The Help by Kathryn Stockett

This is the first book written by Kathryn Stockett takes place during the Civil Rights Movement in Jackson, Miss., where black maids were trusted to raise the white children where they worked but not to polish the household silver due to the "temptation" they'd find themselves in to steal it.  The main character Eugenia "Skeeter" Phelan is just home from college in 1962, and anxious to become a writer.  When she sends her résumé in to a well-known New York publishing house, she is advised to polish her skills by writing about what disturbs her. Skeeter thus begins to collect the stories of the black maids in Jackson on whom her own friends and family have relied.  She enlists the help of Aibileen, a maid who's raised 17 children, and Aibileen's best friend Minny, who's found herself unemployed more than a few times after mouthing off to her white employers. The book Skeeter puts together based on their stories is scornful and shocking, bringing pride and hope to the black community, while giving Skeeter the courage to break down her personal boundaries and pursue her own dreams.

It has truly been months since I've read a book that makes me feel this good.  I could have read this book in a day and a half but I wanted to savor it.  It was beautifully written and had me cheering and jeering those brave enough to take a chance to tell their story.  If you haven't read this – you must!  Plus their making it into a movie!!!

5 Stars!