THE HELP is one of the most enjoyable books I’ve ever read — deceptively simple, very moving, about the power of narrative to release the truth and the tension of lives deeply divided and deeply connected in the deep south on the cusp of the civil rights movement.

THE HELP the movie is due out this summer– August 12! But here’s a little build-up to the event with Mary J. Blige giving splendid voice to the story which found the words to say what needed to be said.