Monday, May 24, 2010

The Help

Many of you have most likely already read The Help by Kathryn Stockett. If you haven't, do so immediately! Seriously, run to Borders as fast as you can and take time off work if you have to. My mom-in-law gave it to me to read a while ago. At first I was hesitant to read it because it sounded like a bit of a downer. Mona loves nothing more than a good downer and I usually end up with a puffy face covered in mascara during 90% of my reading. She has excellent taste in well, everything , especially books but sometimes I need a break from the emotional meltdowns I go through reading her suggestions:) She was so adamant though that I pulled out the tissues and started it.
I can honestly say this is easily in my personal top five of all-time most loved books. I couldn't put it down. When life forced me to put it down I was thinking or dreaming about it. I took it with me to the bathroom, if it was waterproof I would have showered with it, if it were legal to read and drive I would have. I was so involved in the characters. It is so well written that it almost didn't feel like reading, but somehow felt like I was listening to the story straight from the mouths of these three women I grew to love so dearly. It is one of those rare books I know I will read again.  I was so surprised to find that it was Kathryn Stockett's first novel. What an accomplishment it would be to write something so beautiful. 
Oh, and it is a tear jerker:) My face was puffy and drenched with mascara, but I wouldn't say it was a downer. It was sad in many ways, but much more hopeful and inspiring. Read it. You'll love it.

13 comments:

  1. I saw that books at Sam's and contemplated buying it. I think you just convinced me to:)

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  2. I felt the same way about this book! I read the whole book on my phone, which meant that anytime I had a spare minute, I was reading it (on BART, on the bus, waiting in line at the bank).

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  3. I AM VERY INTERESTED... THANKS SO MUCH!

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  4. I loved this book too. It made me think so much about myself and who I would have been in this book. Who, in a different culture and time, would I have acted like. Kind of scary to think about!

    I listened to it on CD, rather than reading it, because I love to listen to books while I sew. It was wonderful! If you want to read it again, I would suggest listening to it. So much Fun!

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  5. Thanks for this post! I'm always looking for a new good book so I'll have to check it out.

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  6. OMGoodness! Everyone should read this! This book is Amazing with a capital A! I cannot tell you how many people I have recommended this book to, I hope everyone runs out and gets this or do like I did and download it on your Kindle! I think about the characters in this book still and its been months since I read it!

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  7. I'm in need of a good book and now feel inspired! Can't wait to read it so we can share our thoughts!! love you...

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  8. Thank you for the awesome review... I'll have to grab a copy! and LOVED your comment about my "new car"...the only thing that would make it even better...rockin' one of your lovely hats while driving it! :)
    Blessings!
    Jill

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  9. Who is this Mona? She sounds like the life of the party!;) Dan and I laughed when we read your comment about my choice of books (and movies, I might add). So true. So next up, I say Eat, Pray, Love. I've been meaning to read it for the longest time. Danelle loved it and recommended it to me. Julia Roberts will play the main character in the movie which will come out in September. This one isn't even a downer; it's uplifting. We can read the book and then watch the movie. You in?

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  10. Thanks for the great review. I'll have to get it now! Have a great day!

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  11. I'm a little on the wacky side but I was looking on our craigslist today for chandys and saw this and thought of you :) I don't know why but I thought I would share... I think it was the yellow... Have a good day!

    http://boise.craigslist.org/hsh/1721027301.html

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  12. My book club read The Help in November. What a great story. It took me a while to even want to pick up another book afterward. I just wanted to savor that one.

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  13. i'm reading it right now and can't put it down, so good!

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