The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd is a few years old (written in 2003), but I just read it for the first time and I was blown away. It’s the kind of book-reading experience where you want to keep sneaking away to devour just another few pages.
This novel was our latest book club selection, and tells the story of Lily Owens, a young girl in South Carolina in 1964. She has fuzzy memories of her mother’s death years earlier, and suffers varying degrees of abuse from her father. Events cause Lily and her black nanny to escape town, and they head for Tiburon, where they are taken in by May, June and August Boatwright, three black beekeeping sisters who just happen to hold answers to Lily’s deepest questions.
I honestly couldn’t put this book down, as the story was so compelling and the writing so beautiful. I had already seen the movie, and I usually don’t enjoy a book as much if I’ve seen the movie first, but some of the plot details were fuzzy in my mind, so there were still times I was surprised. I had Dakota Fanning’s voice narrating the story in my head, but that’s okay.
Some other reviews say it even better than I could:
“It’s as if Kidd loaded up a take-home plate with treats, and you said ‘Oh, I couldn’t’, and then scarfed it down in the car on the way home.” – Entertainment Weekly
“You’ll want to tear through the pages. Restrain yourself. The beautiful language and seamless unfolding of this well-written story deserve more. [It] merits sweet time and savoring.” – Southern Living
If you’re looking for some terrific summer reading, look no further.
I read this book recently and love love loved it!
I haven't read this book yet, but I've heard a lot of good things about it too! Am trying to finish Home!
Thanks for the follow — am following back!
Sounds great! Thanks for joining FMIC again! Have a fantastic day!
Just got my copy of it. Can't wait to start reading it!
All I need now is a blanket and a nice tree to sit under!
i saw you tweet about this and had to pop by. i love this book. i actually recently read it and wrote about it on my blog (i'll link below, if you're curious on my take). i am looking for other works by the same author. it's just like you said, i kept wanting to sneak back and read more.
~ ana
http://imadeitso.com/2010/05/25/the-weekend-in-a-nutshell-2/
So glad that you liked it Kate! I really enjoyed reading it as well. Looking forward to discussing it at the book club – my copy even has guiding questions!
Mary
I have always wondered about this book. I see it all the time at the used book stores. So far I have walked right past it but now I think I need to pick it up.
Thanks for joining us for Thursday's Friends and Giveaways today…we love that you joined us! I am your newest follower! 🙂 Have a great day!
I'm half way through and love it. I also have Dakota Fanning's voice stuck in my head narrating the story. Can't wait till our next book club to hear what everyone has to say.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and for following. I am now following back 🙂
http://www.paisleypassions.blogspot.com
http://www.laughterandmemories.blogspot.com
I'd love to hear if there's anyone out there who actually dislikes this book!
I have not read this book yet but it is next on my list! I am following you back!!
Ah yes, this is a good one!