Book Review: "The Help," by Kathryn Stockett

I don't read books on the bestseller lists. They're trendy, and I don't like trendy, and if I actually do want to read them there's a waiting list at the library, which means I'll have forgotten about them by the time they're available. Oh yes, and they also used to often be recommended by Oprah, which, considering that we all know that the anti-christ will come back as someone similar to her (or the pope) very much made a book lose its appeal.

After hearing how good this book was supposed to be, though, and after my mother asking me if I wanted to watch the movie with her, I decided I might like to read it. I was still a little leary that it might be sentimental; bestseller, a book about women, race relations - it could easily get sappy or preachy.

But it wasn't. At all. The women weren't victims, they were strong but not abrasive, and they just plain felt real. It was the first book I had read in awhile that made me want to stay up way past my bedtime. It was extremely well-written, and very easy to read. I was a little sad that it ended.

With all the other reviews out there, I'll stop here. Suffice it to say, I recommend it.