The Help

Kathryn Stockett

Feb 2009 · Sold by Penguin

About this ebook

The #1 New York Times bestselling novel and basis for the Academy Award-winning film—a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don’t—nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read.

Aibileen is a black maid in 1962 Jackson, Mississippi, who’s always taken orders quietly, but lately she’s unable to hold her bitterness back. Her friend Minny has never held her tongue but now must somehow keep secrets about her employer that leave her speechless. White socialite Skeeter just graduated college. She’s full of ambition, but without a husband, she’s considered a failure.

Together, these seemingly different women join together to write a tell-all book about work as a black maid in the South, that could forever alter their destinies and the life of a small town...

Ratings and reviews

I absolutely loved this book. Within a few pages it easily became a favorite, and I'll definitely be rereading it in the distant future. One of the only things I hated about the book was Hilly. I just wanted to give her a good kick to the shine, acting like she runs Jackson, Mississippi and no one having the guts to stand up to her, expect for Skeeter and Minny (I guess lol). Also, hated the way Elizabeth treated Mae Mobley so coldly. Baby Girl deserved better.

I loved the book. It was detailed colorful and it made me feel emotions for the characters. but what I didn't like is how does she know or experience how these black women felt if she hadn't had an example of a black maid. I do believe that she did adapt the characters to Ablene Cooper and should have given her the credit she deserved. Also we don't turn purple or any color but our own when we laugh.

I bought the hardcover book from my library, and, must I say, a whole week went by before I realized I had read the book twice in that time frame. The story, the novel version, is phenomenal and just, heart-felt. I love how she's able to put these characters into words and make them appear so vividly. Kathryn Stockett is an amazing woman in this accomplishment. I have never, EVER, come across a book or story etc. where the author is able to put you through three lives at once. Thank you Mrs. Stockett.

About the author

Kathryn Stockett was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in English and creative writing, she moved to New York City, where she worked in magazine publishing and marketing for sixteen years. She currently lives in Atlanta with her husband and daughter.