The Help

By: Kathryn Stockett

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell, Jenna Lamia, Octavia Spencer, Bahni Turpin

The #1 New York Times bestselling novel and basis for the Academy Award–winning film.

Aibileen is a black maid in 1962 Jackson, Mississippi, who's always taken orders quietly, but lately she's unable to hold her bitterness back. Her friend Minny has never held her tongue but now must somehow keep secrets about her employer that leave her speechless. White socialite Skeeter just graduated college. She's full of ambition, but without a husband, she's considered a failure. Together these seemingly different women join together to write a tell-all book about work as a black maid in the South, that could forever alter their destinies and the life of a small town.

Critic reviews

Praise for The Help

“The two principal maid characters...leap off the page in all their warm, three dimensional glory...[A] winning novel.”—The New York Times

“This could be one of the most important pieces of fiction since To Kill a Mockingbird…If you read only one book...let this be it.”—NPR.org

“Wise, poignant...You’ll catch yourself cheering out loud.”—People

“Graceful and real, a compulsively readable story.”—Entertainment Weekly

“A beautiful portrait of a fragmenting world.”—The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

“The must-read choice of every book club in the country.”—The Huffington Post

“At turns hilarious and heart-warming.”—Associated Press

“In a page-turner that brings new resonance to the moral issues involved, Stockett spins a story of a social awakening as seen from both sides of the American racial divide.”—The Washington Post

Beautifully Written - Beautifully Read

Five star all the way and I don't issue them easily. I was in grade school during this time and this book captures the period with honesty. It is poignant in it's unblinking look at the ugliness, bravery and beauty of this rocky revolutionary time in deep Southern culture. I will miss all the characters who were so vividly brought to life by the author.

Wow. Just wow.

This amazing book, with its highly developed characters and compelling story line, is just about as good as it gets. The readers are perfect. My only complaint is that it ended. I wanted it to keep going and I miss those lovely voices.

The construction of the book reminded me a little of Poisonwood Bible -- and that's high praise. I hope there's a sequel. The characters became so real to me that I continue to wonder how they're doing.

Sets a New Standard for a Good Audiobook

After this audio, I couldn't finish another book for about 6 months. I started and stopped listening to about 3 books - compared to The Help, they didn't sustain my interest.

Incredible book with incredible narrators. It is the first book I have listened to where the narrators are better then the book. . . and the book is excellent.

I gave this to my sister and she couldn't turn it off either and it was her first audiobook. My brother in law loves audible books and loved this book as well.

If you enjoy audiobooks - this is a must!

A fantastic listen - perfect acting

One of the best books I have listened to. Probably would have thought it too predictable and shallow for a read - but the readings and characters on the audio made the story come alive. I laughed and cheered for the characters. I could not wait to continue the book every day. Along with The Glass Castle - my favorite audio book.

So good,loved it!

I am fairly new to the concept of audio books. I loved this book, the characters and the narrators. I only listen on my long commute days and I looked so forward to each trip. Only problem being I was moved to tears too many times during my driving!