The Help

Last night I went to see The Help.  Most readers do not like books made into movies.  I know I am usually let down.  When I love a book, it is almost impossible for a movie to meet my expectations.  The Help is one of the best books I have read.  I think it is in my Top 5 favorite books of all time.  The book was so descriptive I felt like I was there.  This movie did not disappoint me.  I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it.  The ladies I was with both cried throughout the movie.  I do not cry.  If I did cry, I would have cried during most of it.  There are also many light moments in the movie.  I laughed out loud several times. 
If you have not read the book, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?  Do you live under a rock?  Do you have 3 terrible children?  The book is written in the mid-60's.  The story is about a group of upper society women and how they treat their help.  Skeeter is eccentric.  She went to college to study and graduate.  Most women went to find a husband.  She wanted a career in writing.  Skeeter started working at a local paper.  She wrote a weekly column on household hints.  Skeeter started to notice how her friends were treating their maids.  It is gut wrenching to read about and watch.  I could feel their humiliation.  Skeeter makes the decision to write a book from the perspective of how the African American maids feel about working for the white women.
To me this book is a reminder of how far our country has come in the treatment of African Americans.  It also shocks me how in my life time all this prejudice existed.  I am glad I read the book before I saw the movie.  The book is so much more detailed.  It has to be said, books are always better.  Having read the book enhanced the movie experience.
Give yourself a treat.  Read the book.  Watch the movie.  Go with friends.  Take kleenex.  Enjoy!