Log #1

The novel I chose to read the whole month was named “the Help.” I borrowed it from the teacher’s lab. The reason why I chose it was that when I stepped into that place, all the enjoyment and excitement seemed to be awakened from the deepest of heart. Although it may sound like exaggerating, it just unexpectedly happened. At first glance, I spotted on this novel immediately. This was the one that I’ve always wanted to read because I knew that it was a New York Times Bestseller. Therefore, I borrowed it without thinking twice. Unfortunately, something that I’ve never thought about occurred. The first two chapters of this novel was written from the perspective of Aibileen who is a black maid. I was confused by the grammar they use; after reading approximately fifty pages, I could obviously feel that my passion was gradually decreasing despite of the excellent and inspiring plot. In addition, I took it as a challenge even though I had no idea what to do. I kept telling myself that if I got accustomed to the awkwardness, I could have enjoyed the plot.

         Despite of the problem mentioned above, the lines and the story plot are still attractive to me. Something special about it is that it was written from the aspect of the black maid named Aibileen who is still mourning for her son who died in an industrial accident. The story starts from her doting on the little girl called Mae Mobley, daughter of a white family. Throughout the story of first four chapters, the three main protagonists take turn narrating it. The reason why the author uses a form of African-American Vernacular English is to lead authenticity to the novel. The part I’ve read vividly conveys the daily life of being black in the segregated south. They seem to be haunted by all the unfair treatments and regulations enacted by white people. Moreover, I knew that being a maid is an occupation with absolutely no job security. The point is that I can feel easily the harassment and discrimination they born. On the other side of the coin, instead of conveying the dark side of their life, I’m fascinated with this story plot because it highlights the tender and loving relationship between the caregivers and children.