Author: Kathryn Stockett
Genre: Historical Fiction, Standalone
Published: 2009
Personal Rating: 4.5/5
Yearly Count: 36
Just home after graduating from Ole Miss in 1962, Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan is antsy to get herself a job with Harper & Row Publishers in New York. To get experience, Skeeter takes the advice from a senior editor at Harper & Row and successfully lands a job at the local newspaper writing a weekly advice column that requires her to enlist help from a friend's maid. Also, the editor suggests to Skeeter that she should continue to write - and when she does, she should write about what disturbs her. Skeeter sets out to do just that.
I had no idea this book was close to 450 pages until I picked it up from the library. I was leery about making it to the end, but once I began - there was no stopping me, and then I didn't want it to end!
The Help was filled with heart. All the characters exuded unique, but recognizable and believable qualities that had been well-defined. Several of them narrated their own story making their voice clearly heard. I was always excited to meet back up with any of the characters and ready to get back on a new roller-coaster of emotion. This was such an engaging, thought-provoking and memorable read.
Addendum: There were a few times that I felt it had a "chick lit" feel, and I would have preferred that to have been eliminated or at the very least - toned down.
Great review! I can't wait to read this one.
ReplyDeleteNice review, Joy. This is on my TBR list!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely enjoyed your review. Not too long and you didn't give anything away...thank you!! I want to read this book pretty bad!! It doesn't look like it's 450 pages...I love the cover!!
ReplyDeleteMy co-worker recently enjoyed this book. I'll keep it in mind.
ReplyDeleteI heard an interview with the author on the radio not too long ago and it got me curious about this book. I am glad to hear you enjoyed it, Joy!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked it -- I think I'll add it to the TBR pile. It reminds me of myself; I wanted a job in publishing after college, but somehow I ended up in asset management! :o)
ReplyDeleteGreat review; I LOVED this book so much; glad you liked it as well.
ReplyDeleteBermudaonion ~ I imagine you'll like it when you do.
ReplyDeleteMary ~ Oh good. I hope you get to it.
Staci ~ Yeah, I was surprised about the number of pages, but it's a fast read so if you have any qualms about length (like me) - you don't have to worry about it with this one. :) I thank you immensely for the kind words regarding my thoughts.
Charley ~ I neglected to add that it does have a component of chick lit to it. I need to add that on. (I don't know why your comment made me think of that.) :)
Literary Feline ~ Then you must know that Stockett grew up in the South and was able to add her personal knowledge and experience into the book; hence, creating some really authentic characters.
Cassie ~ OH! You already have a great connection, then. If you like southern reads, this would be one you could relate to - at least a little bit anyway. :)
Diane ~ Ahhh, you snuck in there. :) I'll come by right now and read your review.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you liked this one. It's on my shelf, now just to read it.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked this! I have it on the tbr and want to read it soon.
ReplyDeleteNice review, Joy. I think this book will be a big hit with book groups. Lots and lots of things to discuss. I hope the author will continue writing and get something else ready for us to read soon!
ReplyDeleteI have heard nothing but good things about this book.
ReplyDeleteI was glad to see that you liked this Joy! I always enjoy reading your reviews as they have just the right information in them and you don't give anything away! That's a hard balance to achieve,IMO. I can't wait to read this. It's waiting in my TBR stack and I'm going to move it up a notch!
ReplyDeleteDar ~ This was a library read for me. I would like to see this one on my shelves, so I think I'm going to buy it.
ReplyDelete3M ~ I hope it draws you in right away like it did me.
Kay ~ Oh yes - lots and lots to discuss. And, I hope she's working on something this minute. :)
Pam ~ Probably because it's nothing, but good. *grin* I really liked it and think the characterization was exceptional. If you read it, I hope you find it to be good, as well.
Bonnie ~ I can't imagine you not liking this, Bonnie. It's a fast read, so don't hesitate to pick it up.
Thank you for your kind words. A positive word goes a long way these days. Thank you.
I usually like the same things you do so I'm adding this to my list. That you feel you need to buy a book after reading the library's copy speaks volumes. (Literary pun not intended!)
ReplyDeleteAnother book we can agree on, Joy! I absolutely loved this book and like you never felt it was too long. It was such a page-turner. However, I never felt it had a "chick-lit" tone to it, as you did. Wonder what part made you feel that way?
ReplyDeleteI'm working on my review right now and should have it posted tonight or tomorrow.
Booklogged ~ Oh yes - I want this on my shelf. I just can't decide if I want to get it now or wait for paperback. How does a book make it to paperback status? Do you know?
ReplyDeleteLes ~ Maybe you know being that you work in a bookstore. (please read my comment to Booklogged)
Crud. I thought somebody was going to ask me that (the chick-lit component) and I'm still not prepared for an answer. :( I even forgot about it when I wrote my post. I had to add it on. I will say that there were a couple times when I rolled my eyes and had "the feeling". My guess is that one would have had to do with the group of "club ladies" for a lack of other titles. OHHHHH, I remembered something, but I can't say it here. I'll e-mail you.
Generally speaking, most books come out in paperback about 6-9 months after they've been released in hardcover. This varies quite a bit, though. Tuesdays With Morrie was out in hardcover for years before it finally went to paper. And it isn't rare to see a book come out in paper and never get released as a hardcover.
ReplyDeleteI think I understand what you mean about the chick-lit feel to the book, but since the time period was the early sixties, it didn't feel to me like chick-lit since I equate that with contemporary books.
Everybody seems to have good things to say about this book. I'm gonna have to request it from the library is what this all adds up to. Great review!
ReplyDeleteLes ~ Thanks for the info about paperbacks.
ReplyDeleteSamantha.1020 ~ LOL It's a good one! :)
I don't think I've heard anything about this one yet, but wow! I'm glad you liked it so much and I'll definitely be keeping my eye for it. (Also glad I'm not the only one who shrinks at 450 pages)
ReplyDeleteJust got my review up, Joy. What a great book!!!
ReplyDeleteTrish ~ I have lost out on many great books due to that fear. :( However, audiobooks have been a life-saver. :)
ReplyDeleteLes ~ I hope you keep up your winning streak.