BOOK GROUPIE: Don't wait to read ''The Help'

Most weeks I recommend books that are readily available through the Pikes Peak Library District.

Sure, sometimes you might have a slight wait, but nothing too awful.

This week, however, I’m recommending Kathryn Stockett’s “The Help.” Late Wednesday, the waiting list for the book was long past the 300 point. Don’t wait that long to read it.

“The Help,” set in Mississippi in 1962, is told by three wonderful characters. Aibileen is the first character readers meet. She’s a black woman who’s been a maid since quitting school in the seventh grade.

She’s helped raise 17 white children and is mourning the loss of her own son, who died in an accident.

Next, we meet Minny. She’s also a black maid, but whereas Aibileen is quiet and dignified, Minny is smart-mouthed and a wee bit crazy. She’s having a hard time finding a new job, after being let go by a former employer.

Last, Skeeter comes into the picture. She’s a white woman who’s recently graduated from college. Her mother thinks Skeeter’s curly hair and contrary attitude both need straightening.

She also thinks Skeeter needs a husband.

Aibileen and Minny have been friends forever. Skeeter knows them, because they’ve both worked for her friends. When Skeeter decides to write an anonymous book about the experiences of black workers in the south, she approaches Aibileen.

Reluctantly, Aibileen agrees to tell her stories and recruit other black women to tell theirs. A series of events leads several women, including Minny, to step up.

The stories these women tell are sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes hilarious.

As the old stories are collected, new stories are being made. Aibileen faces her sorrow and her fears, Minny becomes stronger and more compassionate, and Skeeter begins showing her true self to the world.

“The Help” is Stockett’s debut novel. I hope that she’s taking good care of herself, so I can read many more books from her in the future. She’s given each of these three characters a distinct voice, and despite their flaws (and possibly because of them), readers will love these women.

This is an excellent book club choice because there is so much to discuss.

If you can’t think of your own questions, check out the author’s Web site, www.kathrynstockett.com. She’s got a list of questions there, as well as links to sites selling the book.

“The Help” is one book you shouldn’t wait to read.
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Anita Miller welcomes your book suggestions. Read her blog at www.anitalaydonmiller.blogspot.com or e-mail anita.l.miller@worldnet.att.net.