The Secret Life of Bees

I really liked this book, and I'm surprised its not been reviewed yet (at least I didn't find it ). I had a difficult time putting it down. Basically its about a young girl who runs away from her abusive father (her mother is dead) and finds the mother figure she needs, who is a beekeeper. It takes place in the 40ies, I think, and there are racial tensions to deal with in additon to hiding from her father.

Everyone I've talked to loved it, I would definately recommend it.

Shella

[SueC]

I am on Chapter 4 (I'd probably be done with it by now, but I'm forcing myself to only read a chapter a night--I tend to gobble books like this up!). So far, I have to agree that this is a great book!

I read this on my May '03 book marathon (ahhh...one of the high points of a vacation w/o child). I can't remember if I reviewed it or not -- it is a good book. I really enjoyed it.

[DCJenn]

Just finished it! Loved it and am now passing it along to a co-worker from South Carolina- just to see what she thinks!

Great book!

Jenn

[SueC]

I stayed up until 4am on Friday night (or Saturday morning I guess) finishing this book! I couldn't put it down--now I'm a little bummed because I have nothing to read! I mentioned it at playgroup today and I'd say 80% of the moms had already read it and loved it. Most of the ones that hadn't read it had heard of it and wanted to read it, so I'm passing it on for them to enjoy.

When I was finished with it I was disappointed that I had nothing to read as well. I mentioned it to my MIL and she promptly sent about 40 of her favorite book club books from over the years. Now I always have something to read, but my house hasn't been clean since the books arrived!

I liked this book as well!
In fact, it gave me more evidence that females are the superior gender! Sorry boys!
You go girl - Queen Bee!!
It's worth reading just to learn about the bees....fascinating creatures. It prompted me to go to an organic honey farm in Hawaii while we were on the Big Island in May. We got to eat some fabulous organic honey called rare hawaiian honey and see some cool queen bees!
Hands down, the organic untouched stuff is the best. :cook:

[bony00]

Secret Life of Bees

This was a great book. It really did explore the compassion and strength of women. I also liked how the author addressed the issue of race. The white little girl, was protective over her black nanny and risked her own life to save her. She found refuge and a mother figure in 3 black sisters, who also served her own mother in the same way. The author made things a little bit dicey by the suggestion of love between the little girl and the black nephew in a time when this was absolutely forbidden. I think that this is so relevant to the present where race relations in the US are still not where they should be. There is so much to a person beyond the color of their skin. The female figures in this book saw that in a time when it was not the norm.
Amazing!

I definitely have to bump this up on my "to read" list. Thanks for reminding me!

[BonBon]

I've had this book for over a year now, and FINALLY picked it up this week. I blew right through it. I loved it, though I was deeply disturbed by the racism. There is a lot that we take for granted. I never gave much thought to how much it would mean to suddenly be allowed to place your vote, like all US citizens should be able to. I would love to see a sequel exploring the relationship between Lily and Zach.