Ayla’s Reviews > The Secret Life of Bees > Status Update
Ayla
is on page 57 of 352
figured out I started reading this book because taniys recommended it! a slow and slightly confusing start at first but it picks up speed (& sense) about 20 pages in which is nice. The story being weaved is a really heartbreaking but powerful one. the detail of Lily calling NY a new country was fascinating to me. I really like Rosaleen as a character and how strong she is, albeit stubborn, and Lily's feelings on it!
— Aug 02, 2025 11:33AM
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Ayla’s Previous Updates
Ayla
is on page 200 of 352
I was genuinely NOT expecting May to commit suicide, especially when all of the other grief she was going through, IMO, was way worse than what had happened with Zach. What happened with Zach too was also wild, and I didn't see that coming. Lily's call with T Ray was to have gone as expected, but I like her writing arc after it. Rosaleen needs more input and dialogue, what do you mean May and her were besties?
— Aug 09, 2025 06:49AM
Ayla
is on page 121 of 352
Sometimes I forget about Lily's whiteness, but in the moment she fainted after the religious moment was so interesting & fascinating to me. Like that pressure on her, as a white person in a black space was such an interesting flip. Her relationship after June too was interesting to follow and see how she can't understand why August wants to make it normal. May's story and how the twin killed herself? such a shock.
— Aug 05, 2025 03:02PM
Ayla
is on page 86 of 352
Got to a weird bump towards the start of chapter 5 where the content gets a bit redundant/slow, but otherwise really loving the introduction of the new characters! I like how Lily is 14 but self aware and realizing she has prejudice tendencies, while not recognizing Rosaleen isn't "w/o manners" but more comfortable with other WOC. the constant crying from August seems like foreshadowing and I wanna note that.
— Aug 03, 2025 07:46AM
