Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Book #41: The Help

I'm always a little wary about reading books that have had such rave reviews - they're that ones that can so easily disappoint. But when two girlfriends, on opposite sides of the world, recommended I add The Help, by Kathryn Stockett to this year's reading list, I figured that was endorsement enough.

And am I glad I did. I loved it. The Help was one of those books that leaves you conflicted. You want to read it as fast as possible, desperate to know what happens over the page, in the next chapter, and how it all comes together at the end - yet at the same time, it is just soooooooooo good, that you don't want it to end, so how can you go about drawing the process out?!

I had no self-control when it came to The Help. I simply had to devour it. Although it took me just a little while to get started, but once I grew accustomed to the different voices of the maids and the conversations began to flow, well, there was no stopping me!

The Help is a wonderful story about the relationships between women and for me, despite the social hierarchy between the different groups in this story, they were both equal. Each had their own strengths and weaknesses, their own advantages and disadvantages.

This is one book I actually can't wait to see transformed into the big screen. I think the characters of each of the woman - cast correctly - will simply come alive. I'm hoping to laugh out loud and be needing to reach for my box of tissues when I eventually head to the cinema, but for now, I'm simply savouring The Help.

Definitely one of my best reads of the year so far!

9 comments:

  1. I loved this book as well and also am looking forward to the movie. I think it is one of my favorite all time reads.

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  2. I'v been dancing around this one - I think it's the title that keeps turning me off. I may have to give in.

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  3. You can see the trailer for the movie on you tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbuKgzgeUIU). Looks great and can't wait to read the book.

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  4. This book is on my wishlist. I am also wary of reading books that are really hyped up, but this one just sounds too good! Thanks for the review!

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  5. Wow! How cool..I had someone recommend this book to me claiming I would "love" it...even though they had no idea which types of books I loved. So I was put off about it for a while. I will give it a try now I guess!

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  6. I couldn't agree with you more - I too inhaled this book in the matter of 2 days - it would have been less had I not had to work and bathe and other such nonsense. I savor the characters still though, despite my furious page turning. They do stick with you so well.

    -Molly

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  7. I know just what you mean about resisting books that are hot on the review lists and, like you, I balked at reading The Help until our book discussion group chose it - and I couldn't put it down. Our book group will try to see the movie together (which usually means food is involved somehow).

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  8. I wholeheartedly agree!! August 12th can't come soon enough.


    My Bookshelf

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  9. I am glad I found this book before everyone talked about it because I might not have picked it up. I loved it - a lot. And can't wait for the movie to come out here in Europe.

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