My sister left this book behind for me to read after celebrating the holidays together. She said I would not be able to put it down. She is a English teacher so if she says something like that, you know it will be good. Well, it is more than good, it is excellent! She was right that I wouldn't be able to put it down. I couldn't believe it was Kathryn Stockett's first novel! A couple points in the book I felt I was right there, my heart would be racing along with the characters. It is that good! I look forward to reading more by Ms. Stockett.