We all learned a lot and this book gave us one of the best discussions we have had! Wonderful! So good, I mailed it to my best friend the day after I finished reading it and told her it was a MUST!!

"Great read!"
by readchateat (see profile) 01/27/10
I couldn't put this book down. Wonderful characters, powerful story.

"A Fun and Intriguing Read"
by BestReads4Me (see profile) 01/27/10

"Wonderful book"
by Jenem (see profile) 01/27/10

"Inspiring and Brilliant! A new all time favorite."
by saramcgann (see profile) 01/28/10

"The Help was a great read!"
by nancee_marquez (see profile) 01/28/10
Everyone in our book club enjoyed it.

"The Help is a Brilliant Novel"
by jmiller (see profile) 01/30/10
By far one of my top three favorite books ever!

"Beautifully written"
by Gidget1972 (see profile) 01/30/10
This was one of the most beautifully written books I've ever read. The characters were developed so well I felt like I knew these women. It is a couragous and insightful book, and I was so sad when I had to finish it. From page one I was addicted to this story. I've recommended it to all my family and anyone I've talked to who loves to read.

"One of my favorite books over the last year's worth of reading."
by knittingnurse (see profile) 02/01/10

"The Help is a Must Read"
by oldbidder1 (see profile) 02/01/10
I became so involved in the lives of the characters that I couldn't wait to pick the book up to read each night before bed. Very well written and opened my eyes to a part of US history we aren't very proud of.

"Not my type of book normally"
by LastchapterNews (see profile) 02/01/10
This is a type of book I normally would not go for. But I was pleasantly surprised. The characters were well written and it was not as hard to follow as I thought.

"A favorite!"
by quinby2 (see profile) 02/02/10
Our members really enjoyed this book -- I loved it! The voices of the women are pitch perfect. I hated to say goodbye to the characters when the book came to an end. The historical context added to the authenticity of the book and the times. The book also prompted a lot of discussion on the themes and how they relate to the personal experiences of some of our members.

"Couldn't put it down"
by jdoig (see profile) 02/03/10

"Great Book - many interesting and developed characters."
by jbosakow (see profile) 02/04/10

"The Help is a must read!"
by FtLaudGal (see profile) 02/05/10
An insightful story into racial differences in Mississippi. I laughed, I gasped, and at times I was embarrassed about our country's history. I'm glad I grew up in the North East during the 60's. I loved the characters. A well written book!

"It will keep you up all night reading!"
by cathbabe (see profile) 02/06/10

"A book for everyone!"
by autumnmorrison (see profile) 02/06/10
This book was a wonderful read, I was sad that it had to end. I felt deeply invested in the complicated lives of the women who told their stories.

"The Help -- Basic Review"
by SDangel (see profile) 02/11/10

""The Help" took me out of the bubble I lived in"
by shannonthoma (see profile) 02/12/10
Loved this book. I had no idea this was the way things were in Mississippi not that long ago. I loved the characters. Very spunky! I laughed and cried. The relationships in this book are true love in many ways.

"Easy flow of chapters"
by Lv2shop (see profile) 02/14/10
This was a good easy read without it being confusing becasue of the change of characters in each chapter. There were parts of the book that we all thought was pointless but nonetheless kept you reading. Interesting insight of blacks in the 60's as housekeepers.

"Our favorite read to date!"
by Persephone (see profile) 02/14/10
Our book club members have very diverse tastes, but this one was unanimously loved. The characters are so vivid. The peek inside America's past is so genuine. The humor was the icing on the cake. This one was hard to put down.

"A must read!!"
by auntdeon (see profile) 02/15/10
A tad difficult to read at the beginning because of the grammar but once you get into a groove you can't put it down! Loved it! Amazing that this stuff took place just a few decades ago...

" The Help"
by sherrybs (see profile) 02/15/10
Great book to read on a trip. Didn't want to put it down.

"Sad story with hope"
by stemfamily (see profile) 02/16/10
This book is well written, read smoothly, even though there are many different characters. I loved how she wrapped up everyone in the end and left no loose ends. I can't believe that things like this happened in the 60's. What a different world we live in from that time to now! It is sad story but is filled with hope. You fell in love with many characters and hated others! A great story. Glad someone could tell is so clearly

"A good quick read"
by mohlsson (see profile) 02/17/10

"The Help, a novel"
by MNMarlene (see profile) 02/17/10
I just don't think about the type of lifestyle that the black families were living as being in my lifetime. While I liked the peek at their daily lives, I was looking for something more dramatic in the ending.

"Highly recommend!"
by hecachm (see profile) 02/17/10
I actually listened to this book on cd. It was wonderful to listen to because the three actors who read it are amazing. I didn't want to go to the book to actually read because I enjoyed hearing it so much. Wonderful book!

" The Help starts off in 1 direction and takes you to another!"
by lizblair (see profile) 02/17/10

""Read this book""
by Christina13 (see profile) 02/18/10

"Review of The Help"
by jcrinca (see profile) 02/18/10

"The Help by Kathryn Stockett"
by Eden (see profile) 02/18/10
Excellent!

"The Help--Fantastic!"
by kemfickes (see profile) 02/18/10
Best book I've read in a long time. Didn't want it to end. Great development of characters.

"Very Informative"
by amandaashley2003 (see profile) 02/18/10
This was a very well-written, informative novel. I really enjoyed reading about the Civil Rights movement from a different point of view.

"The Help"
by melissasverde (see profile) 02/19/10

"The Help"
by sarahgrossman (see profile) 02/19/10

"The Help"
by clkopplin (see profile) 02/19/10
Very interesting take on what really happened in the 60's concerning domestic help. Makes a person really think about color and how it should not matter

"The Help"
by lwat (see profile) 02/19/10

"The Help"
by alhildebrand (see profile) 02/19/10
Very well written, story line was easy to follow. Plenty of characters, great climax, thought provoking and resolution to end the book. The story kept me suspenseful enough to want to sit down and read more, and the characters were so likable and believable. Great great read!!! Hope Stockett continues to write more books.

"The Help"
by TScarbrough (see profile) 02/19/10
Could not wait to get back to this book!! Now that I'm finished, I miss Aibileen and Minny... It takes a great book to make me laugh out loud!

"Couldn't put it down!"
by dash71 (see profile) 02/20/10
I read this book in two days!

"The Help"
by teddygrayking (see profile) 02/20/10
A really beautiful and thought provoking novel about one of the central issues of American culture, segregation. It makes you stop and think about the indignations and sacrifices people endured for freedom.

"The Help"
by tballard (see profile) 02/20/10
This book made me laugh out loud. Well written in three different voices- the author did an excellent job on creating memorable characters and interweaving American history throughout the story. I loved the characters and didn't want it to end.

"The Help"
by GinaK (see profile) 02/21/10

"The book is well worth your time."
by hhbookclub (see profile) 02/21/10
Loved it! Would highly recommend it to all book clubs. Historical fiction that gives you insights into a century of time most of us are unfamiliar with and the story keeps you interested.

"The Help"
by lisaachambers (see profile) 02/22/10
One of the best books I have read in awhile.

"The Help"
by thornbl (see profile) 02/22/10

"Insightful"
by rachelsbooks (see profile) 02/22/10

"The Help"
by louise228 (see profile) 02/24/10
Wonderful reading about courageous women that dreamed of a future without hate and fear. How they worked,loved and survived their daily struggles was to be greatly admired. This would be a book I would read again. It is deserving of nothing less than 5 stars.

"Took Me to Mississippi circa 1962"
by vrtikapa (see profile) 02/24/10
Great book that transports you to Jackson, Mississippi in the middle of the Civil Rights Movement. Very well written and very enjoyable.

"This book has it all - humor, romance, mystery, history, and characters you love."
by debmcvmom (see profile) 02/24/10

"The Help"
by rlesinski (see profile) 02/24/10
Great book. Very well written.

"The Help"
by Mariette (see profile) 02/25/10
The story line although sad is in reality the way thing really were in the 50"s. I find it shows us how ugly, unfair and difficult it was for our equal human beings that were not people's "equals" back then but our fellow humans were used as servants because of the color of their skin and because they were less fortunate. The story is really good I could not put it down but it does have a lesson we all need to heed to. I strongly recommend this to anyone at any age.

"Life in the South in 1960's"
by jburr684 (see profile) 02/25/10
Great novel describing life in the South during a period of great social change

"The Help"
by gmoore (see profile) 02/25/10

"The Help"
by lwechner (see profile) 02/26/10
A wonderfully crafted first novel. Set in a Mississippi torn by racial divisions, this beautiful story of black women who come together to tell their stories of injustice and love is both inspiring and a pure delight.

"Loved it"
by jancweb (see profile) 02/28/10
You grew to love the characters and it was an interesting story.

"The Help"
by elaipple (see profile) 02/28/10

"The Help"
by courtie01 (see profile) 03/01/10

"The Help"
by jmeiners (see profile) 03/01/10

"The Help"
by Bayoubooks (see profile) 03/01/10
I found the dialect difficult to plow through in written form. A review I read suggested the "books on tape" version, which I obtained. The readers were fantastic in rendering the Southern dialects. This book seems to capture the1960's in the South (As a Northerner I can only presume) and a woman's life before "liberation."

"A quick and easy read!!"
by Martini (see profile) 03/01/10
The Help is one of those books one can pick up on a rainy day and just read and read until the sun comes out. Especially enjoyed how the chapters were broken up by the characters. I enjoyed Minnie's story the best. I do live in the south and everyone is either reading it or WILL NOT READ IT....most interesting! I know many people who were/are very good to their help; and the author did put some of that in the book, but most is very sad and unfortunatly no doubt, very very true.

"The Help"
by bapierso (see profile) 03/01/10
I loved the characters and wanted to read more about them. So nice to have the story told from another angle...

"TheHelp"
by nancypadgett (see profile) 03/01/10
This is a truly wonderful book about the South and the relationships of those who worked and cared for Southern families. Very true to life.

"Insightful"
by kataffy8 (see profile) 03/01/10
Beautifully written book that captured three very individual characters views of a time where change was rapidly happening.

"An amazing view of southern life in the 1960's."
by NCollins (see profile) 03/02/10

"Generated great group discussion"
by donnadeleon (see profile) 03/03/10
I began this book prepared for a so-so read on a topic that has been done so many times before, racial tensions in the 1960s southern US. It took a while for me to appreciate that Stockett really did take a fresh approach, and that this was as much a book about women in general as it is a book about black maids. After completing the book, I found an interview with the author where she quotes a line from the book which I had noted myself: "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." It struck me that this explains a lot about the book's popularity, especially among women. The author highlights so much that is uniquely female, both good and bad, and that women of diverse ethnic backgrounds have in common. So many books about the civil rights movement focus on the actions of white men: the lynching, the beatings, etc. As experienced by these maids, the wrath of the white women was less overt, but longer lasting and no less destructive. A well-written and thought provoking novel. I also feel that a little research on the author really enhanced my enjoyment and understanding of the story.

"The Help"
by cakepatti (see profile) 03/03/10

"The Help"
by patwin56 (see profile) 03/04/10

"The Help"
by nancymtang (see profile) 03/05/10

"The Help"
by Aliciaj (see profile) 03/06/10

"The Help"
by mgenduso (see profile) 03/06/10

"Th Help"
by mdbooper (see profile) 03/08/10

"The Help"
by Christine57 (see profile) 03/08/10
I loved this book and could not put it down. If you are having doubts about reading it, don't. You will not be disappointed.

"Loved It"
by thelitchicks (see profile) 03/08/10
I loved this book! I immediately wanted to know more about the characters and be a part of their lives. The book was very insightful and accurate about the ways of the South in the early 60's.

"The Help"
by Vickoula (see profile) 03/08/10
I could not put the book down! Every chapter was filled with the amazing characters, their sorrows... their quiet triumphs. when I finished reading the book it made me feal like the world only becomes a better place when those who are wronged stand up for what they believe in, no matter what the consequences might be...but do it wisely.

"Favorite Book"
by LauraAdams (see profile) 03/09/10
This is by far my favorite book that I have read in a long time (and I read alot). I loved it.

"olive kitterridge"
by jbmaumelle (see profile) 03/09/10
I enjoyed this book, I like to read about women to stand up for themselves. Many great women characters, some break away from what is expected of them and others do what is the norm of the days society.

"Loved It"
by tedro (see profile) 03/10/10
This historical fiction keeps you on the edge of your seat and painfully waiting for answers with the main characters. Should be a must read for any high school or college student.

"The Help"
by sglover (see profile) 03/11/10
This was an absolutely wonderful book. I actually rated it a 4.5 because it left a lot of unanswered questions. Left it open for the author to write a sequel. Wonderful discussion pertaining to this book.

"The Help"
by marielecompte (see profile) 03/11/10
Excellent read...m

"Gotta love the south..."
by kimgwest (see profile) 03/11/10
Having grown up in the south I could totally understand the racial issues in the book. I happened to read the book while traveling from Reno, NV back to NC for my mother's funeral. The book provided a slight diversion to the events around me but it also made me listen a bit differently to many people from my childhood. Reading the "language" of the book and then being immersed in it for a week made me smile and think. Great book, beautifully written, excellent read.

"The Help"
by sjssrvvr (see profile) 03/11/10

"Such a fun read!"
by tav79 (see profile) 03/11/10
I read this book in 3 days! It was very fun to read in the different tones of each character.. it's not an insightful book persay, but it is very fun and the author does a great job in putting you in the heads of each narrator.. I don't think there is a TON to talk about regarding the book, but there is a ton of to talk about regarding the time period.. it's such a fun book!!

"Read The Help"
by Stowel (see profile) 03/12/10
Whether you lived through the 60s in the South or you are from a later generation, this book peels back the layers of "the way we've always done things" to expose the inner discrimination in even the most well meaning people. Characters are vivid, stories are strong, and the overall experience is keen. It inspired great conversations in our book club meeting, and I highly recommend it.

"AMAZING"
by theclub (see profile) 03/12/10
I loved this book. I thought it was was amazing and a great read. I didn't want to put it down. I read it in a week.

"The Help"
by ladd_jenniferm (see profile) 03/12/10
A definite 'must-read!' I had a little trouble with the deep southern slang in the first few chapters, but the characters drew me in quickly. I found myself angry at the white society women and anxious for the black servants. There were times when I couldn't put it down. I kept thinking, "how did they hold their tongues when they were being treated so outwardly awful?!" It is sad to believe that life existed like this for so many good people. It will pull at your heart and teach you a lesson.

"The Help"
by colleenroy (see profile) 03/13/10
LOVED this book! I loved the voices of all the characters-I read the entire book with that southern drawl going on in my head. It brought back memories of my grandmothers help in North Carolina...Skeeter is who I'd be if I lived during that time and in the South. A great story, that is hard to put down! You'll love it-I hope she writes a sequel so we can learn about all the women's stories and how they were changed by their courageous actions.

"The Help"
by storme (see profile) 03/13/10
The Help was a wonderful book. Our book club loved it. The characters were very well described. It was thought provoking and brought back many memories and events to us. It was fun sharing our northern and southern perspectives. The bravery was very powerful and we felt for many of the characters. This book was by far one of our all time favorites. We all recommend it.

"A five star book if ever I read one..."
by Suze (see profile) 03/14/10
If this book doesn't move you, touch you, and make you think....nothing will. I cried, I was sad, I laughed, I was inspired, and also disgusted and angry. Having lived during those times, but in PA, I actually recognized some of prejudices that I saw in others then. I was a child, but I remember being so upset that people would judge one another by the color of their skin. I just loved Minny and Aibileen, and was cheering on Skeeter the whole way through the book. At the end I wanted ...more If this book doesn't move you, touch you, and make you think....nothing will. I cried, I was sad, I laughed, I was inspired, and also disgusted and angry. Having lived during those times, but in PA, I actually recognized some of prejudices that I saw in others then. I was a child, but I remember being so upset that people would judge one another by the color of their skin. I just loved Minny and Aibileen, and was cheering on Skeeter the whole way through the book. At the end I wanted to raise my fist and say' YES!!'. The chocolate pie storyline was funny and just perfect. This is such a well written book that draws you in with each page. Emotions run rampant as you turn the pages, from high to low. I stayed up late reading for three nights in a row and I'm exhausted, yet it was worth it. I truly hope that maids everywhere were able to 'get even' in some way, to keep their self esteem and realize their self worth. Can't wait to discuss this one with my real life Book Club! Highly recommended!

""Our Other Job" Book Club"
by sendres (see profile) 03/15/10
Great book!!! Easy read, great discussion!!!

"The Help"
by gailfrommatthews (see profile) 03/15/10
Difficult to put down. Well-crafted story told from point of view of a young, white aspiring journalist and 2 African-American household maids in the 60's at the beginning of the civil rights movement.

"Great Choice for Book Clubs"
by Bak8382 (see profile) 03/15/10
This engrossing novel is told from three different women's perspectives in 1960s Mississippi. Each has their own distinct and well-developed voice, and reader's will find themselves identifying with all three. It's funny, sad, poignant, and ultimately optimistic. I feel that Stockett is taking a portion of the civil rights era that is not as well known, outside of the south, and giving all those women a voice. She shows all sides of the relationship between women and their maids, along with the impact on the children being raised by them. An author's note at the end explains her motivation for writing the story, which one member of my book club thought would have been more effective at the beginning. The only other complaint was the somewhat open-ended ending.

"Highly recommended"
by olympia (see profile) 03/16/10

"Great First Novel by Kathryn Stockett"
by KarenC (see profile) 03/18/10
Kathryn Stockett's "The Help" is very good at depicting a few of the more contemptible but subtle underpinnings of domestic help. Whether it is from the trials and tribulations of a Southern African-American maid or any of the numerous underclasses of any subservient peoples through the ages, it is still here among us--don't be naive and think that it isn't as some would like to think. The story may have taken place in the 60's, but there are many lessons to be learned in today's global society. A great book for discussion. I do think that the publisher's discussion questions could have been more in-depth, so be sure to look at readers' suggestions for discussion questions.

"The Help"
by hooks1023 (see profile) 03/19/10
I listened to this book instead of reading it - but I have to say I extremly enjoyed it. I had so many different emotions during this story, I was proud, shocked, and the things that happened were sure an eye opener for me... I grew up during the 60's but living in the Northeast - I was never exposed to this kind of behavior - I feel disgusted that these particular Southern whites felt they were so much more superior. There were many parts in the book that brought tears to my eyes.

"loved "the help""
by madbchjudith (see profile) 03/20/10
i was growing up in the 50s and 60s and remeber all too well the segregation in the south. this to me was a great book about how far we we have evolved in society.. funny but also very sad.

"Awesome"
by Shotc23 (see profile) 03/20/10
I really loved this book. I could hear the voices of the charactures in my head. Very enlightinging, it is amazing to me that this segregation was really not that long ago.

"The Help"
by avalongaladriel (see profile) 03/22/10
I found this book fascinating not only because of its subject matter, but also because it represents an era that my parents experienced. It is amazing to me that is was only 50 years ago. The intricacies of the relationships between the white women and their african-american maids can be heartbreaking because of its cruelty, but also because of the love and caring that can develop across that divide.

"The Help"
by sassyladies (see profile) 03/23/10

"BookLook Review "The Help""
by debbalzotti (see profile) 03/24/10
A friend recommended "The Help".When you find someone who knows the books you like to read always listen to their recommendations! She wasn’t alone in her enthusiasm. My entire Spring Oaks Book Club gave it their unanimous A+ rating. This is remarkable since these 12 women rarely agree whole-heartedly on any book choice.The help are a group of black women working as maids in Mississippi in 1962. As the book begins, we hear the voice of one main character Aibileen as she describes her latest charge Mae Mobley who was born on a Sunday morning in 1960, "A church baby we like to call it. Taking care a white babies, that’s what I do, along with all the cooking and cleaning. I done raised seventeen kids in my lifetime. I know how to get them babies to sleep, stop crying, and go in the toilet bowl before they mamas even get out a bed in the morning.” Right away the musical rhythm of her speech transports the reader into Aiblileen’s southern world. It is a place filled with fascinating characters and many wrongs and injustices. Aibileen’s friend Minny is also employed by a white family. Every day she leaves her own children to work for less than minimum wage as a maid. She has a reputation as the best cook in town, but she has a “sassy” mouth and a sense of fairness that gets her into hot water. These women are joined by other maids to secretly tell their stories of prejudice and abuse to twenty-two year old Miss Skeeter who is a recent college grad returning home for the summer - and white. She is in many ways as trapped as the maids who work in her home and the homes of her friends. When a New York editor challenges her to write about something meaningful she decides to secretly interview the maids and tell their stories. These three women begin a risky journey together to reveal injustice and improve conditions for the future. As they cross their societal barriers of race and position, they discover the courage and faith they all share. It is an unforgettable book. More of our book club reviews and current reads are on the blog (booklook-springville.blogspot.com)

"The Help"
by lsilverone (see profile) 03/24/10

"The Help"
by ruffview (see profile) 03/25/10
This book is a great look back into the mind set of the south in the 1950's and 1960's. It is very well written and refreshing in that it gives voice to "The Help". Our whole book club loved this book and can't wait for another one from Kathryn Stockett.

"The Help"
by Ramsayrl (see profile) 03/25/10
Great Book. I could read it again and again!!

"Really enjoyed this book."
by Wuerl92 (see profile) 03/25/10

"Absolutely LOVED It!"
by linnapoos (see profile) 03/25/10
I was hooked after the first sentence. I savored each word, each paragraph, each chapter. I loved each character and felt a part of their lives. I LOVED THIS BOOK!

"Beautiful Characters"
by LadyBiker (see profile) 03/28/10
Thoughtful character development is the essence of this lovely story. It flows with hope and illuminates the timeless strength of women.

"The Help"
by Madam Secretary (see profile) 03/29/10
Don't pass this book by. Once you start, you cannot put the book down. The characters come alive and you feel you know each one personally. I haven't felt this passionate about characters in a long time. Bravo!

"loved it"
by pere92 (see profile) 03/29/10
great for a book club discussion - this was a wonderful read - 3 different voices in the first person(as Jodi Picoult sometimes writes)

"Just Gals with a side of Vino"
by tracystrassburg (see profile) 03/29/10

"The Help"
by blythe (see profile) 03/29/10
A fast read that never gets boring. I had to convince myself that I had to go to work instead of staying home to read!

"The help"
by minouch (see profile) 03/30/10
I think this book gave me a view into the lives of people in the southern USA in the 1950-1960 I know it is fiction but I think these things happen.

"The Help"
by stasha (see profile) 03/30/10
Believe we could have discussed this book for hours! One of the best books we have read this year. Reccomend it highly. Brought back a lot of memories for many in our group and how the theme relates in our lives today.

"The Help"
by readingfan (see profile) 03/30/10
This book introduces the reader to some amazing women and how they survive an extremely difficult time. And how regardless of the oppression they came out of it with dignity and stronger because of the circumtances of their time.

"I couldn't put it down and read it through the night"
by judie1008 (see profile) 03/30/10

"The Help"
by rogancp (see profile) 03/31/10
Great read. Those of us who grew up in the South seemed to relate to the story more easily than others. Generated a lot of discussion about prejudice and ability to take action.

"The Help"
by annsal (see profile) 03/31/10
I enjoyed the book very much. Our Trilogy Snowbirds Book Club had interesting discussions regarding the book and our own experiences over our life time, regarding attitudes of African Americans.

"The Help"
by jankayzim (see profile) 03/31/10
I thought the book was very interesting. It is amazing how stupid some people and prejudice they are. the younger generation has know idea what the Negroes in the south went through. I loved it.

"The Help"
by gingercrawford (see profile) 03/31/10
As a club, we ALL enjoyed this book. It prompted in depth discussion about this period of history in the South.

"The Help"
by kenkar75 (see profile) 04/01/10
Great read, enlightening for all generations!

"The Help"
by callymine (see profile) 04/01/10
This is a book that captures a point in his history and makes it real. The characters tell you all you need to know. There is sadness in the book and there is humor. It is a book about women of great strength who persevere no matter what.

"Very Interesting"
by carac2224 (see profile) 04/01/10
Thought it was a great read.

"The Help"
by sallymermel (see profile) 04/01/10
Our book group read this for Febuary and had a lively discussion about the south. Living in Hawaii most of my l;ife I found it a glimpse into another world. We are so multi-enthic and yes there are racial perceptions here but not such a huge divide between people. Also, few people here have such "help" in their households.

"The Help"
by joano264 (see profile) 04/01/10
Our club members loved it. We had a record number of attendees for this meeting, some brought friends who had read it and wanted to participate in the discussion. We even spoke of actors we would cast in the roles. Now it will be a movie. What fun.

"The Help"
by MLA57 (see profile) 04/01/10
This book was loved by all members of our book club (11)!!! The characters were amazing! I couldn't wait to read what was going to happen next.

"The Help"
by nana_martin (see profile) 04/01/10
This was a wonderful book and our book club had one of our best discussions ever!

"The Help"
by Marylass (see profile) 04/01/10
Having grown up in North Carolina in the 1940s qnd 50s, I could relate to this book in one way and yet in another it was an eye opener. This book gave me new insight as to how our maid, Frances, might have felt. There was never a question of "bathroom rights", but we were very paternalistic, in that, we thought we were "good" to our help. I am ashamed to say, I think Frances made about $12 a week. Of course, there was no thought of health insurance. This was so well written, absolutely brilliant.

"The Help"
by JMRANDOLPH (see profile) 04/01/10
An excellent book for book groups. Our group had a very energetic discussion and enjoyed the book immenseley.

"Our Book Club loved this book"
by aroth98609 (see profile) 04/02/10

"The WoWO Book Group Review (Spoilers)"
by Faith_Bookluvr (see profile) 04/02/10
The group as a whole enjoyed the story and loved the characters. One person rated the book 3.5 (due to subject matter not being her thing) but everyone else rated the book 4.5 to 5. Which is the highest ratings yet from the WoWO. We had one person who hadn't finished the book, but she will now that she has heard what we loved about the book. The group was torn on who their favorite character was. We all agree that the three main characters were wonderfully written and we loved them all. Minny is Ballsy and has a lot of Spunk, Aibileen was caring and nurturing and was the one to stick her neck out there and bring everyone together for the book to be a success. Skeeter was a great catalyst for change and shows that not everyone during this time felt the same. Our least favorite characters are pretty easy to guess if you read the book: Hilly being the number one choice, Leroy and Skeeter's mom were close behind in the votes. We all also agreed that Two Slice Hilly deserved what she got in that pie from Minny. We all believed that if Aibileen stayed working for Elizabeth that there was a good chance Mae Mobley would have grown up to be just like her mother. Racism is taught and no matter what Aibileen tried to instill in her, the chances were slim that she would be different than the others as she grew up. All of us felt that the setting was wonderfully written and you could picture the places and scenes vividly in your mind. The shifts in point of view gave a good and complete narrative to the places, people and events in the story and the character development was very well done. Several in the group didn't love the ending because they didn't feel they got the closure they needed for some of the characters. We are hoping that this was left open because there is a sequel coming, we would love to have another look into the lives of these women a few years down the road.

"The Help"
by blsnshin (see profile) 04/02/10
I loved this book! I found it interesting and enjoyed the different perspectives offered; although as one might expect I can't say that I agree with all of them. The bravery displayed by the primary characters is truly inspiring. I highly recommend this book.

"The Help"
by Ferrero78 (see profile) 04/03/10
Most of us are from the midwest but were aware of the civil rights movement. It was insightful to see how these southern women reacted to the changes of society and themselves. The book opened up a vast aray of predjudice in all sections of the country.

"N/A"
by jlearned (see profile) 04/04/10

"The Help"
by jshega (see profile) 04/05/10
Our book club absolutely loved this book. We were all fairly young during this time period and it definitely opened our eyes to this part of our history. A must read!

"The Help"
by pb76cb (see profile) 04/06/10
This is a beautifully written first novel and very moving.

"The Help"
by kaysbookclub (see profile) 04/06/10

"Loved it!"
by Gretchenmetzger (see profile) 04/07/10

"One of My All TIme Favorite Books"
by maemobley (see profile) 04/07/10

"Book club favorite - so far."
by LucindaAnn (see profile) 04/07/10
Finally a book club pick that everyone enjoyed - great read that inspired much insightful talking about race relations and the civil rights movement. Winning character development is what makes this book so special - we grew to love and understand the people who lived in Jackson, Mississippi of all races.

"the help"
by harzich (see profile) 04/07/10
a page turner. Once you get started you will not want to put this one down. Insightfull, inspiring.

"I loved this book"
by jsmorey (see profile) 04/08/10

"A Slice of Americana"
by Mama_B (see profile) 04/09/10
The development of the characters was excellent. Each unique and add to the story. The viewpoints of the "help" and the lives of the employers was an eye opener. You get a feel of the birth of the desegregation movement and life in the deep south. In the end, you see that color is not a barrier to friendship and love if you let the walls down.

"The Help"
by NewMexicoTam (see profile) 04/09/10
great read, everyone in our club loved it. great characters, wonderful voices. ashamed at that part of our history, and the fact that it still continues in some places. we talked a lot about our own lingering prejudices and those of society in general.

"The Help"
by bails392 (see profile) 04/11/10

"The Help"
by ozzily (see profile) 04/11/10
Thought-provoking story set in a period of transition for both blacks and women in America.

"The Help"
by bbmd2 (see profile) 04/11/10

"none"
by jmenich (see profile) 04/12/10

"The Help"
by spotoczak (see profile) 04/13/10
Provides an interesting glimpse into the personal lives of both blacks and whites in the South during the 1960's and how the nation's civil rights movement affected the social hierarchy that existed. The book focuses on the relationship between whites families and their black hired domestic help.

"Well written, great character development but a little predictable."
by colleenb (see profile) 04/14/10

"I Can Relate - to a point"
by sbsalsa (see profile) 04/14/10
Growing up in the South, I enjoyed the way this book was written and had vivid memories of a time past(thankfully past!). I can definitively say, this is the way things really were - unfortunately for some (black women), fortunately for others (the children they raised). I realize the story could not have ended any differently, but I wish it had. I found the end sadly disappointing but a true reflection of the time. I think black women are the strongest of us all because of what they endure. A must read to understand their perspective from that time.

"Awesome Book!"
by amberm821 (see profile) 04/15/10
Absolutely loved everything about it!

"The Help"
by webheels (see profile) 04/15/10
This book was wonderful. Our club read it several months ago and since then I loaned it to someone who loaned it to someone...I don't know when I will get it back! Everyone has raved about the book. I should mention that we live in the South and all grew up in the time period of this book, so it was especially relevant to our lives during that time.

"Th Help"
by dlapioli (see profile) 04/15/10

"The Help"
by fgiarnese (see profile) 04/15/10
I loved the book and the characters in the book. I ws amazed at the courage of them also. It kept me going back and not wanting to put it down.

"The Help"
by barbinaz (see profile) 04/15/10

"Character Driven Brilliant Work"
by staciesather (see profile) 04/15/10
I loved this book. The characters pulled me in - I loved some and hated others, but I couldn't stop reading about either

"The Help"
by mlkreshi (see profile) 04/16/10
A beautifully written story with well developed characters. I didn't want to put it down and genuinely cared about what happened to the characters. I wanted to hug Aibileen, protect Minny, and slap Hilly :-)

"The Help"
by omenababe (see profile) 04/17/10
Having been born in the Southwest I KNOW that many of these things existed and, I fear, still do. Regardless of your political bent, this was portrayed very believably and was well written to hold the reader to the end.

"The Help"
by janscams (see profile) 04/18/10
our book club had a wonderful discussion of race, social levels of society and current implications

"Good Choice for Book Club"
by caisue1 (see profile) 04/20/10
The writing is simple and direct, with clearly drawn verbal 'sketches' of the many different narrators. We had a lively discussion that went over our usual time for a meeting. I consider this pick a great success.

"The Help"
by jendorf (see profile) 04/21/10
Our group is composed of women from 45-80 years old. We enjoyed discussing our memories of growing up in Florida or New York and how the times changed and schools and neighborhoods were integrated. The book was well-written and the author seemed to take a lot of time to share the richness of the characters.

"The Help"
by amkessler (see profile) 04/21/10
By far one of my favorites. Well written, captivating and emotional. This book kept our club talking and talking and talking. There are so many layers it is impossible to peel them all away.

"The Help"
by brenee1973 (see profile) 04/21/10
Good choice for a ladies book club.

"A Must Read"
by ser268 (see profile) 04/21/10

"The Help"
by cyin2020 (see profile) 04/22/10
Well-written, very interesting, funny. Extremely enjoyable.

"The Help"
by redrose (see profile) 04/22/10
I loved this book. It was poignant and sad, yet it had funny moments as well. A real eyeopener, too.

"The Help"
by leslien72 (see profile) 04/22/10

"The Help"
by maureen54 (see profile) 04/23/10
I felt it gave a realistic view of how Black people were treated even in the sixties. Also certainly it was much worse down south. I feel it reawakened me to 'history' in a story-novelish way and woke me up again to how life was down south and for the Black people. The story was very well written and I found some correlation between the novel and the author in a personal way, after reading the author's excerpt at the end of the book. Don't overlook that!

"The Help"
by msianmum (see profile) 04/23/10
It was hard to read at first, not the kind of book I will pick up to read if it wasn't for the book club. But after a few chapters down, it becomes very interesting and makes you want to continue reading and not put it down.

"The Help"
by kcutri (see profile) 04/24/10
I found this to be a very insightful book into what it must have been like for the Black American house servant. I suppose it may be somewhat similar to today's "help" working in households although certainly there are major differences. I was able to feel the emotions of these wonderful women who worked so hard to take care of white families even though they were so often mistreated and treated without respect.

"Wonderful Book!"
by Tpipp1 (see profile) 04/24/10

"The Help"
by ldipalma (see profile) 04/25/10
I loved everything about it!

"The Help"
by bsheridan (see profile) 04/26/10
This was a great book with some really interesting female characters. I became totally addicted and didn't want to put it down. I've already passed it on to my sister. We had some great conversation about it at our book club.

" A fun read!"
by ACamassar (see profile) 04/26/10

"The Help"
by jodibutler (see profile) 04/26/10
I really enjoyed this book. I thought the characters were well developed and you were really able to get a sense of being there with them and actually "hearing" their voices. Makes you think about the way others are treated and really appreciate all that has been done to correct prejudices that have and still do exist.

"The Help"
by jthomsen (see profile) 04/27/10
This book brought back countless memories of the bigotry and racial segregation of the Deep South in the 1960's. Its main character is both realistic and inspiring as she struggles to do what is "right" for her mother, her friends, the help, and herself. I could not put this book down, and the novel still haunts me. Although much of the action is serious and thought-provoking, Stockett provides plenty of love, compassion, friendship, and humor as valuable counterpoints.

"Couldn't Put It Down"
by jackiefearing (see profile) 04/28/10
The character development and the time period make this a book that will spark conversation. Not to mention, that there are parts that are laugh out loud funny...and parts that will break your heart. Fantastic book!!!

"The Help"
by CindyW (see profile) 04/28/10

"The Help"
by annarudy (see profile) 04/29/10
As a group, we loved this book. It is incredibly well written (and a first novel- unbelievable!). You actually care about the characters and you watch them grow. We cannot wait to read another book by this author!

"The Help"
by kadkins (see profile) 04/30/10
Women are the catalyst for change in this story of 1960's Mississippi. White women strive for power, position or inclusion into the tight society "committee" while black women work around them. This is a great story for discussion of marginalization, boundaries, friendship and loyalty.

"The Help"
by spoerls (see profile) 04/30/10
Very informative, interesting and great style of writing.

"Great Read"
by cexplrr (see profile) 05/01/10
Oh I could not put this book down. It also educated me on the South and how things were. I really did not know how much was happening in the south. I really enjoyed this book.

"Good book for initiating a lively discussion ..."
by lakmanel (see profile) 05/01/10
Many in our club enjoyed this book tremendously, while others did not. As someone who has lived in the South, I found the characters to be filled with cliched stereotypes, and the ending all too entirely predictable. However, it does paint a compelling portrait of the tension during the turmoil of the Civil Rights movement in the South, and narrating from the perspective of the domestic help was an innovative viewpoint. The vernacular speech was annoying and I thought a bit patronizing. However, this book will spark a lively discussion!

"Wonderful"
by tnackehill (see profile) 05/01/10
This book received thumbs up from all members of my book club!

"The Help"
by sarfrye (see profile) 05/02/10
You will fall in love with most of the characters of the book, and dispise the rest. Very insightful story to a time before the civil rights movement.

"Strength and Character"
by DonnaS (see profile) 05/02/10
We really enjoyed reading this book as a group. The powerful women inspired us, and the story captivated us. Challenging topics such as: racism, bigotry, and second-class status brought about wonderful conversations and discussions. Highly recommended!

"The Help"
by bridges1111 (see profile) 05/02/10

"Terrific novel **5 Stars**"
by teatime (see profile) 05/02/10
This was a wonderful read, especially for book club. You really get into the lives of the characters and how they relate to one another. Brilliant writing. Highly recommended!!!

"the help"
by Steeves (see profile) 05/03/10
Very eye opening..makes you realize what could have been happening behind the scenes..not what you read in the history books.

"The Help"
by acraighead (see profile) 05/03/10

"The Help"
by cindyrdw (see profile) 05/03/10
It made me a little sick to consider the life of the "the help" in Alabama in the 60's but it was well worth reading.

"Laugh and Love this book!"
by drhauss (see profile) 05/04/10
Loved this book! Was a great book to generate discussion in our bookclub.

"Couldn't put it down"
by codarlin (see profile) 05/04/10
I loved every minute of reading this!

"The Help"
by suebz (see profile) 05/05/10
People have said that we have read about this subject before - why bring it up again. But I think that this book sheds new insights into the world of people who work inside the homes of others especially during this time period. Written with amazing sensitivity, The Help reveals a world that we hope is gone but probably still exists in some corners of the world.

"The Help"
by aperrigo (see profile) 05/05/10
This is a great book for discussion--there are endless important topics to talk about. We really didn't run out, but kept veering off into how prejudiced were WE in 1962, how prejudiced are we NOW (being every one of us a white-bread northerner), telling stories of our own parents' household help, etc., etc. We could have stayed for hours!

"true life in the 60's south"
by cwoodrome (see profile) 05/05/10

"Great Book! Highly recommend it!"
by anothermiller (see profile) 05/05/10

"The Help"
by jrose52834 (see profile) 05/06/10
Best read i have had in a long time!

"Wonderful Read!"
by jillandahazy (see profile) 05/07/10
This book was given 4 or 5 stars from everyone in my book club, except for one person who gave it 3 stars.

"The Help"
by jennycullen (see profile) 05/08/10

"Back to the '60's"
by mellen (see profile) 05/08/10
Even though I did not spend time in the south, this book took me back to my early teen years which were in the early '60's. The way all the women in the book are depicted seem so authentic. I loved the bravery of all three protagonists. I wonder if women who did not live thought that era can relate as vividly as I did.

"Page Turner"
by lpgraupmann (see profile) 05/08/10
This book kept me up at night. I couldn't put it down.

"The Help"
by egibson129 (see profile) 05/10/10
This was a great book. The characters were engaging and I couldn't wait to see how each of their stories turned out. It was surprising and discouraging to learn about the racism that was (and probably still is, though hopefully to a lesser degree) still rampant in the South only 40 or so years ago.

"Wonderful Read"
by SassySmith (see profile) 05/10/10
I enjoyed reading this book! It was a non-stop page turner with its Southern scenery, charm, and subtle nuances of familial love shared between women from different backgrounds.

"Full of spunk"
by christyo78 (see profile) 05/11/10
I really enjoyed this book and the personal journey of each woman in the story. I enjoyed the comedy and appreciated the social commentary it offered. Definitely worth the read!

"Good for Book Club discussions"
by pattyshea (see profile) 05/12/10

"The Help"
by ercourson (see profile) 05/12/10
Brilliant captivation of the black woman in the white woman's home, in an era of change and self appreciation.

"Just read it"
by rivernan (see profile) 05/12/10
The Help was recommended to me by a dear friend, who knew me well. Once I started I could not put it down. I enjoyed the charachter development, drawing of class lines, and eye opening awareness of the protagonist. It was one of those books that you rush to finish because you need to know how it ends and then you are sorry that you did not savor it just a bit longer.

"The Help"
by Tammie1619 (see profile) 05/13/10
Couldn't put it down! Well written!

"The Help"
by riggosmom (see profile) 05/14/10
The author takes you back to the early 1960's in Jackson Mississippi. She tells a story of the maids who work for young families. The racial issues that are apart of life are brought to the surface in such an interesting and thoughtful way. The author puts you in the shoes of the characters. This book is a must read for all races so we may come together.

"Wonderful Book"
by uaajac1 (see profile) 05/15/10
Our Book Group loved this book and would like to suggest a sequel about Hilly, Skeeter now. Are they like their mothers? What did Mae Mobley turn out like?

"The Help"
by jreynold (see profile) 05/15/10
Everyone should read this book. It was an eye opener for me, growing up in that time, I appreciated that I did not encounter similar events.

"great book"
by foertsch (see profile) 05/15/10
page turner.

"best book of the year"
by tkissin (see profile) 05/15/10
A flash of history with the main character willing to stand up for her true beliefs. Refreshing

"the help"
by janetannie (see profile) 05/16/10
excellent could not put it down read it

"Couldn't put it down - page turner!!"
by chkahn12 (see profile) 05/16/10
Fascinating story about a time when segregation was just beginning.

"Great discussion"
by bookmoot (see profile) 05/16/10
Enjoying a book is not a criteria for a good book discussion but everyone enjoyed reading this book. It provided a great discussion for our group which is multi-generational. Members recalled their own experiences from this time period. Great characters to explore, nice tie in with faith, which is a focus for our group.

"great book!"
by AshleyAsher (see profile) 05/16/10
our discussion was great and somewhat controversial. we also loved the writing style of the author!

"The Help"
by Derby (see profile) 05/17/10
Couldn't put it down!

"The Help"
by Deneen (see profile) 05/18/10
This us without a doubt one of the best books I have ever read. I couldn't put it down I think i read it in 4 days. I grew up in the 50s and 60s. This book brought it all back how people lived back then. A real eye opener.

"Best book I've read in awhile!"
by StacyRussell (see profile) 05/19/10
I admit, I got caught up in all the Twilight Saga books & didn't think any other book would compare. A friend recommended The Help & I started reading it... and could not put it down. It's a realistic tale of three different people as they lived in the early 1960's. Yes, it was before my time, but it grabbed my attention & I turned each page with much anticipation to see how Skeeter, Aibileen or Minny made it through each day, week, month or year. This book was the authors' debut novel & a bit of a personal memoir for her & I thank her so much for sharing such a wonderful story.

"Compelling reading"
by mistyviolet (see profile) 05/22/10
The maids carry the weight of this book that tells the beginnings of the civil rights movement in Jackson Mississppi from the point of veiw of the maids and their white employers

"the help"
by aliciafaierman (see profile) 05/22/10
informative, socio-dramatic, well written

"Everyone loved it!"
by mpollack (see profile) 05/22/10
This was a first for our book club - everyone loved it!

"The Help"
by sdare (see profile) 05/23/10

"This will change how you view minorities"
by trish8794 (see profile) 05/23/10
I never looked at discrimination in quite this light but The Help really made my eyes open and my heart pound at the horrible and inappropriate ways people are treated. We all have a beating heart....use them.

"Very interesting"
by maclemme (see profile) 05/25/10
Buy it and read it.

"The Help"
by mcarreno27 (see profile) 05/25/10
The characters are very well developed. There is bound to be a character the reader can identify with.

"The Help"
by nbaker (see profile) 05/25/10
I did not find the book slow, but it took me some time to get in to the rhythm of the writing style. It was a poignant story surrounding the lives of several woman who, while separated by racial barriers, cultural perceptions and diverse upbringings, all shared a common invisible thread -- to be accepted and appreciated as themselves. For some that acceptance was hampered by years of prejudice and bigotry, and for others social status and rivaled wealth was ignorantly disguised as acceptance. The Help inspires one to be true to your heart, to act upon your convictions and to not be afraid to speak the truth.

"The Help"
by jemcomeau (see profile) 05/25/10
Loved this book - have loaned it out to several friends who agree it's a winner. A tad disappointed with the ending but felt it left room for a sequel. Bring out your pom poms - you'll find your favorite characters to cheer for. Will not disappoint.

"Great Read"
by NoleChica (see profile) 05/25/10
This was the first book for our new book club at work, and it turned out to be an excellent choice!

"THE HELP"
by AWHC (see profile) 05/25/10
THE HELP was a beautiful story and a great choice for our new book club.

"Fantastic!"
by DanielleK (see profile) 05/26/10
A wonderfully written book about a young female finding her values and beliefs, contrary to popular demands. A true page-turner, stay-up-until-your-eyelids-close book.

"The Help"
by ppreeder (see profile) 05/25/10

"The South at it's finest"
by dchase21 (see profile) 05/26/10
A well written novel of taking place inJackson Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement and the attitudes of the towns people i.e. Whites as opposed to the experience of "The Help" i.e Blacks. One of "the ladies" decides to step out of the bounds of the rules and write a book about how the help is treated in this southern town. A very enjoyable book and great for discussion of Civil Rights and the changes over the past 50 years.

"A must read!!"
by RGDanning (see profile) 05/26/10
Our group is normally split on which books we like but this was a thumbs up from everyone. Very inspiring with characters you really want to know.

"The Help opened my eyes."
by LovinLit (see profile) 05/26/10
The book was recommended to me by my hairdresser. It took me WEEKS to get it from the library, there were so many holds. Once I opened it I didn't get anything done until I finished it. I grew up in the Northeast, graduated high school in '60. All the action in the book was merely "TV news" to me. I had a black friend at the time and so many people were disturbed by it. I was clueless to the undercurrents in society at that time. This book was eye-opening, jaw-dropping, heart rending and convicting. Don't we all know a Celia ourselves? Or, a Hildy? We had "Flossie" who came to the house 3 times a week to do the heavy work. I am so thankful we treated her with respect and dignity. She ate at the table with us. Until I read The Help, I had no idea how irregular that was.

"The Help"
by Leanneonhudson (see profile) 05/27/10
It was a good read. I found it very eye opening about how things were in the 60s in the south.

"Great Read"
by texas_trnado (see profile) 05/30/10
Great book about the privileged lives of the women in the 1960s time of monthly bridge games and Junior League Meetings and the other ladies behind the scenes who make life bearable for them. You get a good sense of both sides, black and white, of the way life is for them and see the trials and tribulations of what the "help" go through to keep the peace, keep their heads down, and keep their jobs.

"Wonderful period piece set during the civil rights movement."
by candythompson (see profile) 05/31/10
You'll be shaking your head the whole time, finding it hard to believe that people could be so ignorant when it comes to equal rights. It's sometimes suspenseful and makes you wish for the women in this book to change their minds about the line between black and white. Excellent, can't-put-it-down book!

"The Help"
by chicopunk (see profile) 06/01/10

"The Help"
by nickifrogy (see profile) 06/01/10
A wonderful book. Insightful into the way life was in parts of the South during the early 60s. All of our club members loved this book.

"The Help"
by krw4him (see profile) 06/01/10

"wow"
by adascandlelight (see profile) 06/02/10
hard to put down. a couple funny parts in this amazing book.

"Worth the Read, but this is Not this Generation's Gone With the Wind"
by rowchick (see profile) 06/02/10
I think taking this perspective (of a white woman looking in at the world of african-american maids in the south during this critical period in history) is unique and makes me want to recommend that people read the book. But, I don't think the author winds-up the book very well. The focus shifts too suddenly from a good balance between the two worlds to being all about the author and her struggle to get the book written and published. I'm not buying a lot of the sterotypes in the book because they were too heavy-handed - things are much more shades of grey on both sides of the fence. But - I would think the book would appeal across generations and would be good for almost any club.

"The Help"
by bestseller (see profile) 06/02/10
The author allows us to walk in another's shoes so very well. The characters are developed beautifully. The book demonstrates the power of women when they unite for a common cause. The injustice and terror of living under Jim Crow in the South is fully realized.

"Fun"
by tahjara (see profile) 06/02/10

"Frustrating and Beautiful!!!"
by AndiLeigh (see profile) 06/02/10
The Help took me on a personal journey of my own beliefs, ideas and feelings toward others. I can't remember ever becoming so involved in the lives of the characters as in this book...they became friends. The topic is frustrating yet beautiful in the way relationships are intertwined yet complicated by "rules." I loved this book...you have to read it.

"Perfect book club selection"
by adamsks1 (see profile) 06/03/10

"the help"
by maggiehunnel (see profile) 06/03/10
i enjoyed the book very much and would recommend it to other book clubs

"The Help"
by sherrylynn (see profile) 06/04/10
Best book club pick for our group to date. Great book for tears, laughs & discussion. Our group decided to read this one again next year, especially if a movie is released.

"The Help"
by hmjohnson (see profile) 06/04/10
I was able to get an idea of what it must've been like for black people and white sympathizers in Mississippi during the Civil Rights movement.

"Unanimous Raves!"
by AvidReader82 (see profile) 06/05/10
We all loved it, had one of our best discussions.

"The Help"
by powerhall (see profile) 06/07/10
Intimate perspective on the world of the '60's in the South, painting a vivid picture of the roles of women, race, and class, in that transitional era. Great insights into what binds us and what holds us apart from eachother.

"The Help"
by paulacav (see profile) 06/07/10

"Wonderful, insightful novel!"
by weagle_weagle (see profile) 06/08/10

"The Help"
by DebbieD (see profile) 06/10/10
This book helps you understand the fear African American people had living during these years, and how they felt about their relationship with the families they worked for. A true study in the indignities they endured. Every chapter leaves you wanting to know what will happen next!

"AN ENJOYABLE READ"
by CPRAVETZ (see profile) 06/10/10

"The Help"
by brodriguez (see profile) 06/11/10

"The Help"
by marlagorman (see profile) 06/11/10
The book was so well written that I felt I was living in the South in the 1960's and was experiencing the relationship between black 'Help' and their employers. This was the the first time in a long time that I was sad the book had to end. Great read and very insightful.

"Great discussion book"
by maril (see profile) 06/11/10
Our group had a great discussion on this book. It was well written and pulled you into these women's lives and a very volitale and a time of shame and quiet bravery. I cared about all the characters.

"The Help"
by lindap492004 (see profile) 06/11/10
A great book for discussion and introspection

"great characters, lovely story"
by holland (see profile) 06/12/10
the characters of the help are well developed and endearing in every way. it is a beautiful story about the south and civil rights and its delivery is perfect. from beginning to end you are drawn in. you will find compassion and interest for and in each character and their story. and presumably, you will want a sequel.

"One of best reads this year"
by marshcs (see profile) 06/12/10
I really enjoyed The Help. It was recommended to our book club by another author whose book we had read, and I'm so glad we selected it this year! The entire club really liked it and found it very intriguing...it was one of those books you couldn't put down once you got into it. It really captured the tension at the time and the complexity of "the help" working in the white family's home. I would highly recommend!

"perfect for book club"
by kimhalti (see profile) 06/13/10
This book is engrossing from the beginning, and contains themes that make for a great discussion. Everyone in our group (on Long Island) liked the book, although I spoke with friends and family who were raised in the south who were less enthusiastic about it.

"The Help"
by sricchio (see profile) 06/15/10

"The Help"
by Sdodier (see profile) 06/15/10

"The Help"
by nanny1942 (see profile) 06/15/10
It was one of the best books I ever read.

"Great Characters, laugh out loud moments."
by CallieMN (see profile) 06/16/10

"The Help"
by BethTarbuck (see profile) 06/16/10
It was a good read -- persuasive in it's tone. The characters really came alive

"The Help"
by jmzshwob (see profile) 06/16/10
Fantastic! A must read

"Great Insight"
by thashaann (see profile) 06/17/10
You feel that you are there, in the story, and you feel the pain of the racial segregation in the south at that time. The author weaves the tale well, with authenticity, and care. Her bias does come through, which is the same bias I have, which may have made the tale that much more engaging. I would recommend this to any fellow book reader.

"The Help"
by kurlage (see profile) 06/17/10
This book was the overall favorite for the year. Have never met anyone who didn't like it.

"Great Discussion Book"
by BSkol (see profile) 06/20/10
We have one of our best discussions ever. We're all from different places and walks of life, and it was very interesting to see the reactions. But we all did love this read. I personally could not put it down.

"You can't put this book down!!"
by cartc11 (see profile) 06/21/10

"The Help"
by sbmoran (see profile) 06/22/10
A fantastic look into our past in the South and the treatment of black women working for white women.

"Inspiring"
by SMakie (see profile) 06/22/10

"The Help"
by mboehle (see profile) 06/24/10
Totally worth the read -- great discussion on it!

"Great story and character development..."
by rachaelroy (see profile) 06/26/10
Kathryn Stockett did a tremendous job of developing the characters in The Help. I felt for some, was proud of some and was disgusted by others. It really made me think what people were expected to be like during this era of slavery and segregation. The book was a great one because it caused me to evaluate just who I am and how I would have been in a time and place as that of the The Help.

"The Help"
by Bookbods (see profile) 06/27/10
I just loved this book . My only problem was because I had a deadline to get it read by, I know I missed lots of details, so I plan to go back and revisit it at a later date. This was our little bookclubs first meeting and it was lovely to hit upon a book that everybody just loved

"love how it looks at life from different peoples' perspectives"
by crashcutter (see profile) 06/29/10
I thought this was a great book and one that I recommend to book clubs. I loved how the chapters are written from the different women's perspectives. I was raised in the South with housekeepers and grew up to be a Junior Leaguer. There is a lot of truth to the author's characters-the good people as well as the not-so-good people. Highly recommend!

"Definitely worth your time"
by jabot88 (see profile) 06/30/10
I thought this book was really well written and very insightful. I loved the depth of the characters and their relationships to one another so much.

"Kristi's Club"
by kgrabens (see profile) 07/01/10
Everyone in the club loved this book. It was an eye opener for many of us, having all grown up in the midwest. The pastel toilets scene was priceless!

"No Name Book Club, Middlebury, CT"
by jeannettechen (see profile) 07/01/10
Such an inspiring book. Love how the book is written in so many voices. Each of the main characters talk about life from their personal point of view. How insightful to understand just how the "help" in 1960's racially torn deep south felt about their life & working for "white folk". The book is honestly written from the heart. Our book club read this book last month; we all loved it and our telling our friends to read it too!

"Wonderfful!!!!!!"
by nsr1218 (see profile) 07/01/10
This was the best book I read this year.

"THe Help"
by Chapterscam (see profile) 07/01/10
Alot to discuss here: how we treat people who "Help" us (the paperboy,lawn mower, babysitter, etc.); our racial prejudices; our class prejudices; what we will/won't do to make other people like us. Didn't want to put it down. The suspense was intense.

"Loved it!"
by SweetMelissa3372 (see profile) 07/02/10

"Ann's Rating"
by AnnLuck (see profile) 07/05/10

"The Help"
by januaryb (see profile) 07/05/10
This is one of those books that you just can't put down. I absolutly LOVED it! One of my favorites.

"Very Entertaining"
by paharito (see profile) 07/07/10
I just finished the Millenium trilogy and I needed something soft and less complicated to read. This is the perfect choice for "in between" books. Very easy to read and catching. I really like it!

"Loved it!"
by jver_steeg (see profile) 07/09/10

"Great!"
by marvelousme (see profile) 07/09/10
Really enjoyed reading this. It was slow at first with the slang dialogue, but in the end, I think, it helped with understanding of the characters and brought you closer to them. Read this book!

"The Help"
by readingfamily (see profile) 07/11/10

"the help"
by ocreader (see profile) 07/11/10
best book any of us have read in a long time!

"The Help"
by jennyjo (see profile) 07/12/10

"Great read!"
by mrsrelphie (see profile) 07/12/10
This is an easy, sit by the pool-read and it will keep you greatly entertained.

"The Help"
by cordiva (see profile) 07/13/10
This book would be a great pick for any bookclub. The subject/plot, colorful characters and setting will provide much discussion.

"The Help"
by mkrupiak (see profile) 07/13/10
This book reminds us just how divided this country was regarding equal rights. Living in the North, I never dreamed how truly horrible the conditions were in the South for people to live together if they were not of the same color skin.

"The Help"
by kitty1854 (see profile) 07/13/10
Hard to put down

"The Help"
by twothirty8 (see profile) 07/14/10
This first novel by Kathryn Stockett is amazing. This is one of those few books that grabbed my emotions and interest so deeply that I could not stop thinking about the book when I would set it down to attend to other activities (like eating, sleeping & working!). I was engrossed and couldn't wait to read more, while at the same time savoring every chapter as the story developed. Stockett makes the characters come to life with her scene and character descriptions; writing in the '...more This first novel by Kathryn Stockett is amazing. This is one of those few books that grabbed my emotions and interest so deeply that I could not stop thinking about the book when I would set it down to attend to other activities (like eating, sleeping & working!). I was engrossed and couldn't wait to read more, while at the same time savoring every chapter as the story developed. Stockett makes the characters come to life with her scene and character descriptions; writing in the 'voices' of black maids and nannies in Jackson, MS in the early 1960s when and where the Civil Rights movement was getting dangerously heated. Her other lead narrator, Skeeter Phelan, is a young white woman of privilege who portrays the unintended ignorance of many white people - especially in the South in those times. As Skeeter becomes more aware of the blatant racism, bigotry and hatred exhibited by people she considered life-long friends, her eyes are slowly opened to the humanity of others. This book is now on my list of all-time favorites. It was a very well-written novel and a delight to read. What a powerful discussion book. We were left with a deeper and more personalized understanding of just how far the country has come since the Civil Rights Law was passed. We will be on the lookout for her next book.

"The Help"
by traveler1 (see profile) 07/14/10
Good characters and good grasp of history portrayed.

"good read"
by nancy52657 (see profile) 07/15/10
I learned a lot about life in the South in the past.

"The Help"
by jwbeck (see profile) 07/15/10
We loved this book. We rate each book we read on a scale from 1 - 5. This book was rated 4 or 4.5 by everyone. All of our members grew up in the South. It brought back memories and prompted brisk discussion.

"The Help"
by Rivgrl85 (see profile) 07/15/10
This book is definitely on my top 10 books of all time list! The characters are well developed and you feel like you know them by the end of the book. I was so sad to see it end, I want to know what happens next in the lives of all of them! Hope there will be a sequel!

"Wonderful Book!"
by leneemclagan (see profile) 07/16/10

"wonderful book"
by kindle (see profile) 07/16/10

"The Help"
by stazmom77 (see profile) 07/16/10
Each and every person I know who read the book and all in my book club loved the book, except two ladies who were not from the south.

"The Help"
by Sandydog (see profile) 07/16/10
This book is a great easy read.

"the Help"
by Phyl86 (see profile) 07/16/10
Love the book. It reminded me of stories my grandmother told me about her life in the south in Jackson Mississippi.

"The Help"
by cazlor (see profile) 07/17/10
Everyone in my book club loved this book. A poignant story revealing a prespective from that era, I had never considered, in a way that seems genuine.

"Help-ing Others"
by sleepylrh (see profile) 07/18/10
The phenomenon continues with this surprise best-seller and crowd-pleaser. The story & characters are instantly engaging. Whether or not the dialect writing gives you pause, stick with it and you'll hear the ladies telling their secrets to you. Share your copy with mother, daughter, aunts, cousins, and friends. Looking forward to the movie, who will win the roles of Minny, Skeeter, and Abeline?

"We loved "The Help""
by woodmom (see profile) 07/23/10
This book was hard to put down. Our group loved "The Help" so much that we took two meetings to discuss it. Very engaging and informative about the events taking place in the 60's, yet funny at the same time. There are many interesting characters to discuss.

""absolutely pulls you in from the first chapter!""
by msherrer (see profile) 07/23/10
It is interesting to read from each character's point of view. I loved how friendships were formed. Amazing how things were so different just in the past 40 or so years!

"Great book to read!"
by papalotl (see profile) 07/25/10

"An amusing yet touching slice of life in the southern 60's"
by CTEmom (see profile) 07/26/10
This book is an easy, enjoyable read featuring well-developed characters and a perfectly true-to-life story line. The author does a splendid job of blending a sad morality tale into the amusing first person narratives. She catches the attitudes and thought processes of her characters wonderfully.

"must read"
by lombard131 (see profile) 07/26/10
Borrowed this from the library. It was so good I will be purchasing a copy

"The Help"
by dbriscoe (see profile) 07/26/10

"The Help"
by lilhiawatha39 (see profile) 07/27/10
Loved, loved, loved this book!! Loved the characters and the plot. It doesn't necessarily emphasize civil rights and all that, but it gives you a glimpse of that point in time. It helps you understand how society lived in those days, and also makes you realize that sometimes we create things in our mind that prevent us from opening our minds to others.

"The Help"
by karenkellar (see profile) 07/27/10

"The Help - Loved it! I have passed my book around to several people and everyone has enjoyed the book!"
by ajukes (see profile) 07/27/10

"The Help"
by wgolding (see profile) 07/30/10
Growing up this same time period in the NYC area, I had no idea of the prejudices that existed in the south.

"the help"
by amanaceerdh (see profile) 07/31/10

"The Help gives us help"
by sharonadair21 (see profile) 08/01/10

"The Help"
by sjblicker (see profile) 08/02/10
Truly a page turner.

"I loved this book!"
by lisabugw (see profile) 08/03/10
A friend recommended this book to me. I really enjoyed it and have recommended it to many others.

"the help"
by jojo_77 (see profile) 08/06/10

"Worth reading!"
by Infogal (see profile) 08/07/10

"The Help - a revealing insight to domestic help in the early 60's"
by nanascurse (see profile) 08/07/10

"The Help is an Excellent Read"
by julieray (see profile) 08/10/10

"Great! Couldn't put it down."
by LisaDav (see profile) 08/10/10

"The Help"
by dgisler (see profile) 08/11/10
Couldn't put it down.

"The Help"
by BeIrie (see profile) 08/11/10

"The Help"
by gskylesa (see profile) 08/11/10
Our book club loved this book and we have all passed it on to many others.

"The Help"
by Lemonade (see profile) 08/15/10
It is rare for all of us to like a given book. This one we all loved. It was provocative and entertaining.

"The Help"
by Hope (see profile) 08/15/10

"A Must Read"
by riegerd (see profile) 08/15/10
I LOVED this book. I couldn;t put it down.

"I couldn't put it down."
by swannwsong (see profile) 08/15/10
Everyone in my book club enjoyed The Help.

"First Tuesday Book Club, Aldersgate UMC, Montgomery, AL"
by fbabington (see profile) 08/16/10
Our club has a range of ages from 30's to 70's; also diverse geographically. This promoted a very lively discussion; a Lt. Col. in Air Force born in Canada, early 40's age, and age 70's Southern elderly church member were quite lively; so much that I thought they were going to cross the table to get to each other; and we still kid them to this day about their discussion. We would highly recommend this book to other clubs.

"The Help"
by LynneVS (see profile) 08/16/10
I LOVED this book!! It is being added to my list of favorites with To Kill a Mockingbird, The Secret Life of Bees, Pat Conroy's books... I love a wonderful Southern storyteller and this one fits the bill!

"The Help"
by copper (see profile) 08/16/10
Couldn't put it down!!!

"Beautiful story"
by lasuhe (see profile) 08/16/10

"The Help thumbs up"
by tx2cagirl (see profile) 08/16/10

"The Help"
by hardlyhome (see profile) 08/18/10
An insightful and well written look into what was happening in the 60s dealing with the desegregation issues. Written to give those who have no idea what happened a view of a corner of the problem and why.

"The Help"
by bsloop8432 (see profile) 08/18/10
Loved it and anything else about the South

"The help"
by jewelysteward (see profile) 08/20/10
The help is fantastically written. The kind of book that makes you analyze your own personal life.

"We Loved it!"
by libroladies (see profile) 08/20/10
Our book club loved this book! What a wonderful story. Great Development of characters (look forward to seeing the movie) Loved all the revelations and secrets it was a page turner. Liked the era and setting! great book from first time author excellent job Kathryn! Thumbs up highly recommend this book!

"The Help"
by Neyly (see profile) 08/21/10
I enjoyed the different "voices" telling the story. A serious subject approached in a way that made you think yet at the same time had moments that made you laugh.

"One of the best books i have ever read"
by bettyboop (see profile) 08/22/10

"This is a must read for all"
by Dawn4401 (see profile) 08/23/10

"The Help"
by ridgematik (see profile) 08/23/10
This story is long over-do. It takes into account the story of African-American women and their feelings about raising white family's children. It takes into account all sides of racism and those who did not understand those barriers existed. It's a new look of the south during a different time period

"The Help"
by dnmurray (see profile) 08/23/10

"The Help was a good read"
by litimberlake (see profile) 08/26/10
Our book club really liked the book. We had some really good discussion. Very interesting view points when you start discussing racism.

"The Help"
by lisurb62 (see profile) 08/27/10

"The Help"
by ntutko (see profile) 08/27/10
I loved the opportunity to sink into the life of these amazing women as they live their lives at the beginning of the Civil Rights movement. Very powerful, moving, fun, interesting book!

"The Help"
by japarker0813 (see profile) 08/28/10
Great book for your next book club meeting

"The Help: a historical novel for all time"
by LibrarianLady (see profile) 08/28/10
Kathryn Stockett's captivating debut novel The Help is by far one of the most realistic yet timeless works of historical fiction published in recent years.

"Great Book!"
by lptucker411 (see profile) 08/30/10

"The Help"
by sweetee (see profile) 08/31/10
The Help” by Kathryn Stockett I loved this book! I was drawn into it so quickly and so completely, it was difficult to take a ‘time out’ to eat, sleep, or tinkle! I find myself unable to find words that adequately express the beauty that lies within the pages of this wonderful tale. There are no superlatives great enough to describe the unrivaled talent of this exciting new author. For me, it is literary perfection! Perhaps a classic in its infancy. “The Help” is what I refer to as a “4-H” book, filled with heart, humor, honesty, and hope. If I were able, I would hire ‘sky writers’ to tell the world about this lovely novel. I’d shout from roof tops and mountain tops, “The Help” is a must read; get into it today! I want to sit in Minny’s kitchen~ listen to her ‘sass’ and eat her scrumptious food. I want to have coffee and conversation with Aibileen~ listen to her stories and grow from her wisdom and inner beauty. I want to hug “Skeeter”~ congratulate her for following her heart and dreams. I want to tell her how much I admire her spunk and spirit; how I am proud of her courage for taking a step outside social norms, all the while hoping it’s all so contagious. If you’ve browsed my website, you know I’ve been a loyal TaB drinker since the ‘60’s. While I was reading on page 175, and I read the following sentence: “The room is full of cake-eating, TaB-drinking, cigarette-smoking women all about my age.”, I became Ms. Stockett’s greatest fan. I was thrilled at her authentic representation of TaB during its infancy. “The Help” is Ms. Stockett’s debut novel and she is a marvelous talent. I have no doubt it will be the best book of 2009. I’m sure it will one day be a blockbuster hit on the big screen as well. GET IT! READ IT! LOVE IT! KEEP IT!!! (from my 'book bagg' at http://www.keepitsimplesweetee.com/books.htm )

"kingsland moms group"
by lindas31558 (see profile) 08/31/10
great read

"Worth the time to read"
by connorsmommy (see profile) 08/31/10

"The Help"
by mcokbookclub (see profile) 08/31/10
Definately a good read. Didn't know what to expect at first, but after the first few pages I was hooked.

"The Help"
by rex6265 (see profile) 08/31/10
Everyone in our book club loved this book - viewing the civil rights movement from the other perspective.

"Why'd I wait so long to read this book?"
by dixlips (see profile) 09/01/10
I bought this book several months ago, only to set it aside. I read great reviews & saw that it was on so many best seller lists. I finally picked it up, then couldn't put it down. It's one of my all time favorites.

"The Help"
by JennJerina (see profile) 09/01/10
It was hard to put this down! The characters are so well developed and at the end, you're left wishing there was more so you knew what happened with everybody.

"The Help"
by audshugo (see profile) 09/02/10
Reading about racial divides in everyday American life gave me new hope as a South African. This is an outstanding account of life seen from the viewpoint of maids working in white homes in the sixties. A courageous, sensitive, well written witty and sad book. I loved it.

"The Help"
by smorrison (see profile) 09/02/10
I thought the book was well written. It was a new and interesting genre. It was a quick, enjoyable read.

"The Help"
by dmalesic (see profile) 09/02/10
Our discussion for this book was great. Many views and opinions and personal stories about the plight of the "help" in the lives of our members. One of our best discussions.

"The Help"
by kittenfb (see profile) 09/02/10
This book truly is ADDICTIVE! Beautifully and smartly written. A MUST READ for EVERYONE!

"Loved it!"
by Rachelcastro7 (see profile) 09/02/10
I know that there has been some criticism regarding the author's take on some of the main characters, but I couldn't ut this book down. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves to read fiction.

"The Help"
by lacoyne (see profile) 09/03/10

"A hit for the Chantilly book club"
by nairsushila (see profile) 09/03/10
All of the members of our book club really enjoyed this book. We all were gripped by the story and everyone finished the book which does not always happen.

"Interesting point of views and well written"
by gymbackmom (see profile) 09/04/10

"The Help"
by MarissaG (see profile) 09/06/10
Very good read. Insight into a time often forgotten.

"You'll never read anything better"
by HollyD (see profile) 09/06/10
This story makes you feel every emotion. LOVED IT!

"The Help"
by ktlown (see profile) 09/07/10
Hilarious, laugh out loud, page turner,unfortunately reflects a hint of truth, but definitely worth reading!

"Fantastic!!!"
by deulcide (see profile) 09/08/10
Must read. Great Book Club Book.

"How do you treat "The Help""
by Wits-End (see profile) 09/09/10
The Help was well written book showed the lives of African American mads and how there white employer treated them. The Story makes you stop and think about how we treat "The help".