The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Kathryn Stockett’s first historical fiction novel is amazing. It’s about the lives of African American maids/nannies who served white women in the 1960’s, particularly in Mississippi. The main character, Eugenia Phelan, nicknamed “Skeeter,” is an atypical and intelligent white woman, who strives to open the eyes of her fellow sorority sisters to their unfair treatment of the black women, who pour their hearts into taking care of the white women and their families. The historical account is mind-blowing. The blatant racism – the ignorance and arrogance – of the white men and women is appalling. The strength, courage, and love that the African American women show, especially in the face of said racism, is so inspiring!

The Help is now one of my favorite books. The story is riveting, heart-wrenching, heart-warming, and humorous. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. In my humble opinion, Stockett’s book is on par with classics such as To Kill a Mockingbird, The Bluest Eye, and Their Eyes Were Watching God. I highly recommend it.

by Brooke C., Youth Services