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The Secret Life of Bees
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The Secret Life of Bees
Author: Sue Monk Kidd

Book Information
Publisher: Penguin
Book Type: Paperback
Rating:

ISBN-13: 9780142001745 - ISBN-10: 0142001740
Publication Date: 1/28/2003
Pages: 336


Other Versions of this Book: Hardcover, Audio Cassette (Unabridged), Hardcover, Audio Cassette (Abridged), Audio CD (Unabridged)

Book Description:
Set in South Carolina in 1964, "The Secret Life of Bees" tells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. When Lily's fierce-hearted "stand-in mother," Rosaleen, insults three of the town's fiercest racists, Lily decides they should both escape to Tiburon, South Carolina--a town that holds the secret to her mother's past. There they are taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters who introduce Lily to a mesmerizing world of bees, honey, and the Black Madonna who presides over their household. This is a remarkable story about divine female power and the transforming power of love--a story that women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come.

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Top Member Book Reviews

Sherrie E. (sherrie824) wrote on 7/2/2007...

29 member(s) found this review helpful.

An amazing read! This reinforces the unity of women no matter what their color. The story revolves around the courage and strength of a motherless little girl being left with a heartless, bitter father with only the love of a colored hired hand turned housekeeper to sustain her need of being loved and wanted. Until while on the run from the law after saving the housekeeper from racists that would surely kill her in jail, she finds not only her mother's heartbreaking past and refuge but her own. Very mesmerizing, totally engrossing....an excellent reading experience!

Melody wrote on 5/26/2007...

28 member(s) found this review helpful.

A well written story of a teenager who leaves behind everything she has known in order to find out something about her mother's past. This is the type of story where the characters become your friends. You can't wait to read it and you hate to see the story end.

Cheryl D. (simsbuki) wrote on 8/16/2007...

20 member(s) found this review helpful.

I love, love, love this book. I usually don't even pick up a book about a mother/daughter relationship, but this one is different. Race relations in the South, beekeeping, abuse, first love - it's got it all! Complex, deep, powerful, and funny. A great choice!

Marci and Duane S. (flame60) wrote on 8/14/2007...

18 member(s) found this review helpful.

I really enjoyed this book. I thought I had lost it, and was just going to reorder it when my friend came over to my house with it. It is so good, I had taken it everywhere with me ! It's about a mother and daughter's relationship. It can get extremely sad, so be forewarned. It was not only a good fiction book, but offered some good life lessons as well.

Andrea H. (LAteacher) wrote on 8/10/2007...

15 member(s) found this review helpful.

One of the finest books I have ever read. This is a coming-of-age story, a powerful testimony to the redeeming quality of friendship among women and a wonderful reminder how love can heal. This is a book that should not be missed by anyone who loves literature or just a good story. I highly recommend it!!

Catherine B. (saltydog) wrote on 7/11/2007...

14 member(s) found this review helpful.

This book has a magical quality that you rarely find. I loved this book. It was a wonderful story and I hated to finish it.

Mary B. (eagles) wrote on 6/16/2007...

14 member(s) found this review helpful.

Adored this book. Set in the south and very easy to read. Plan on reading agin in the future.

Dorothy R. (obsidianfire) wrote on 2/22/2006...

14 member(s) found this review helpful.

I was recommended this book from a memeber of this site. I'm so glad I listen to her! Very touching story that will grab you from the start. You'll also learn alot about bees along the way!

Sandra G. (sandraj) wrote on 7/16/2007...

13 member(s) found this review helpful.

This is a really good book and unusual. It is about a white child who runs away from a father who is overcome with grief from the lost of his wife and cannot relate to a child. The child breaks her nanny out of jail and they run away together to seek her mother's family. They wind up being taken in by a 3 black women who own there own honey business. One of them was a nanny years ago to the childs' mother. This is set about the time of the civil rights movement. There are several sub stories going on, and I have not to tell you all the action or themes. I hightly recommnend the book.

Dawn G. wrote on 6/16/2007...

11 member(s) found this review helpful.

I loved this book. Very interesting characters and settings. You want the book to go on and on. Set in the south in 1964.


Please Rate these Book Reviews

Victoria (YSB) - IL wrote on 11/20/2009...


I am surprised how much I loved this - especially for a person who is so scared of bees! That and the fact that a few years ago, this book received a lot of hubbub... I tend to avoid these "pop" books. But I am glad that I did read this one. It reminded me a lot of the beginning parts of _Fried Green Tomatoes_ (the movie more so than the book). I thoroughly enjoyed this! What a pleasant surprise!

Rachel D. wrote on 11/19/2009...


Great book, full of inspiration and transformation.

Melinda C. (mmcanup) wrote on 11/17/2009...


One of the best books that I've ever read!

Melissa B. wrote on 11/12/2009...


A great, great book. I loved it and was sorry to get to the end. And I loved the movie too.

Michelle S. wrote on 10/28/2009...


an easy read.....a story of life and how you deal with and learn from what you are given.

Amy R. wrote on 10/19/2009...


I've read this book a long time ago, but I still remember it fondly. I really enjoyed it! The author has a way of bringing you into the story.

Martha S. (msteph5444) - Clarksville, TN wrote on 10/13/2009...


I enjoyed this book. It's an uplifting story - would recommend this.

Cris H. wrote on 10/9/2009...


Really good book

Traice C. wrote on 10/8/2009...


Great story about a girl who has to run away to find herself.

Michelle H. wrote on 10/8/2009...


Lovely heart warming must be read book


Book Wiki
Series
Original Publication Date (YYYY-MM-DD)
People/Characters
Lily Owens (Primary Character)
Rosaleen Daise (Primary Character)
May Boatwright (Primary Character)
June Boatwright (Primary Character)
(Show all 8 People/Characters)
Real Places
Fictional Places
Important Events
Awards and Honors