The Help

(Photo from Amazon.com)

is what I've been reading these past few days.

I always have a book, or two, or three under way. Many aren't worth commenting on but The Help, by Kathryn Stockett is worth a few words.

The story takes place in Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1960's. The main characters are a group of young society wanna-be's who grew up in homes with domestic help. As they begin their adult lives, trying to figure out where they fit in, they do as their own mothers did and hire help. The Help, women of amazing strength and character, make up the real main characters of this story. As their lives and stories unfold, so does the Civil Rights Movement. One society deb breaks out of the pack and begins writing the stories of The Help. A daunting task that must be undertaken in secret. The women all have so much to lose if anyone finds out what they're up to. The twists and turns that follow will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens as the book, Help by Anonymous, is published.

The story moves along with each chapter taking the voice of one of the characters. I love to read a book where an author can capture the voices of the different characters as vividly as this author does. I'm betting the audio version is wonderful to listen to. (Think The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver.)

I've read a number of reviews faulting the story and pointing out flaws in the characters but, while I can see their point, I preferred to just enjoy the story and the characters and become immersed in their lives. The Help is very well written and well worth reading.

I'm off.

The Queen Bee