The Help

Once in a blue moon, a book comes along from out of nowhere and takes the book-loving community by storm. The Help is such a book. Written by first-time novelist Kathryn Stockett, it takes us to 1962 Jackson, Mississippi—at the height of the civil rights movement—and into the lives of three women unwilling to be trapped by their race or gender.

Aibileen is a black maid—a wise, regal woman working as a nanny to her 17th white child while still bereft by her son’s death. Her best friend Minny is the sassiest woman in town—she can cook like nobody’s business, but she has a mouth on her that keeps getting her fired. And then there’s Skeeter, a white woman who comes back from college with a degree…but, to her mother’s chagrin, no ring. Seemingly as different as can be, these three women forge a unique bond, joining forces in a clandestine project that puts them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times...and sometimes lines are made to be crossed.

In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women who would change their town forever. Heartfelt, poignant and wise, this is a masterful debut.

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE HELP:

"I know a novel is a winner when I just can’t bring myself to put the book down. I fell in love with Aibileen, Minny, and Skeeter, and quickly became completely engrossed by the lives so beautifully and heartbreakingly described within these pages. This is a magical read."—Deborah Sinclaire, Editor-in-Chief, Book-of-the-Month Club

"This incredible rendering of a period rich with tragedy and promise personalizes the South in the 1960s like no novel before it. A watershed debut."Jennifer Hufford-Varrone, Senior Editor, Doubleday Large Print Book Club

"The Help illuminates how far we’ve come as a nation. The author skillfully depicts how even against a backdrop of ugly social history, women of all classes and races find a way to bond and prevail. You will be completely captivated by this novel."—Christine Zika, Editor-in-Chief, Literary Guild

WHAT CRITICS ARE SAYING:

"The Help by Kathryn Stockett is a story that made me weep as I rejoiced for each of humanity’s small but steady triumphs over hate and fear. I will never forget this wonderful book.”—Dorothea Benton Frank

“I love The Help. Kathryn Stockett has given us glorious characters and a powerful, truth-filled story. Aibileen, Minny and Skeeter show that people from this troubled time came together despite their differences and that ordinary women can be heroic.”—Jill Conner Browne, author of The Sweet Potato Queens series

"Lush, original and poignant, Kathryn Stockett has written a wondrous novel set in the deep south told through the authentic voices of Aibileen, Minnie and Skeeter.... You will be swept away as they work, play and love during a time when possibilities for women were few but their dreams of the future were limitless. A glorious read.”—Adriana Trigiani, author of The Big Stone Gap series

“A magical novel. Heartbreaking and oh so true, the voices of these characters, their lives and struggles will stay with you long after you reluctantly come to the end.”—Robert Hicks, author The Widow of the South