The Help

Sometimes, I have a very hard time explaining to friends what makes something so incredible to me. For example, when a friend told me she couldn't get through a book I practically forced her to read, I simply exclaimed, "well then you're reading it wrong!" Clearly. What else could be the problem?

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However, in the same conversation, we discussed The Help, which none of my friends were having trouble reading. I must admit, the book caught my eye back in 2009 when Sarah Jessica Parker (the love of my life) was spotted around New York City with the book in tow.
I'll spare you the length of an actual book review, because by now, you should know that the Kathryn Stockett novel is a #1 New York Times Bestseller, critically acclaimed by newspapers, magazines, celebrities, and authors alike.

The book is set in Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1960's, the story takes readers on a journey through the eyes of three narrators. Two of which are Black maids for White households, the third is a White woman who decides to tell their story. For a full synopsis of the book, check out Stockett's website here. If you're one of those people who don't actually read books, well then I feel sorry for you. But - all is not lost. The excitement and following of The Help has lead to a major movie deal! Hitting theatres this August, people are eager and excited for the novel to hit the big screen.

Demetria Lucas of A Belle in Brooklyn had the opportunity to see an advance screening of the film, which left her feeling a number of feelings, some bad and others good. Lucas brings up a good point that there are some undeniable feelings behind the fact that his is a book is a depiction of the Black struggle of the 1960's by a White woman. Additionally, Stockett now faces a lawsuit filed by Ablene Cooper, who says Stockett based her main character, Aibileen Clark, on her. Nothing like a good lawsuit to continue garnering press for an already good thing.

Back to the point: I can't wait to see the movie! Check out the trailer below, and photos from the film, all courtesy of DreamWorks.





Directed by Tate Taylor, The Help boasts a cast including Emma Stone, Bryce Dallas Howard, Mary Steenburgen, Sissy Spacek, Octavia Spencer, and, my favorite, Viola Davis as Aibileen Clark. It's sure to be one of those tear you down and build you up feel good movies - I can tell by the trailer.

[DreamWorks]

 

 

Have you read or plan on reading the help? If not, will I see you at the movies?

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Oops! I Borrowed Your Boyfriend...

When I read Something Borrowed, I loved the book. I immediately bought Something Blue to finish the series surrounding my four favorite characters: Rachel, Darcy, Dex and Ethan. When it was all said and done, I felt so strongly about the Emily Giffin books that I started lending them out left and right. When someone mentioned they were reading it, I was immediately asking what they thought! I went Something Borrowed crazy.

Then, months passed and just as I was having trouble finding people to talk to about the book my life was changed by a trailer for the movie adaptation.




So you get the gist, right? Rachel borrows her best friend's fiance. If you are at all confused by this concept, just note that it is frowned upon.

Since the movie came out this month, I have managed to see it twice (once alone as a treat to myself) and once with my favorite group of girls. When the movie ended we erupted into a discussion about who's fault the cheating was. When I posed the question to the girls on either side of me, their answers were either "no one's!" or "Dex's fault!". When we passed along the same question to the rest of our crew, their answer was unanimous, "Rachel's!". You see, they subscribed to the school of thought that the female is to blame if she takes a guy up on his offer, even if he brings up the idea of something forbidden without any prompting from said female.

I personally happen to disagree. As a disclaimer, my thoughts have nothing to do with true love or romance (even though I love love). If Dex were my man and he proposed the idea of cheating on me to my best friend, even if she said no, I wouldn't forgive him for having (and attempting to act on) the desire to cheat! Regardless, we all agreed that Rachel, while quiet, nerdy, and slightly tragic as a character, was a trifling heifer. Dex, while devastatingly handsome and usually meaning well, was a disappointing, wishy-washy man unable to make his own decisions. Between the two of them, if this were real life, I'm not sure either would belong in my circle.

I think most ladies would agree that despite the storyline, it was enjoyable. Definitely a romantic comedy, the movie enjoyed some much needed relief by Ethan and his unfortunate faux-lover Claire. It featured both real and inspired New York hotspots, all of which I plan to visit if I haven't already. And a cameo by Giffin herself, who rocks some fierce white denim while reading her sequel, Something Blue (hello, movie #2)! And on top of that, some really great fashion, beautiful Hamptons shots, an awesome soundtrack, and a wonderful teaser at the end for the upcoming sequel.

Did you see the movie or read the book? What did you think? And who is to blame!?

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Elizabeth Taylor : A Suburban Girl Inspiration

I woke up to the news that Elizabeth Taylor passed away thanks to "The Twitter", where news travels like lightning.

It broke my little heart.

I've been loving her for as long as I can remember - which was around the time I realized she was best friends with Michael Jackson. Coincidentally, that was also right around the time I used to think I was Michael Jackson. Curious.

Anyway, the point is, I loved her. I thought she was glamorous. The kind of glamour you never see anymore. She was the kind of woman I imagined my bougie child self would grow up to be: glamorous with a side of sauce.

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For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf

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I can't quite put into words my excitement surrounding the release of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf. Written by Ntozake Shange, the screenplay is added to the roster of Tyler Perry. Initially, I was worried how this partnership would work, but the reviews I've read so far are positive.

You see, I have a certain affinity for the "Sorry" piece in this beautiful work of literature. It was introduced to me in high school, just a few years after it's release in '97, during a summer theatre workshop. I began performing the piece then, as directed by a beautiful actress who taught me a lot of the meaning being that monologue. My obsession grew as I continued to better understand the weight of the writing.

For Colored Girls isn't just a pretty work of art or another published book sitting on shelves at Borders. It's a game changer.

As I listen to Janelle Monae's Without A Fight, I am fighting not to say something cliche like how I truly believe this is a book that has influced, inspired, and affected the lives of many black women, myself included. Oops, said it. Oh well.

For Colored Girls hits theatres this Friday, November 5th. I'm thrilled, and am looking forward to seeing it with the group of strong and beautiful women I love to call my friends. I hope you get to do the same.

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