I loved, adored and treasured The Help when I read it a couple of years ago.
And while I’m normally wary when someone makes a movie based on a book I love, I cannot wait for this one.
Aibilene was my favorite character in the book. It looks like the same will be true for the movie.
Also: that pink tile that’s in the bathroom with the toile wallpaper? IT IS MY HERITAGE. It seemed like everybody had that pink tile in their house when I was growing up. We didn’t have it in my house, though; Mama picked out sort of a muted turquoise tile for their master bath, and I would give anything to have it in my house right now.
Everything old is new again, I reckon.
The best part of all is that everyone’s Southern accents sound really accurate. Except for maybe Allison Janney’s (it seems a little Shirley-Maclaine-in-Steel–Magnolias-ish). But we will extend her great grace because of The West Wing, not to mention that maybe they were going for more of a Delta-woman-born-in-the-20s sort of sound.
So what about y’all? Have you read the book? Will you see the movie?
I just started reading the Help yesterday, so far I’m in love with the book and I can’t wait to see the movie!!
I cannot wait! I loved the book. When I lived in Jackson, I was just across from Belhaven and shopped at the Jitney Jungle they talked about in the book. (even though it wasn’t a Jitney anymore – it was also Miss Eudora’s grocery store too.) I love Allison Janney and she can do no wrong in my book – even if her accent may be just a bit off.
My friend JP got to see an advance screening of the film and he said it is fantastic. We all liked the book in my book club, except for the ending, and that was because Skeeter scoots off into the sunset with no consequences while the maids are left behind to be unemployed and have to face all the consequences of what Skeeter did. It offended our sense of justice.
Aaahhh…spoiler alert! spoiler alert! LOL…
Hi there, I’m your reader from Switzerland – or maybe you have more than one of us over here :-) I read The Help for my book club earlier this year and really enjoyed it. I cannot wait to see the film, but I’m afraid I’ll have to wait a bit longer till it comes to movies over here. I’m sure it will be worth the waiting!
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED the book and cannot wait to see the movie. And I’ll have to take your word for it on the accents, me being from the Northwest and all!
Read the book, downloaded it to my Kindle for further enjoyment and YES, I plan on seeing the movie!!!
I cried all through the book and am already preparing to cry throughout the movie. This was just the most wonderful book, and although I’m often hesitant to see my favorite novels turned into movies, I’m really excited to see the characters that I so fell in love with come to life. Can’t wait!!
I’m from Jackson (South Jackson, of which I’m proud) and still live here. I just finished the book, and there were parts I had a hard time with, simply because it just made me so sad. My mom grew up smack in the middle of that time, in Jackson, but didn’t have help (According to Hilly, South Jackson girls are “poor white trash”, so we missed that whole experience). I asked her if she’d read the book and she said it was such a hard time for everyone she has no need to revisit it. I can’t say I blame her. I’m still unsure if I want to see the movie, but I do agree with you about Aibileen…she’s a wonderful character. I’d watch it just to see her come to life.
oh i will see it. i loved the book!!
Saw the preview, can’t wait for the movie! Do you think I should read the book first? Sometimes that sort of makes the movie a disappointment. I want to read the book, but I can decide if I should do it before or after.
I’d definitely recommend reading the book first. It’ll help you pass the time before the movie comes out, and I think it might help you understand better. There are a few things I’m not sure how they’ll manage to convey in the movie that would be good background to have :)
The book is in my Kindle line-up, it looks so good, I cant wait!
If anyone is looking for a great summer read try “The Sweet By and By” by Todd Johnson. I LOVED this book, it was sweet, sad and heart warming and also set in the south.
I can’t wait either! I read the book last summer after moving for the 2nd summer in a row and 4 days later driving 15 hours to visit in-laws for 10 days. It was one of the highlights of my summer. :) I tried to read it slowly so it wouldn’t end too soon, but it wasn’t easy!
Read it last month – loved it – cannot WAIT for the movie!
This movie looks great and I’m really excited to see it! At the same time, I think it will be hard for me to watch because my Daddy grew up like this, but their “help” really was like family to them, at least from the stories I hear. I remember going to the nursing home and visiting Ollie when I was younger and going to her funeral.
I truly loved this book. Rarely does an author make characters come so alive and with such depth. I really feel like I knew each of them. I really wish I could meet Aibilene in real life. I loved her so much! I hope they did these characters justice. It looks like they may have.
I, for one – or many – cannot wait either! I loved the book and proclaimed this movie the first I’d watch in a theatre since November 2007 (right before my oldest child was born). We’re planning a viewing party, and I’m so excited.
My mom had a similar reaction to the book as other mothers discussed above. She said the first time she read the book, it just made her so sad. She came of age smack dab in the middle of the Civil Rights movement and has some bad memories. Once she knew it had a happy ending of sorts, she read it again for fun.
Yes and yes. Everyone in my bookclub loved it and we’ve already made plans to eat Southern that night (we’re Texas girls in the DC metro area) and see the movie. I can’t wait.
That looks AMAZING!
If I read a book and love it I don’t usually watch the movie. I have my idea of what the characters and scenery look like and the movie usually ruins it for me but….Oh My Word!! I can’t wait for this movie! I want to re-read the book before I see it though! And I will probably see the movie twice…or three times…or…
I read this last year and I’m SOOOO excited about this movie.
I always watch the movie after I read the book, never before unless it can’t be helped.
Cannot wait!!
I’m with you and the other commenters who are usually a little apprehensive about books made into movies. This one, however, is on my must-see-in-the-theater list. I loved the book; it made me laugh, cry, and stay up way too late several nights. And if it’s any indication of the quality of the movie, the trailer had me tearing up a little too. I can’t wait!
I loooooved this book and wasn’t sure what to think when I heard they were making a movie. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a movie based on a book that lived up to the book. (Did you follow that circular ramble there?) :) But that preview? Well, it had me in tears, so I suppose the movie might be good. (I’m supposing, not assuming, because it doesn’t take a whole lot to get me in tears. Just so you know.) :)
Yes,and Yes. Can’t wait.
Read the book – LOVED IT! Planning on an all girls gathering to go to the movie! Good times!!
Loved that book! I am so looking forward to the movie! I love Emma Stone and am very happy that Kathryn Stockett worked very closely with the director, with whom she attended school in Mississippi, to retain as much of the book as possible.
On another note: If you’re in the market for some of that tile like your momma had, I’d near about guarantee you can find it here – http://retrorenovation.com/2011/07/10/world-of-tile-the-single-most-important-discovery-on-retro-renovation-yet-120-photos/.
Just finished the book. Can’t wait for the movie!!
Just re-read The Help this weekend. Miss the characters as if I knew them! I loaned the book to my mom and she said (tongue-in-cheek): “I don’t like books that keep me up reading all night.” She was remembering civil rights in Washington, DC during that same time period. Fingers crossed that the movie is great!
I am so excited about it too!! The book was great and I can hardly wait to see of they show the pie scene!! Did you know Sarah’s Key is a movie too? I believe it is coming out soon as well.
My “beach read” this year. I think it is accurate, which makes me sad. I was born in 1963 in Mtgy. as anyone knows the home of the Bus Boycott. Too young to remember anything. I did work w/friend who marched w/ MLK and often now as a Home Health nurse see older patients who have courageous stories of that time and era. Cannot wait for the movie. Fav. character Minnie and love the realtionship between she and Celia.
Hell, yes (and damn, right!) I’m going to see this movie! I read it when we were stationed in Guam. Can NOT wait! Would love to see it with my mother – who grow up in Jackson.
My bathroom still has the pink tile. And gray. Original to 1950 and only one broken! Now that’s quality.
Loved loved LOVED the book, and I didn’t even know it was being made into a movie!!! I’m so excited! Thanks for sharing!
Read the book in one sitting. Not sure if I’ll see the movie.
Likely I’ll wait for your review and maybe Kelly Stamps’ review should she comment on it.
I’m counting days till Harry Potter #8 release!
Loved the book and will probably see the movie. If everyone says it generally stays true to the book, I’m in!
I just adored this book – in fact, I still havent read another book since then that I loved as much . . . so I’m excited for the movie – and plus I love Emma Stone – she’s too cute . . .
Yes and YES! Loved the book, and wasn’t sure I wanted to see the movie. I was afraid they would wreck a great story, but after watching the trailer I feel ok about seeing it. Can’t wait actually.
Loved the book and can’t wait for the movie. My mother grew up in the same era in Georgia, and those ladies had a huge impact on her life. I hope I can see the movie with her!
You betcha I’m gonna see it. I loved the book too and I’m so glad to see that, at least based on this preview, it’s going to remain faithful to the book. Maybe I’ll make some chocolate mousse pie….
I loved the book! I will see the movie as soon as I can after my baby is born! I was not picturing Emma Stone as Skeeter though.
To ease your Allison Janney-accent-woes, I heard an interview with her about the filming of this movie. She was VERY gracious about the South and how “real”, even the unreal was – the Antebellum homes, people, parties, hospitality – she couldn’t believe that’s really how it is here. And, she went on and on and on about the food. Comback sauce specifically. I think she’d drink it if no one was watching.
Very complimentary of what we Southern girls have long since known.
I can’t wait for this movie! My mom keeps saying we should go to the movies, we never go to the movies anymore, but when we look at what is playing, nothing seems worth the $10! We have both read this book and can’t wait to see the movie together!
Read the book about a month age and thought for sure I was the last person on the planet to have done so. The comments to this post have made me feel so much less out of it! But since we’re on the subject of “out of it” I only manage to see about 2 movies a year that aren’t cartoons or about a princess or a doll and as much as I’d love to see it – the trailer looks great! – I’m just being real when I say that it’s not very likely! Perhaps two years from now on a sick day when it’s on HBO on Demand, in which case I’m all over it! ;-)
I just finished reading “The Help” yesterday, because I was determined to read it before the movie comes out. I LOVED IT!!! And I cannot wait until the movie comes out. It looks wonderful! I think we should all meet and go see it together because I don’t think someone who hasn’t read the book will appreciate the awesomeness of this story.
I read it when it came out, and I have been waiting for the movie ever since. I just know it is going to be wonderful. Cannot wait.
I loved the book and can’t wait to see the movie!!
I really enjoyed the book; it gave me a different perspective of racial issues in the south. I’m from Indiana, so I will trust you on the Southern accent authenticity. Not much of a movie-goer, but may check this one out.
It always makes my palms sweat when a book I really like comes out as a movie. I worry that I won’t like it as well, or they will mess it up, or especially with Southern characters make us over the top and campy. I am sure the medication for my worry over fictional characters.
Just a side note ,the author of the Help received 60 rejection letters before someone accepted her book. I am sure there is a sermon there.
I meant there is medication for my worry over fictional characters. ;0
I loved this book from word one. Kathryn Stockett did a reading/signing here while promoting it & I was lucky enough to meet her & get my copy signed. The movie can’t get here fast enough! I think a few of my girlfriends & I are going to see it the weekend it comes out!
Seriously excited about the movie!!! The book was powerful! Can’t wait to see how they make the movie!
Oh yes- read the book and I am counting the days for the movie. I re-read it a few weeks ago, and honestly? I loved it so much more than the first read through- don’t know why. It’s such a rich book and what an accomplishment for Kathryn Stockett- quite a debut novel. I so wish she’d write another one!
I had a pink tile bathroom in my last house- it was original from 1942. With the help of a genius decorator who recommended a black floral wallpaper that I would have NEVER chosen in a million years- that bathroom remains my very favorite. And- I had a toile shower curtain! I sort of miss it. :)
i really loved the book. was skeptical about a movie… but this trailer has changed my mind!
can’t believe it was the author’s FIRST novel! i hope she is busy writing #2!
Ok…first, I had that pink tile growing up…my Mom STILL has it! LOVE IT! And, yes, I can not wait to see the movie! :)
I’ve been wanting to read this book. Now I’ve got to read it before the movie comes out. Thanks for sharing.
I haven’t read the book, but now I’m a gonna have to! I’ve got an amazon giftcard coming in the mail, and I know exactly which book I’m buying for my kindle! Thanks for the tip!
I haven’t read the book, but I saw the previews at the theater a little while back and the movie looked so good! I want to see it. I am from Georgia, so the fake southern accents irritate me. It’s good to know they sound real.
Loved loved LOVED the book. I’ve read it twice and then got it on audio which is EVEN BETTER. Sophie, listen to it on your iPod or computer, PLEASE.
I can’t wait for August 15, but I’m actually hoping to win tickets to the advance showing in late July.
Loved, loved the book – so excited about the movie!!!
Sophie, I read the book last year and as soon as I read it I knew it would make a great movie!!
I lived during this period and remember “colored” water fountains and when blacks had to sit upstairs at our movie theater. I loved this book and loved the “voices” of the lovely black ladies! I could hardly put the book down but now I think I will have to re-read it again before I see it at the movies!!
I did the unabridged audio book of The Help during my 13 hour weekly commute long ago based on your recommendation on the BigBooCast (BBC), and have not stopped recommending the book to others ever since. I listened to it again in June to get ready for the movie and we will see it on opening day! My sister got to be part of a sneak preview last month and said they were VERY true to the book and she is ready to go again.
Also really enjoyed The Middle Place that you and Melanie recommended on the last episode of BBC, but also finished The Secret History this weekend and it didn’t do much for me. Not bad (and no where as bad as the House of Sand and Fog that I threw away when I finished reading because I wasn’t going to be responsible for the damage that might be done if I donated it and someone else read it,) it just didn’t measure up to my expectations based on your recommendation of the Help.
So what do I start on next? No pressure;-)
Oh. My. Goodness. Read the book last fall and LOVED it! I recently saw the previews and cannot wait to see it. I tried to explain the book to my 92 year old Nana (who has 1960’s turquoise tile in her home still, which I love), and that was quite humorous. I’ll be taking my husband when it comes out!
I normally don’t get too excited about movies, but I CAN’T WAIT FOR THIS ONE!!!!!!!
I recently finished reading this book, which is one of my all time favorite books. I went to Millsaps College in the late 80’s and was pleased that 3/4 of the way through the book the school was mentioned. Even though most of the movie was filmed in Greenwood, one of the scenes from the movie was filmed very close to where I lived in Jackson. I can not wait til the movie comes out!
Loved the book and looking forward to the movie
loved this book…made me realize the two worlds some people I loved were in while I was growing up. My grandmother lived in a small town in LA (lower Alabama). She had a maid, a cook and a a handyman. I loved them dearly and they loved me. I was blissfully ignorant of the differences between us. I just knew Mr. Herman was funny, RubyMae was fun and Miss Ella was the best cook and could sing like no one I knew. As I got older and was expected to treat “the help” differently, my heart broke. I was a rebel…still am. This book made me laugh and cry. so far, the trailers look great…I hope it is good because I don’t think I will be able to stay away but I will be so disappointed if it is not somewhat as good as the book
I was really wary of the book because it just seemed exploitative for a white woman to feel that she could be the voice of a black woman, but I do think it was very skillful. I think it looks like a swell girls’ day at the movies.
So excited. SO. VERY. EXCITED. I absolutely adored the book and know I’ll love the movie. And it’s in Jackson! Where I live! I saw some of the filming one night after church (and my church is mentioned in the book!) and was just tickled. Stockett captured Mississippi so well. Can’t wait.
Loved that book. I know it’s a good book when I miss the characters after I’ve finished the book. I will see the movie and hope it will live up to the book. I just finished a great book called Moon over Manifest. I listened to it in the car while we drove from B’ham to P’Cola and I had to listen to it every day as we drove around doing our “Vacation” things. I finished it a few days ago and have been missing those characters too. We’ll be back in the Ham next week to spend two weeks with my mom before heading back to SoCal. Do you know any good churches on the North end of Jeff. Co? I grew up there, but was basically restricted to “our”‘denomination, which I no longer restrict myself to. Would you e-mail me with any suggestions?
Yes , I’ll see the movie. Haven’t read the book. ” The help ” my own grandmother had in TN way back when , was Helen. She would have to go sit on the screened- in back porch , while the rest of us stopped for lunch and ate in the air conditioned dining room together. And when Helen would walk my sister & I into town , she had to walk a few paces behind us. When we would drive her home for the day , my grandmother , my sister & I would sit in the front seat of the car while Helen had to sit in the back. I was a tenderhearted little girl and never understood it. Now I’m a tender- hearted older girl , and I’m glad a movie is being made about this subject. Always wished I could have found Helen and talked to her.
Well, I have to weigh in on this one. Everyone is a buzz over the premier. Several friends who were extras have their tickets and are ready to go. I must tell the BooMama’s Universe that Octavia Spencer loves my sweet tea. I made her a gallon when she was visiting a friend who lives across the street from me. She is just as darling as you might imagine. This story hits home for me in alot of ways. It starts with the fact that Katherine, her brother and I showed horses together on down to the story that she wrote. It’s my childhood between the pages, except we were nice to the help.
Saw the trailer for this in the movies just last night. And YES, must see! Absolutely must. Will also add that Larry Crown was delightful! {One word, just one word in it, for the most part and it was just perfect.} Funny, delightful, gotta see.
Loved, loved the book! Cannot WAIT until the movie comes out!
Loved the book, can’t wait for the movie. And mint green tile here, by the way.
Finished this book last month and LOVED it! Can’t wait for the movie and hope I get to see it when it’s still in the theater but baby girl is arriving early August, so we’ll see. And I want to see it with my momma as it’s the first book she’s read and loved in YEARS. And I also have two sets of girlfriends it would be fun to see with…so maybe 3 times. :) Is that possible!?
I looooooved the book. Couldn’t set it down until I finished it.
Now, I’m so excited about the movie. I’ll be first in line when it hits theatres near me!
I LOVED the book, and after seeing this preview, I can’t wait to see the movie!!! And the tile in the bathroom in the house I grew up in is even pinker (and still there). The only thing in that bathroom even more memory provoking than the tile is the little mirror my Daddy installed between the sink and medicine cabinet so my sister and I could see to brush our teeth. It’s amazing how low that mirror is now.
Loved the book and can’t wait to see the movie. Part of me wonders how they are going to handle the whole pie issue. That should be worth the price of the ticket alone.
Read the book, gave it to my daughter (25 y/o) who read it, then got it back and re-read it. My daughter lives about 300 miles away – my birthday is in August.
She is driving down when the movie comes out to take me to see it for my birthday. Can. Not. Wait!!!!
Yes and yes. My Monday night coffee group will be going for sure…one of our favorite reads!
Loved the book and oh yes I will be seeing the movie.
This is a book that is on my top 10 list!! I hope the movie can live up to the book –it doesn’t happen very often. The preview looks very promising!!
Loved loved loved the book! I really can’t wait to see this movie!! :)
I still have that pink tile. :)
DH and I read the book and WILL be seeing the movie! Also, I read Sarah’s Key and can’t wait for that movie later this month!
Love the book, can’t wait until the movie. I’m a southern girl stuck in a Yankee heritage! Can’t wait to hear the accents. And I loved Abilene best too!
Oh. my. stars. I hadn’t seen the trailer. I just THOUGHT I was excited to see the movie! And yes, ma’am, I’ve read the book.
I loved, loved, loved the book and cannot wait for the movie!
So glad The West Wing wins Alison some grace.:) Makes absolute sense to me.
One of my favorite books! Right up there with Fannie Flagg and Rick Bragg! I can’t wait to see the movie!
I love both Fannie Flagg and RIck Bragg! :)
love love love the book can’t wait for the movie…. (which in the convent means waiting til it comes out on DVD)
I may or may not have been privy to a pre-screening several months ago, after which I was asked for my opinion via a fairly intense survey. I loved the book! And while the movie obviously can’t cover everything, lo, it is AMAZING. And you will LOVE Aibilene. And Cicely Tyson. And you will hate Tilly, just as you should.
Oops. *Hilly
I haven’t been this excited about a movie in a long time. And for the record, I currently have baby blue tile in my master bathroom. Original, yes it is.
read this book last year and did not know it was going to be a movie until over this past weekend! Cannot wait to see it. I have recommended the book to everyone I know.
Read the book and can’t wait for the movie. Actually saw the trailer first and then a friend gave me the book. The movie looks wonderful..Can’t wait!
Wasn’t a fan of the book, largely because I thought the portrayal of black women was condescending. I am tired of books about the CRM that have sympathetic white protagonists who somehow rescue the blacks from their plight. I don’t think the book gives a good sense of how much foment was going on already at this time around civil rights, within black homes and neighborhoods and churches–which is not surprising, I guess, since the author admitted she interviewed *one* black maid for the book.
There were just a lot of problems with it. But I’ll probably see the movie because I heart Allison Janney.
Read _The Queen of Palmyra_ by Minrose Gwin. Same type of setting but a much different feel to the book.
Thanks Erin, I will check it out!
In fact I just bought it for my Kindle on the strength of your recommendation and the Amazon description. Sounds like a much more honest portrait of that time.
Also did anyone else think it was strange that Hilly would be president of the Junior League in her early 20s? You can bet your grandmother’s silver that any JL chapter worth its salt is run by pearl-wearing dowagers of at least 50.
my mama’s house still has the pink tile and in the small bathroom, it is blue!
We saw a not-quite-finished cut of the movie late this Spring. Had to sign a non-disclosure agreement, but I can say that you should definitely see it when it comes out and we’ll be back to see it in its final form. :)
If you liked the book, I also recommend _The Queen of Palmyra_ by Minrose Gwin. Similar setting but a different point of view. Superbly written. I’ll warn you that it’s not as “sweet” of a story as _The Help_, but it is wonderful in its own way. I still think about the characters months after finishing the book.
Okay, I’m so excited about this movie that I gave the book to a friend and told her she had to finish by the time the movie came out so we could go together. No pressure.
I read the book last summer and loved it and can’t wait to see the movie. I think I’ll have to reread the book again before I see the movie, you know, in the name of research.
Also, in southern related news, my family and I vacationed in FL and on our way back to Iowa, we stopped in Mobile, AL. And all I could think while I was there is, THIS IS WHERE BOO MAMA LIVES!!!! (AL not Mobile) We loved Alabama and I really wanted to take home one of those adorable accents as my souvenir! :)