The Help, Book Club Discussion
- Gfilm
- Posts: 69
- Joined: 11 Jul 2011, 19:20
- Bookshelf Size: 0

Ok so I have been reading it alot, not done (I was so busy) but I am really impressed with it.
I really like how the author depicts the different relationships and subplots of each relationship: Skeeter and her mother, Skeeter and Hilly, Skeeter and the black maids, Skeeter and Stuart Whitworth.
Ultimately though, this is about how a single person can make a difference and I like that.
-
- Posts: 48
- Joined: 12 Jul 2011, 19:18
- Bookshelf Size: 0

I agree Gfilm -- no matter how big the problem, one person can do something and make a difference.
I'm so impressed and moved with the courage of those who fought to make a difference back in the '60's. It's one of those things that I know/read about, but never really experienced as I was just a toddler. Having to live in fear for you and your families lives, beatings, losing your job, house, etc. I mean, I still can't believe how African Americans were treated; so cruel and demeaning. Reminds me of the current day struggles and the discrimination of gay and lesbian people. I'm hopeful that sexual preference will no no longer be an issue in the future.
"The sun is bright but my eyes is wide open."
Hope everyone has a great evening -- try and catch you all later tonight

- D00dlebugs78
- Posts: 54
- Joined: 12 Jul 2011, 14:56
- Bookshelf Size: 0
...........................
I was LOL last night about the toilets in Hilly's yard and the pecker pie story. This book has taken me through all emotions. Anger, empathy, warmth, and mostly a realization that as hard as it is to step outside your comfort zone and stand up for your beliefs, to do so is neccessary for growth and change.
I was born in 78 so I did not see the segregation in those days. It was part of our studies at school of course but it all seemed like it was so long ago. To read such personal accounts as an adult and think how not so long ago this actually was, brings me such sadness. We have come a long way thanks to people like Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and many many others. But we still in my opinion have a ways to go. Prejudice still exist in both whites and blacks today though for different reasons. Many black people still have a deep seeded anger and fear from the past and understandably so pass it on to their children. I think sometimes this comes off to some whites as oversensitivity. But if you really look at history from their stand point you can certainly understand where that comes from. Its hard for some young people to grasp when they have never lived in this time period
(which is why I am giving this to my step daughter when I finish reading). As for White people who did experience this history I cannot fathom what was going through their minds. There is absolutely nothing that I can come up with that would help me understand how anyone could treat another human being this way.
My favorite characters:
Aibileen
What a wonderful woman. The way she simplifies things for better understanding, especially with Mae Mobley, is fascinating to me. I love the way she cares so much for her. She recognizes that a child is innocent to prejudices and she is trying instill a caring for people regardless of color before her mom is able to brainwash her. I guess that's why she moves on when the child gets a older.
Minnie
Such an interesting character to me. She seems so strong and yet she goes home and has to endure her husbands abuse. I am glad to see that the walls she has up concerning Skeeter and Mrs. Celia are beginning to come down. Between Minnie and Aibileen I can't decide which character I enjoy more.
So much more to write but I will have to come back later on.
PS:Has anyone heard anything more from JD?
I stepped away and realized I needed to add something. Ceebee you mentioned the struggles with those who are gay. I always thought that to compare the struggles of African Americans to those of same sex orientation was wrong. Not that I ever thought they are not discriminated against b/c I don't think anyone could argue that they are not. But I just never thought the comparison was close to the hardships African Americans have endured. UNTIL I read Aibileen's account of little Johnny? I think was his name? That broke my heart and made me realize that Yes absolutely some do have the same experiences. That was very enlightening and heartbreaking for me. I have always had a compassion towards gays b/c of some very special friendships and I have seen discrimination but not at the level described in the book. That was so awful!
- Gfilm
- Posts: 69
- Joined: 11 Jul 2011, 19:20
- Bookshelf Size: 0
On your post...Doodles, I think I agree with you on that.
Although several of my good friends are gay, they were never told they have to use gay only bathrooms, or only gay water fountains etc.
However, I think in this generation, perhaps this is the only situation of comparison that can be use maybe.
I have never seen my friends discriminated against in person and I hope never to see it, because if I am there, it won't be pretty lol.
I am trying to think of how I would have been back in those days of the book The Help...
I am hoping I would have been very vocal but probably "hoping" to do it in the classy way its done in The Help.
I am far into the book but not that far lol. Still have reading.
- D00dlebugs78
- Posts: 54
- Joined: 12 Jul 2011, 14:56
- Bookshelf Size: 0

I know we all like to think we would have been the person to speak up during that time and do something. I'm sure many felt that way back then but did nothing out of fear for themselves and their family. Thank the Lord there were strong individuals that did take that stand.
I have no doubt you would have Godiva

....and yes I am the same way with my friends. I'm very protective!
-
- Posts: 163
- Joined: 04 Jan 2011, 11:20
- Bookshelf Size: 0
- Murphym
- Posts: 92
- Joined: 06 Sep 2011, 07:10
- Bookshelf Size: 0
Thought it was a huge tale and truly related with Skeeter and her feelings.
- Gfilm
- Posts: 69
- Joined: 11 Jul 2011, 19:20
- Bookshelf Size: 0
-
- Posts: 8
- Joined: 12 Aug 2011, 01:01
- Bookshelf Size: 0
It's a charming book and quite different from what I'm used to reading. I'm usually a crime/drama/mystery novel enthusiast. This one has made me laugh and want to cry. Going to finish it this weekend, for sure.
Been distracted by other things this week and the news of Baby Niobe has made me a little sad. If anyone never believed a person's heart could be touched by the news of someone you never knew, they couldn't be more wrong. After months of anticipation for Jd's delivery and then the news of Niobe's struggles and ultimately the news that she didn't make it, is heartbreaking. Life really has a peculiar way turning on a dime. ♥
-
- Posts: 48
- Joined: 12 Jul 2011, 19:18
- Bookshelf Size: 0
Thinking about the book and how horrible people can be to other people because they are different. Whether it's the color of your skin, sexual preference, religion, weight, physical and mental disabilities, etc. there's so much hatred, discrimination, racism, bigotry, intolerance in our world, past and present.
I'm hopeful that there are so many of us who encourage our children to celebrate the differences among us. Thanks for listening, sorry for being so gloomy. Hope you all have a blessed day tomorrow.
-
- Posts: 58
- Joined: 12 Jul 2011, 07:58
- Bookshelf Size: 0



I'm glad to see you've changed your mind about comparing gay rights to the civil rights of African Americans Godiva. Gays have been beaten & murdered by homophobic thugs for far too long. We have to stand up for the rights of people, don't we!
-
- Posts: 58
- Joined: 12 Jul 2011, 07:58
- Bookshelf Size: 0
I see you change your name on the View MB. I couldn't log on for some strange reason, so I changed my ID again as well. I wasn't access denied. The Mb just said there was another user with my ID...go figure.
Talk to you soon!
-
- Posts: 48
- Joined: 12 Jul 2011, 19:18
- Bookshelf Size: 0
Does anyone have any plans/suggestions for our next book? I just finished the second two books of The Hunger Games. They were pretty good. Looking for another good book to get into.
Hope everyone is having a great evening --

- Gfilm
- Posts: 69
- Joined: 11 Jul 2011, 19:20
- Bookshelf Size: 0

But yes, I loved The help so much. Clean did you finish yet?
Btw good news:
We�ll be right back...
The View site is currently under maintenance. We will be back shortly. Thank you for your patience.
I am hoping this means all my emails and complaints went somewhere as well is other people's.