Shelfari: The Site for Books & ReadersShelfari Logo

The Secret Life of Bees
 

The Secret Life of Bees

by Sue Kidd

In Sue Monk Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees, 14-year-old Lily Owen, neglected by her father and isolated on their South Carolina peach farm, spends hours imagining a blissful infancy when she was loved and nurtured by her mother, Deborah, whom she barely remembers. These consoling fantasies are her heart's answer to the family story that as a child, in unclear circumstances, Lily... (read more)

Top tags: fiction,  contemporary fiction,  women,  southern literature,  sue monk kidd (all tags)

Readers

Groups

  • Chick Lit Discussion Group
  • Book Recommendations Discussion Group
  • Page Turner Discussion Group
  • PDX Book Club Discussion Group
  • The 400 Pages (or Less) Book Club Discussion Group
  • MDX Past & Present Book Group Discussion Group

Other Reviews

Amazon Reviews (5)
 

Most Helpful Reviews

Liked It

2 of 2 members found this review helpful.
eshchory
  • Rated 4 stars

“A beautifully descriptive book.
A surprisingly straightforward and enjoyable read for such a literary book that makes such lovely use of language.

The plot moves slowly and smoothly like the honey that plays such a vital part. There are some wonderful characters both colourful and real.

However my emotional attachment to them wasn't strong enough to justify 5 stars.

Definitely a recommended read, for a relaxed warm summery feeling.”

eshchory’s full review »
more reviews »
Community:
  • Rated 4.064046 stars
Amazon:
  • Rated 4.125 stars
  

Newest Comments

  • Kerstyn B

    kerstyn b said:

    “So far I have read the beginning of this book and I have really enjoyed it. I really like how the book is told in 1st person point of view, because it really helps to understand what Lily is going through. As she is only 14 and has to live with her mean father it's quite upsetting. Her mother died when she was only 4, so she lives with her dad and has ties with her housekeeper Rosaleen. Although Rosaleen isn't her mom it's all that she has right now. Lily has her mean, rude father and thinks of herself as unpopular. While I was reading this book I really liked how the author wrote this book. It's easy to comprehend EXACTLY how Lily feels, because of such voice in her character. If this book was written by a narrator I don't believe that it would add as much to it. Lily is just such an interesting character I can't wait to find out more about her story and life. So far so good though.”

    posted 18 hours ago
  • Claire J

    claire j said:

    “I gave this to my mom for Mother's Day. It was a beautiful story, one I would read again and I want to have my (future) daughter read. I am proud to say that it's on our 8th graders' Summer Reading list!”

    posted Saturday, June 21 2008
  • Sonja S

    sonja s said:

    “Sue Monk Kidd is wonderful. I could identify with any and all of the characters! Very true-to-life.”

    posted Monday, June 16 2008 ( | view 1 reply )
  • zawadi

    zawadi said:

    “Point on, Cooyah!”

    posted Tuesday, June 3 2008
  • Cooyah Y

    cooyah y said:

    “Wonderful feel good coming of age story, not overly simplified or prettied up around the edges, flawed and tangible characters .”

    posted Tuesday, June 3 2008 ( | view 1 reply )
© 2008 Tastemakers, Inc. | Portions of Shelfari.com are Copyright © 1996-2008 Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy | Copyright Policy