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.