The Help by Kathryn Stockett

[booktalker]

This book kept me up all night - has anyone read it? The story of black families in Mississippi (American South) in the early 1960s, especially the women who were hired as maidservants. It's told from the point of view of two of the black women and one white woman. Incredibly well written, a real page turner.

But it's also extremely shocking because it's about overt racism and the arrogant attitudes that were around then. This is only 40 odd years ago! Things we kind of knew about but forgot - such as the fact that it was illegal for blacks to marry whites! I am reflecting on it now and can sadly see similarities to some of our lives today, but it's interesting to see it from the perspective of the USA where now people consider themsleves to be so tolerant and liberal. It even reflects some peoples' situations and experiences on the forum, even though the circumstances are different. It also is written at the time when things were starting to change - human rights movements etc. Fascinating.

BT
x

[Dev1975]

Thanks for the tip BT, will keep an eye oot for this at my local library.

[chweetgurl]

I did read this book couple of months ago BT. Its definetly worth a read the story
The racism existed those days can now be even experienced to this day BT. Esp certain places in America .
Its not as bad in UK but it still exists.

[Kitush]

It's a good book. I really enjoyed it.

[Spidax]

I just finished this book in a day and loved it!!
Like you say BT is was onnly 40 years ago and it was illegal for interacial marriages. It is such a powerful story and really got me thinking. I also really loved the added extra touch at the end of The authors note about her own experience of having a black maid growing up and how she wishes she could tell her thank you like in the story.
It was very touching, I especially loved the relationship between Aibileen and little Mae Mo. beautiful story and well written too.

I also noticed on my amazon account our own Bobby Smith recommended and reviewed it, mixers get everywhere! lol

[chweetgurl]

My friends are now reading book and cant stop raving.. I need to repeat read it

Have an radio interview of the book's author, here's the link:
http://media.barnesandnoble.com/?fr_story=59e76c8fa39941fb2ff1013f7928b8ed42d449c2&rf=sitemap

[Spidax]

Thanks CG! i also know that there is an American movie made of it recently released in the States but yet to be released here, cant wait to see it though - hope they do it justice.

[Sweetchics]

I read this book last year, loved it!  Kathryn really brought the characters to life. Spida you're right, there's a movie out but I think it;s only been released in the US so far. But will def look out for it.

xxx

[Spidax]

http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi809278745/

trailer, but dont think it will beat the book!!

[Sweetchics]

OMG, thanks for that...hadn't seen any trailers...Hope it screens in UK, will watch it on day 1!!!


xxx

[chweetgurl]

Wow thats super cool Spida

Cant wait for the movie to hit UK screens

[booktalker]

Hey - maybe we could all go and see it together!!!!! And have a meal afterwards to talk about it???

[Sweetchics]

Agreed BT!!  Infact we should do that for key movies from now on...


xxx

[chweetgurl]

Great idea BT, maybe you could organise the event? 

[booktalker]

OK! It's coming out at the end of October so we can think about when and where in a few weeks time. xxx