(4 1/2 stars) 
 I wanted the read the book first before I saw the movie. I like to experience a story with my own imagination before seeing it from a director's point of view. I am hoping the movie is half as good as the book. I usually don't like books that skip back and forth between character's narration but this one was done remarkably well between three women. I enjoyed the character development in this book and feel as I know all these women. For Stockett's first novel, she cranked out a winner!