The Help

I recently read The Help by Kathryn Stockett. It is a story of black maids and their relationships with their white employers and their children in the 60's. It is SO good, everyone should read it. I was so engrossed in the book and overwhelmed by how awful people were treated and thinking the whole time that was so long ago...then a reference to watching TV would bring me back to realize that the 60's weren't really that far past. It also got me thinking about how far we've come...and yet, really not all that far.

I remember my mom telling me a story of how the she had a black maid (not sure why, I think the service was provided by Duke University while my Dad was in school...Mom please clarify) and would eat lunch with her. Her friends were appalled that she would eat with The Help.

The other thing that struck me in the book was how the black maids would raise the white children, teach them and love them, being loved in return while the children were "color"blind.

There was one part in the book that I didn't feel was necessary, it involves a naked homeless man. Consider yourself warned. That aside, it was a great book and I'd recommend it to everyone.