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The Help
by Kathryn Stockett
Published: 2009-02-10
Hardcover: 464 pages
- 163 members reading this now
- 118 clubs reading this now
- 0 members told 0 friends about this book.
- 32 members have read this book
Recommended to book clubs
by 81 of 82 members.
by 81 of 82 members.
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 degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her...
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Clubs who read this book also discussed:
Introduction
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 degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Skeeter would normally find solace with her beloved maid Constantine, the woman who raised her, but Constantine has disappeared and no one will tell Skeeter where she has gone. Aibileen is a black maid, a wise, regal woman raising her seventeenth white child. Something has shifted inside her after the loss of her own son, who died while his bosses looked the other way. She is devoted to the little girl she looks after, though she knows both their hearts may be broken. Minny, Aibileen’s best friend, is short, fat, and perhaps the sassiest woman in Mississippi. She can cook like nobody’s business, but she can’t mind her tongue, so she’s lost yet another job. Minny finally finds a position working for someone too new to town to know her reputation. But her new boss has secrets of her own. Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed. In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women—mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends—view one another. A deeply moving novel filled with poignancy, humor, and hope, The Help is a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don’t.Excerpt
Two days later, I sit in my parents’ kitchen, waiting for dusk to fall. I give in and light another cigarette even though last night the surgeon general came on the television set and shook his finger at everybody, trying to convince us that smoking will kill us. But Mother once told me tongue kissing would turn me blind and I’m starting to think it’s all just a big plot between the surgeon general and Mother to make sure no one ever has any fun.
...
view entire excerpt...
Discussion Questions
From the publisher:
1. Who was your favorite character? Why?
2. What do you think motivated Hilly? On the one hand she is terribly cruel to Aibileen and her own help, as well as to Skeeter once she realizes that she can’t control her. Yet she’s a wonderful mother. Do you think that one can be a good mother but, at the same time, a deeply flawed person?
3. Like Hilly, Skeeter’s mother is a prime example of someone deeply flawed yet somewhat sympathetic. She seems to care for Skeeter— and she also seems to have very real feelings for Constantine. Yet the ultimatum she gives to Constantine is untenable; and most of her interaction with Skeeter is critical. Do you think Skeeter’s mother is a sympathetic or unsympathetic character? Why?
4. How much of a person’s character would you say is shaped by the times in which they live?
5. Did it bother you that Skeeter is willing to overlook so many of Stuart’s faults so that she can get married, and that it’s not until he literally gets up and walks away that the engagement falls apart?
6. Do you believe that Minny was justified in her distrust of white people?
7. Do you think that had Aibileen stayed working for Miss Elizabeth, that Mae Mobley would have grown up to be racist like her mother? Do you think racism is inherent, or taught?
8. From the perspective of a twenty-first century reader, the hairshellac system that Skeeter undergoes seems ludicrous. Yet women still alter their looks in rather peculiar ways as the definition of “beauty” changes with the times. Looking back on your past, what’s the most ridiculous beauty regimen you ever underwent?
9. The author manages to paint Aibileen with a quiet grace and an aura of wisdom about her. How do you think she does this?
10. Do you think there are still vestiges of racism in relationships where people of color work for people who are white?
11. What did you think about Minny’s pie for Miss Hilly? Would you have gone as far as Minny did for revenge?
Suggested by Members
Have you ever been in a social group that ostricised others?
What in the book made you most afraid?
Should we tell people the truth even if it hurts others?
by Tam (see profile) 09/01/09Do you think Skeeter could have existed?
by cjb (see profile) 10/16/09Yes I felt there was a lot to discuss.
by Bogie0712 (see profile) 10/29/09What class distinctions are evident (or not so evident) in the society in which you live today?
What does our treatment of a waitress, a busboy, a valet, a grocery clerk------etc------reveal about us?
by AZannie (see profile) 11/02/09What do you remember from this time? If you weren't alive - have you talked to your parents about this time?
What do you think will happen next? Do you think she'll written a follow up novel?
by LeadMomma (see profile) 11/16/09
Book Club Recommendations
Recommended to book clubs by 81 of 82 members.
A Southern Event
by monie (see profile) 04/29/09Our hostesses served southern food and played the first chapter of the audiobook for us. One person had gone to the author's reading and talked about that as well.
Include the author
by beckylampl (see profile) 06/11/09Look her up on her website and invite her to your club meeting via the phone......
We had a lot of pie!
by dcraggs (see profile) 06/12/09Typically we bring a dish that is inspired by what we are reading. We had some great desserts.
We have sit down meals!
by Onewoman (see profile) 06/18/09We honor each member as a host by preparing a meal. I feel very special to have such good people at my house to enjoy an evening with. When we went out to meet the author, we had a drink and appetizers while chatting about the book. Afterward we met with the author. We call our book club the Champagne Book Club because we pop open a bottle every meeting (including when we went out)to celebrate our health, happiness and the coming together of friends.
Your bookclub will love tasting caramel cake after reading 'The Help'
by PEP2312 (see profile) 11/02/09
try this link for a great caramel cake recipe.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/bobbys-caramel-cake-recipe/index.html
Fast Read
by SharonBrower (see profile) 11/13/09Pie pie pie
by LeadMomma (see profile) 11/16/09I think this would be a terrific coffee and pie sort of meeting -- with sweet tea of course.
Desserts
by shelbymomof2 (see profile) 11/16/09Serve a caramel cake or a chocolate pie!
Member Reviews
Overall rating:
How would you rate this book? Member ratings:
"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.... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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)... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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,... (read more)
"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.
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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,... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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.
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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... (read more)
"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.
