Trouble's brewing: Chap 22-23

What did you think about Aibileen calling all the children she's looked after her own? What about Mae Mobley calling Aibileen her real mama? WHat would Elizabeth do if she heard that?

How long did you laugh about the commodes in Hilly's yard? Was that what you were expecting Skeeter to do?

Do you think Mr. Leefolt knows about the book?

Aibileen states "She laughs and it hurts my heart. Cause everybody care. Black, white, deep down we all do." How do you think Skeeter is going to handle the social repercussions of her actions? How do we get past being hurt even though, as Aibileen would say, we all care?

What got in to Celia Foote coming over unannounced to Elizabeth's house?

Do you think Hilly will find out what happened to get Minny hired? What will she do when she finds out?

The Book Is Back On! Chapters 19-21

What are your reactions to Yule May's incarceration? Do you think Skeeter was justified in not confronting Hilly outright about it?

Were you surprised by the other maids' reaction of wanting to take part in the book themselves after Yule May was put in jail? Were their any particular stories that surprised or bothered you more than others in chapter 19?

What was your reaction to Gretchen's outburst and telling Skeeter that the maids all hate her?

If Skeeter ever does decide to show Stuart the stories, what do you think his reaction will be?

What was your reaction to the dinner Skeeter's and Stuart's family shared? Were you surprised by Stuart's confession that he didn't take his ex-girlfriend back after she cheated because of his father's political career?

I loved it when Skeeter's family bought the air-conditioning unit. I don't know if I'd be brave enough to try and turn it on full-blast a second time, but I love that Skeeter did it.

What do you think is really wrong with Skeeter's mother?

What is your impression of the effect the book is having on Skeeter's old friendships with Elizabeth, Hilly and the other League ladies?

How do you think Skeeter's decision to finally print the initiative Hilly wrote will affect her relationship with those in the League and with the maids?

More of Minny: Chapters 17-18

Hey girls,
I decided to go ahead and post questions for these chapters so we don't get too off track.

- What was your reaction to Celia's pregnacy and miscarriage? What was your reaction to the way Minny handled the situation?
- What really was in the brown bottles? I don't get what kind of tonic it was...
- Minny seems to be finally be enjoying telling Skeeter her stories. Why do you think she has had a change of heart? What do you think will become of the stories in the end?
- What do you think Minny did to Hilly? The suspense is killing me!
- What was your response to Minny's family dinner? What was your reaction to Minny's youngest "hating white people?"

Posting this week

Hey guys,

I am moving this weekend, so since I will be plenty busy and we are a week behind I'm just going to let Robyn post questions on Ch 17-18. Hope that's good with everyone. Love you girlies!

Yikes!

Hey guys! I know I am late posting for this week! So sorry! I promise to post either tonight or tomorrow night! Please don't kick me out! ;-)

Shannon's comments 14-16

Were you surprised by the way Hilly is described as a loving and attentive mother in chapter 14? Why or why not? Why do you think it comes easily for Hilly to be so loving and giving toward her children when she is generally portrayed as selfish and cruel when crossed?
I was definitely surprised at this description of Hilly. I can’t explain her seemingly genuine affection toward them when she has so much disdain for others. Perhaps she is simply
What are your thoughts on Aibileen's unwillingness to wear Miss Hilly's donated clothes? Would you feel the same kind of reluctance if you were in her place?
Definitely. I think she is justified in not wanting to wear them. I can’t imagine accepting Hilly’s handout like that.
On page 188 Aibileen reflects on white women's revenge. What was your impression of this?
It made me sad that this would be what was expected of me if I were lving back then. It also made me think about how women treat each other now, and how Aibileen’s story rings true. It seems that women have always had a fierce streak in them, and that unfortunately we unleash it at those we feel threatened by. It made me wonder if I’ve ever acted like that, and how I could make it right.
What was your reaction to the murder of Medgar Evers, the NAACP Field Secretary? (Pp.194-196) How do you think this will affect the book of stories, if at all?
I thought Stockett did a good job communicating how this event would have affected the black community at the time. I think this event is going to prompt more maids to come forward.
What did you think of the story Aibileen made up for Mae Mobley about the white and black little girls on page 200? Why do you think she did this? Do you think it will have any impact on Mae Mobley's impression of the races? Do you think Aibileen will get caught telling a story like that to a three-year-old?
I think Aibileen’s story is a creative way for her to teach Mae what is right. She’s been telling her that she’s a good, kind girl, but now she has a chance to teach her something about treating others right. I hope it has an impact on Mae.
On p. 199 Elizabeth's mother says that it is the maid's “job to make sure Mae Mobley has good manners.” What do you think of this comment?
I couldn’t help but laugh. Since when did it become someone else’s job to ensure your child has proper manners? Once again, the white women of the south have a pattern of blaming all their problems on the negligence of their help while taking credit for things they could have never accomplished without them.
What did you think of Hilly and Skeeter's confrontation at the pool? Do you think Aibileen and Skeeter are foolish to feel relief about how this situation turned out? Do you think Hilly knows or suspects anything about Skeeter or the maids that she didn't mention during their conversation?
I don’t think Hilly knows, but I could be wrong. I thought it was interesting that Hilly broke down about William’s campaign and stuff. I also thought Skeeter was pretty bold to just bring it up like that, I wish I was more like her.
In chapter 16, Aibileen attends a community concerns meeting that is all about grieving Medgar Ever's death by praying and taking part in civil disobedience and peaceful demonstration. What do you think unanswered prayers and slow progress and huge setbacks must have felt like for blacks in Jackson, MS during this time period?
It makes me think about the Hollygrove neighborhood here in New Orleans. Many of the families who live there have been praying that things would get better for years but just when things seem like they might be calming down there’s another shooting, another robbery, another dealer trying to teach their babies how to hustle. I’m reminded of David’s words in the psalms, “How long will you hide your face from me, oh Lord?” I think its at times when God seems absent that our faith is tested the most, so I am really impressed at how faithful they were during the civil rights movent, always holding out hope that things could be different.
Were you surprised at all by Hilly's maid, Yule May's reaction to Aibileen when she asked her to tell her stories for the book? Why or why not?
No. Working for Hilly I bet Yule May has an earful to tell. She also seems to have a strength in her that the other maids don’t have. I’m excited to see what she says.

Chapters 14-16 Looming Threats

Sorry it took me so long to get these up. We had a very busy weekend. Can't wait to read your comments on these awesome chapters.

Were you surprised by the way Hilly is described as a loving and attentive mother in chapter 14? Why or why not? Why do you think it comes easily for Hilly to be so loving and giving toward her children when she is generally portrayed as selfish and cruel when crossed?

What are your thoughts on Aibileen's unwillingness to wear Miss Hilly's donated clothes? Would you feel the same kind of reluctance if you were in her place?

On page 188 Aibileen reflects on white women's revenge. What was your impression of this?

What was your reaction to the murder of Medgar Evers, the NAACP Field Secretary? (Pp.194-196) How do you think this will affect the book of stories, if at all?

What did you think of the story Aibileen made up for Mae Mobley about the white and black little girls on page 200? Why do you think she did this? Do you think it will have any impact on Mae Mobley's impression of the races? Do you think Aibileen will get caught telling a story like that to a three-year-old?

On p. 199 Elizabeth's mother says that it is the maid's “job to make sure Mae Mobley has good manners.” What do you think of this comment?

What did you think of Hilly and Skeeter's confrontation at the pool? Do you think Aibileen and Skeeter are foolish to feel relief about how this situation turned out? Do you think Hilly knows or suspects anything about Skeeter or the maids that she didn't mention during their conversation?

In chapter 16, Aibileen attends a community concerns meeting that is all about grieving Medgar Ever's death by praying and taking part in civil disobedience and peaceful demonstration. What do you think unanswered prayers and slow progress and huge setbacks must have felt like for blacks in Jackson, MS during this time period?

Were you surprised at all by Hilly's maid, Yule May's reaction to Aibileen when she asked her to tell her stories for the book? Why or why not?

Were there any special touches or literary devices you noticed in these chapters?

Chapters 12 & 13: Skeeter

In these chapters we dive even deeper into Skeeter's interviews with Aibileen, and we finally get to see our three main characters sharing the stage together at the same time! I've provided page numbers for some of the questions below, which coincide with the hardback version of the book. Also some of my questions are really just strings of many questions, feel free to disregard parts if you like. :-)

• On p. 156, Skeeter has a realization, as if almost for the first time, of the real danger that she and Aibileen especially will be in if they are caught. On this page and the following page Skeeter begins to pick up on things she didn't use to (how Elizabeth and Hilly talk to the help). How would you describe the Skeeter we met at the beginning of the novel and the Skeeter we see now? How is she changing/why is she changing? Do you think she knew what she was getting in to? Do you think she even now realizes what she is getting in to?
• Does anyone know what sexual correction tea is? (p.156)
• Hilly offers some "gently used" items to Aibileen. How do you think Aibileen feels about this "charitable" offering? What do you think Hilly would have said if Aibileen said "No, thank you, I don't need those items." Any other thoughts or reflections on this act of charity from Hilly?
• What do you think Skeeters editor friend (Missus Stein) really thinks about the manuscript Skeeter has sent her?
• What were your reactions to Minny and Aibileen's stories in these chapters?
• What do you think is going to happen to Skeeter now that Hilly has found out how Skeeter feels about her Home Health Sanitation thing?
• Any special touches or literary devices you found intriguing?

Can't wait to hear y'all's thoughts!!!!

Robyn's Comments on Ch. 10 & 11

Hey guys! I had to post my comments this way because it was not letting me post my comments in the comment box...boo! Sorry this is kind of obnoxious I know!

Minny talks about how the truth, although it scares her at times, is refreshing. She says that she's been waiting her whole life to the truth to white women about what it's like to work for them. How do you relate to her experience of wanting to tell the truth but no being able to? What would telling the truth do for her? For you?

Well, first of all, I realize that the truth Minny wanted to tell is different from the truth I find myself wanting to tell. But I think even though her truth (what it’s like to work for white women) and the truth I find myself wishing I could tell (telling my family and close friends who live in San Antonio about God and His Son) are different, I think I can relate. Working side by side, conversing on a regular basis, holding your tongue because you know if you say the truth it will become a volatile situation…it sucks. In one way, it’s nice to think that telling the truth is freeing. After all, the Bible tells us that when we know the truth, we are set free (John 8:32). And I think it’s human nature to think that whatever truth we hold that we are passionate about is something that would be enlightening and life changing for others, and then we form this sense of responsibility to tell someone. And sometimes we then form a sense of guilt for not telling anyone.

But we also know that the truth can divide people and polarize them from one another when one party is not ready to hear to the truth, or dislikes the truth…So part of me really understand why Minny gets freaked about the idea of telling Skeeter the truth. She is afraid of the backlash of course, and as we know Minny is afraid of the “Terrible Awful” truth coming out [which we have yet to find out what that is] (p. 141).

What was your reaction to Johnny and Minny's first meeting? What are your impressions of Johnny on this first interaction?

I was surprised by his disposition! I found the whole ax in the hand thing comical. I really liked Johnny, but also, can’t help but feel a little suspicious of him. He did date Hilly after all. But the fact that he says he misses his old maid Cora Blue and that he seems to be a thoughtful husband (wanting Celia to tell him about Minny in her own time), does indicate he probably is genuinely good. I’m interested to see how his character plays out.

What do you think is wrong with Celia? Why is she hiding Minny from Johnny?

Oh mercy! Jenna I love how you called her “a little nut.” She is definitely a little nut!! And a little nuts I’m afraid! I think we are all in agreement that we feel like she’s probably got some sort of mental illness, or at the least, a serious episode of depression. Gotta wonder what her mental illness is and what is the root, ‘cause now I’m guessing it’s not Johnny or pressure from him to be a perfect wife…

How do you think Skeeter did as a journalist on her first interview with Abileen? What would you have done differently, if anything?

Well, I think Skeeter was trying to be professional, as you pointed out Shan, but I also think she blew it. It was probably a big wake up call for her that she was taking on something a lot bigger than she realized initially, and that she needed to learn how to relate to Aibeleen. I don’t think I would have done anything differently the first time—I’m sure I would’ve blown it as well, if not worse!

Her second interview did go much better, and I’m proud of Aibleen! She stepped out on a limb there by trying again and by taking ownership and writing the stories herself. I sure hope she gets credit, too!

What was your gut reaction to Abileen's stories?

I was just shocked by the story of the boy who cut his fingers off. Must’ve been a terrifying thing for Aibileen to endure at a young age!!! I’m on the edge of my seat ready to hear more of her stories.

Were there any special touches or literary devices you liked in these chapters?

One special touch that I already kind of mentioned is the “Terrible Awful” that Minny refers to. The Terrible Awful is the mysterious event that led to her firing and subsequent black listing. The way Stockett makes it a capitalized, proper noun gives it even more weight now. It is obviously something that strikes fear and even some amount of regret in Minny’s heart.

Chapters 10 &11: Meeting Mister Johnny and Skeeter's First Interview

Minny talks about how the truth, although it scares her at times, is refreshing. She says that she's been waiting her whole life to the truth to white women about what it's like to work for them. How do you relate to her experience of wanting to tell the truth but no being able to? What would telling the truth do for her? For you?

What was your reaction to Johnny and Minny's first meeting? What are your impressions of Johnny on this first interaction?

What do you think is wrong with Celia? Why is she hiding Minny from Johnny?

How do you think Skeeter did as a journalist on her first interview with Abileen? What would you have done differently, if anything?

What was your gut reaction to Abileen's stories?

Were there any special touches or literary devices you liked in these chapters?

Chapter 7, 8 & 9: Aibileen's Secret Rebellion and Getting Even Deeper with Skeeter Phelan

Wow, I loved these chapters! I like Skeeter and Aibileen more and more as I continue reading. They seem so realistic. I love it. Okay, on to the questions...

In chapter 7, Aibileen talks more about the seed of bitterness she feels growing up inside of her after her son's death. She has been a submissive maid for years, but is never able to stick around with a family after the children lose their color-blindness. She is becoming somewhat fed-up with this cycle and, maybe as a result of her suppressed bitterness, she decides to try a little experiment with Mae Mobley. She begins to impress ideas of higher value and self-confidence on Mae Mobley. If you were in her place, would you attempt this or a similar experiment? If so, what messages or beliefs would you want to impart to this little girl?

In chapter 7 we also get acquainted with Elizabeth's mean mother. I have to ask because you are such smart psychology-types, do you think the way Elizabeth mothers (and I use that word very loosely) Mae Mobley is a reflection of her own upbringing? As a character in Stockett's imagination, do you think Elizabeth ever measured up to her own mother's expectations?

One evening, after a very long day at work and hearing the terrible news about Robert being beaten blind, Aibileen comes home to find Skeeter on her front step. She expects more questions about the Miss Myrna column but gets something quite different. If you were in Aibileen's position, what would your response be to a proposition like Skeeter's to be interviewed for a book? Do you think she should do it?

In chapter 8, we learn that Skeeter told a little lie about getting a black maid's cooperation for her book before she actually got it. Would you be willing to do the same or otherwise finesse the truth if you were in her place? Why was a real historical book like this never actually written? If you lived during this time period in the "deep South," would you even read a book of interviews of the help? Why or why not?

On page 111, Hilly openly takes credit for arranging things for Aibileen's new bathroom in an attempt to get a "thank you" from Aibileen. Why do you think she does this? What would you do if you were Aibileen in this situation? What might have been a different but peaceable response?

In chapter 9 Skeeter goes on a date that, if it weren't fiction, could be considered one of the worst in history. What are your thoughts of her blind date, Stuart Whitworth? Do you think we've seen the last of him in this book?

Were there any literary devices or special touches you noticed in these chapters?

Chapters 5 & 6: Getting to know Miss Skeeter

I really loved getting to know more about Skeeter! I had some very personal connections with these chapters so the questions are somewhat more reflective than literary. Don't feel like you have to respond to everything. Happy Reading!

I was also wondering if you all wanted to do 3 chapters next week as chapter 7 is Abileen's and 8 and 9 are Skeeter's. I thought it might make more sense to do Skeeter's together rather than wait a week between. But really whatever is fine with me.

Here are this weeks Questions:

Now that we’ve gotten to know Skeeter better, how do you react/relate to her character?

What was your reaction of Skeeter going to visit Constantine for an hour on Fridays during her childhood? Why do you think her parents let her go? Why did her father give Constantine extra money?

Why do you think Skeeter’s mother fired Constantine?

At the end of chapter 6 Elaine, the editor in NYC tells Skeeter to find some ideas that actually have punch to them. If you were living Skeeter’s life what would your great idea be? Do you think you would be brave enough to write about it?

Hilly and Elizabeth’s relationship with Skeeter is really developed in these chapters in a way that surprised me. On page 88 Skeeter says “I look in their smiling faces, at their hope for me. It’s not like Mother’s meddling, but a clean hope, without strings or hurt.” What are your thoughts about Skeeter’s friendship with those women and what direction do you think their relationship is going?

Were there any literary devices or special touches you found? (I thought we could keep this as a running question through the club, if that’s alright with you guys)

Chapters 3 & 4 -- Minny

Chapter 3 introduces us to a new character - Mrs. Celia Rae Foote. She is Minny's new boss, and a very intriguing character. She seems nice enough, but very quirky! This leads to my first discussion item:

• What are your thoughts and reactions to the way Celia and Minny interact?
  
• What do you think Celia's perception of Minny really is?
  
• What do you think Celia is hiding?

On p. 38 Minny recalls the day she turned 14, the same day her mother told her the "rules" for working for a White Lady.

• Were there any rules that you found interesting?
  
• Did the rules give you any new insights to the plight of being the help?

I also caught a few nuances in Stockett's writing in these chapters...

• Were there any literary devices or special touches you found?

Can't wait to hear y'all's thoughts!

The Help, Chapters 1&2

I really enjoyed reading these chapters. Aibileen is very fleshed out and human. Her relationship to her employer, Miss Leefolt, and Miss Leefolt's little girl, Mae Mobley, are complex and made me want to cry a little. I appreciate that Kathryn Stockett is a Jackson, Mississippi native, lending her the experience and history necessary to write this novel. I don't think the issues she addresses could be adequately covered by anyone who is not intimately acquainted with the deep south. I can tell I'm going to like Minny already. I also appreciate how Aibileen is still moving forward but not at all over the death of her son. That's a mark of a strong mother, I think, and Stockett's descriptions of her emotions are excellent.


What are your first impressions of Aibileen?

What are your first impressions of Miss Skeeter?

What are your first impressions of Minny?

When Miss Skeeter asks Aibileen if she wants to change things, do you think the two of them have the same types or degrees of change in mind?

What was your first response to the colored bathrooms versus white bathrooms issue?

What would you guess Minny did to Miss Hilly?

Book Pool

I thought it might be helpful to have a running book pool to choose from. List things you were thinking about and feel free to veto someone else's pick. There are so many books I think we would all enjoy there's no point in being miserable reading something you know you won't like or have no interest in reading. List away!

Suggestions so far:

Penelope Ayers: A memoir by Amy Julia Becker

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

What to do?

Hey Ladies,

How would we like to use this blog? I think a few questions that need to be answered are:
1. How much do you want to commit to reading over a given amount of time?
2. How often do you want to post?
3. How should we format our posts?

As far as posting format goes, one idea I had was that one of us could be the "host" of the book club "meeting" and post their thoughts and maybe some questions to which the other members would respond to. The "host" position would rotate, so that the responsibility was shared but you wouldn't have to make a lengthy post every time. Obviously, anyone would be welcome to post in addition to the host for a given chapter set. I'm totally open to other ideas as well.

I'm so glad we're doing this! I look forward to hearing from you soon.