Play Book Tag discussion

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd - 4 stars - My Review

Coming of age story of a fourteen-year-old girl living in South Carolina in 1964. Lily Owens lives with her abusive father. Her mother died in a tragic accident ten years ago. She longs for her mother and feels responsible for her death. Her nanny, Rosaleen, tries to register to vote, but gets beaten by local bigots, and they flee the area. The seek refuge in another town where Lily believes she will find connections to her mother’s past. She finds a group black woman who keep bees and run a honey business. The storyline follows Lily’s search for a safe haven where she can feel loved.

The characters are vividly drawn. It was easy to picture these women living in their pink house. I looked forward to picking this book up. It is worth mentioning that there is an element of Christian religion in this book, as the main characters have created their own rituals around the Virgin Mary, represented by a Black Madonna. Themes include female kinship, atypical family bonds, racial harmony, and finding one’s inner voice. It is a book both adults and young adults can appreciate.

Nice review. I'd like to read this again.

NancyJ wrote: "Nice review. I'd like to read this again."
Thanks, NancyJ! I can't believe it took me this long to read it the first time.

I’m finally reading Fried Green Tomatoes. I mistakenly thought I already read it, but now I realize I only saw the movie.

There are so many great books I haven’t gotten around to, especially those that were published in the years when I had no time to read.

Yes, me too. I am getting a lot more reading done this year - my silver lining from the pandemic.

I think I read this as required reading in middle school, but don't really remember it now, years later.