I just finished reading The Help today. This work of fiction is one of the best novels I have ever read in my entire life. Like Jodi Picoult does in every one of her books I read, Katheryn Stockett made me laugh, cry and think about the issues at hand. Even though I wasn't born in Mississippi during the time this story was placed, Stockett made me feel as if I was. She is a wonderful author. I love how she was able to create such a wonderful book based on her own personal experiences.
My favorite characters are Aibileen, Minny and Miss Skeeter. These strong, powerful and resilient women inspire me. Minny reminds me of myself. I wouldn't take any shit from anybody either. The pie story with Miss Hilly was halarious. I would have definitely have gone that far as Minny did for revenge. Miss Hilly got what she deserved. Treat people like shit and you will end up eating it!
I just want to address one of the discussion questions in the back of the book. 7. Do you think that had Aibileen stayed working for Miss Elizabeth, Mae Mobley would have grown up to be racist like her mother? Do you think racism is inherent or taught? ---First off, racism is taught. I want to share a short story from when I was a child. My Mom and Laura had me attend daycare from when I was 4 until I was 12. When I was a little girl in daycare, I became friends with another little girl named Unique. We would always play in the playground together and eat our snacks together. She became my best friend real quick. It wasn't until they started talking about Martin Luther King Jr. and civil rights in daycare and kindergarten that I even realized that my best friend was African American. When we were playing and having fun, I never paid attention to her skin color, she was my friend and that's all that mattered.
I never was taught to be a racist but I can see how people can be, especially at a young age. Mae Mobley had Aibileen look after her, telling her the truth all the time. The bond between Mae Mobley and Aibileen was so strong and special that if Aibileen stayed working for Miss Elizabeth, Mae Mobley would have loved her and respected her, not showing any racism at all because of what Aibileen taught her through her stories and the things she would tell Mae Mobley.
I will finish this with my favorite quotes from the book.
"Wasn't that the point of the book? For women to realize, We are just two people. Not that much separates us. Not nearly as much as I'd thought."
"And I know she ain't saying what she want a say either and it's a strange thing happening here cause nobody saying nothing and we still managing to have us a conversation."
"Maybe I ought to keep writing, not just for the paper, but something else, about all the people I know and the things I seen and done. Maybe I ain't too old to start over..."
I am looking forward to watching the movie. I can't wait to see it.
I JUST FINISHED READING THE SHACK TODAY. IT WAS AMAZING. I AM ALREADY STARTING THE MISSY PROJECT BY BLOGGING ABOUT THIS WONDERFUL BOOK AND SHARING IT WITH MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS. I FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS BOOK IMMEDIATELY. I JUST WANT TO TELL PEOPLE THAT IF YOU DON'T BELIEVE IN ANYTHING, YOU SURE WILL BELIEVE IN SOMETHING AFTER READING THIS BOOK. IT IS THAT POWERFUL.
I am ready for the new year. 2011 was amazing. I had the time of my life. Can't wait to see what 2012 has in store. Ready for new beginnings. 
