# The Secret Life of Bees, book review

Category: book Nook

## Post 1 by TexasRed (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Tuesday, 13-Dec-2005 23:28:25

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Book Number:RC 55533
2 sound cassettes
Living on a peach farm in South Carolina with her harsh, unyielding father, Lily Owens has shaped her entire life around one devastating, blurred memory--the afternoon her mother was killed, when Lily was four. Since then, her only real companion has been the fierce-hearted, and sometimes just fierce, black woman Rosaleen, who acts as her “stand-in mother.”
When Rosaleen insults three of the deepest racists in town, Lily knows it's time to spring them both free. They take off in the only direction Lily can think of, toward a town called Tiburon, South Carolina--a name she found on the back of a picture amid the few possessions left by her mother. There they are taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters named May, June, and August. Lily thinks of them as the calendar sisters and enters their mesmerizing secret world of bees and honey, and of the Black Madonna who presides over this household of strong, wise women. Maternal loss and betrayal, guilt and forgiveness entwine in a story that leads Lily to the single thing her heart longs for most. The Secret Life of Bees has a rare wisdom about life--about mothers and daughters and the women in our lives who become our true mothers. A remarkable story about the divine power of women and the transforming power of love, this is a stunning debut whose rich, assured, irresistible voice gathers us up and doesn't let go, not for a moment. It is the kind of novel that women share with each other and that mothers will hand down to their daughters for years to come. Some strong language. 2002.
I came across this synopsis and thought it was just too good to pass up and it gave a better glimpse of the book than the NLS one. I loved this book. What else can I say, except I give it a 5 out of 5.
Happy Reading,
Carla/TexasRed

## Post 2 by Don'tBlaisMeBro (Folle et simple est la brebis qui au loup se confesse.) on Wednesday, 14-Dec-2005 15:36:24

I loved the book. The author managed to instil a feeling within me of something past adoration for Lilly as well as the people she was taken in by. Wonderfully written as well as portrayed. One of those things I can read over and over and still find meanings within the pages.

## Post 3 by TexasRed (I'll have the last word, thank you!) on Wednesday, 14-Dec-2005 22:50:59

yes, it's one I will definitely reread.

## Post 4 by Reyami (I've broken five thousand! any more awards going?) on Friday, 20-Apr-2007 8:56:09

I read it for a bookclub at my school, and loved it. I'd like to get the Brailled version.

## Post 5 by Siriusly Severus (The ESTJ 1w9 3w4 6w7 The Taskmaste) on Sunday, 03-Feb-2008 22:26:30

excellent! (runs off) Wait, I forgot to thank you! (runs back)

## Post 6 by Damia (I'm oppinionated deal with it.) on Sunday, 03-Feb-2008 22:42:56

I read it and should reread it... hmm can I get scott to read it with me? hahahah no