Tuesday, August 16, 2011

The Help, Part One

Just finished Chapter One of The Help. I have heard a lot about the upcoming movie, and I would like to read the book before going to see it. Frequently the book will have more depth than the movie.

I find it interesting that the author decided to write this beginning chapter of the book in the vernacular of the black woman housekeeper, Aibileen. I am anxious to see if she will continue this through the entire book.

I moved into the Deep South for the first time about fifteen years ago, and have been exposed to attitudes here that I was never really aware of. I have a little 95 year old friend who uses the "N" word sometimes and my hair stands on end. I realize from talking with her that she doesn't really know how hateful this word is. It is what she grew up hearing, it is familiar. Even though her family didn't have a lot of money, they did have a black maid to do laundry. This was, after all, the Deep South, and when she was a child many of the local black folk were still uneducated and picking cotton. I am so thankful things have changed.

I am looking forward to reading this book. I am expecting it to be poignant, funny, sad and enlightening. I will let you know what I think of it as I continue to read!



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