Discussions
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PRaper
Okay, I give. Who is Delia Smith and why would those of us who loved the book, The Secret Life of Bees care about Delia Smith? Thanks for your enlightenment.
posted 6 years ago.
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Wooliferkins
She's a British cook/ cookery writer, tv presenter, Not unlike Martha Stewart but without the criminal tendencies. For a time in the 80s/90s it seemed that every time you opened a paper or turned on the TV there was Delia telling you how to boil an egg. In the late 70s "Cooking for One" became the single students saviour from carry outs and beans on toast. A British middle class icon.
posted 6 years ago.
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Wooliferkins
Sue Monk Kidd http://www.load2hear.se/forfattare/bilder/sue_monk_kidd.gif and Delia http://uktv.co.uk/images/standarditem/L1/530914_L1.jpg
posted 6 years ago.
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Wooliferkins
Authors Photo.
Much as i loved this book, why is there a picture of Delia Smith on the inside cover? Separated at birth maybe?posted 6 years ago.
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mandalynne
Did anyone else wish the girl had not killed her mother? No matter how futile I found myself wishing this near the end when she asks her father.
posted 5 years ago.
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chattykathi
My mom died suddenly three years ago. I was in the process of grieving mightily for her when I came across this book. When the old woman tells the little girl at the end that her mother would always live inside of her, I knew that was true for me, too. A profoundly life-changing book.
posted 5 years ago.
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littlered
One of my favorites. Loved the character development and the solidarity between all the female characters.
posted 5 years ago.
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Sherri
From beginning to end, I found this book to be a complete page turner. I had a hard time putting it down!
posted 5 years ago.
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nova m
a very interesting story.it has many different lessons about how we can understand others and their hidden feelings better.
posted 5 years ago.
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Stephanie B
I read this book 3 years ago, I had to read it again last year. I got a lot from it about accepting and moving on. I know others may get a different message.
posted 5 years ago.
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Elizabeth E
I loved this book, one of my favorites, then when I read the Mermaid's Chair I was disappointed, because I really didn't like that one.
posted 5 years ago.
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merle
oops...Monk is not the author...where did that come from??!!
I meant Kidd...posted 5 years ago.
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Tif
This book was recommended to me by my Mother, and I actually really enjoyed it. It was a very easy read, something to crack open on the weekend, and it moved very quickly so you don't feel like you have to invest all your time into it. Great book!
posted 5 years ago.
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The first part of the book is very well written, intriguing, and funny. It first appeared as a short story. The second part of the story--after Lily and Rosaleen runaway--was an expansion of the short story. The style and quality of writing changes in the second part of the story. In my opinion it is not as good as the first part. The least appealing aspect of the story is the worshiping of the Black Madonna, smearing her with honey.
posted 5 years ago.
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Tracy P
Loved this book, but Mermaid Chair was a big disappointment for me. What do you think?
posted 5 years ago.
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renee m
I agree. Bees had much more defined characters, and I loved the imagery.
posted 5 years ago.
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heidi E
This book touched me in so many ways. I read it at a time that I needed to know that people can get love from all different kinds of sources. It is a treasured book in my collection and heart.
posted 5 years ago.
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Kate S
Great, believable read. Several paragraphs evoke sadness and happiness at once. Favorite quote" Children did not have two parents who refused to love them. One, maybe, but for pity's sake, not two." "The problem is they (people) know what matters, but they don't choose it. ...The hardest thing on earth is choosing what matters." & "Everybody needs a God who looks like them."
posted 5 years ago.
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Patty
I picked this book up by accident and I fell in love. The characters are so well written. It moved me deeply. I loved the mixture of cultures that were presented.
posted 5 years ago.
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E Bennet
A very heart-warming story, about finding oneself even in a place where one seemed so different and finding love and care amongst others you seem to have no connection with.
posted 5 years ago.
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helloxkatherine
I had a difficult time putting this book down. Kidd did a wonderful job on every aspect of the book, making it everthing from factual to fun to read!
posted 5 years ago.
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dandoon a removed this reply 5 years ago
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dandoon a removed this reply 5 years ago
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Cheryl
Maybe I've read too many Oprah Book Club books, but this one (though not in said list) was just another runaway-abused-child-in-the-sixties-who's-mother-died-tragically-who-finds-herself-living-with-African-Americans-and-dangerously-falling-in-love-with-a-teenage-African-American-boy-all-the-while-blossoming-and-finding-herself kinda book.
Quick and entertaining read, but nothing life-changing or worth adding to my favorites list.posted 5 years ago.
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RamSam
It wasn't an Oprah pick ever was it? I thought it read like one , myself. BUT it sounds like I enjoyed it much more than you did. I have read it a few times, and it just gets better each time. I love the characters, love the coming of age-ness of the story, and love that family is anywhere and everywhere when you need it to be. 5 stars for me all the way!
posted 5 years ago.
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The Book Guru
a very emotional read. i love this book. and it made me love bees. if u read it then u'll understand how amazing they are. and why we shouldn't be afraid of them. it's also a veyr sad book. you should read it as it may chnage ur views on soem subjects.
posted 5 years ago.
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The Book Guru
omg. i looooooove this book! it's really sad but has a great moral n that! i can' believe it's gonna be a film!!!!!!!!!!!! and dakota fanning is gonna play lilly!!!!!!! wow, cool. can't wait! :)
posted 5 years ago.
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Ms. Watt
Hello. Just wanted to let you know that the movie is coming out October 17, 2008. Seen a commercial about it last night (10/13/2008).
Ms. Watt
10/14/2008posted 4 years ago.
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Heather D
I am having a real hard time getting into this book, I will continue trying to read it because so many have given this book a great review.
posted 5 years ago.
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Sandy F
Because I hang out with 14 year olds all day(teach in 8th grade) I believe this novel captures the angst of growing up quite beautifully. Mother loss is the archetypal theme that pulls on everyone's heartstrings.
posted 5 years ago.
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Anjie Liu
I simply loved this book. Beautifully written, the plot magnificent. I definitely recommmend.
posted 5 years ago.
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Anjie Liu
I simply loved this book. Beautifully written, the plot magnificent. I definitely recommmend.
posted 5 years ago.
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Pam M
I loved this book; it came on Heidi's recommendation. Would read it again.
posted 4 years ago.
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Loweyes
Yay, it will be a movie! And what a cast! I haven't even finished the book yet, and I love it! I do indeed feel like I'm smothered in honey (in the good way) while reading it. I love the characters, I love the setting (in a softer way than I love my kids - first among the 32 meanings of love)
posted 4 years ago.
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Stuffing's Mama
Wonderful feel good coming of age story, not overly simplified or prettied up around the edges, flawed and tangible characters .
posted 4 years ago.
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Grapes
Yep, I liked the characters for that reason too. I love coming of age stories.
posted 4 years ago.
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Soni Cido
Sue Monk Kidd is wonderful. I could identify with any and all of the characters! Very true-to-life.
posted 4 years ago.
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Claire J
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 4 years ago.
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jpuddle-duck
Really?! Oh my God, I can't wait!!!! I really hope the movie does it justice!
posted 4 years ago.
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Kerstyn B
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 4 years ago.
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Ms. Watt removed this reply 4 years ago
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Ms. Watt
Just to let you know - the movie for The Secret Life of Bees will be showing on October 17, 2008. I look forward to seeing the movie!
posted 4 years ago.
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Lori M
Me, too. Thus the reason that I am re-reading the book. Well, rereading prior to the film is one reason. The other is to counter a comment made by a high school English teacher who stated that "there's just too much sex in the book..." It's my belief that the guy has never read the book.
posted 4 years ago.
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Harla H
This book was slow towards the middle but picked up again very nicely. I did love the book and found myself really into it when May gave Lily a little tid bit. I do not want to give the book away. The movie starts this Friday, October 17th and will be there. I can't wait to see the movie.
posted 4 years ago.
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Kerstyn B
This book just keeps getting more exciting and exciting by the pages. It's just one of those books that you can't put down. I'm recently at the part where Lily and Rosaleen are living with the Boatwrights. I really enjoy this book most, because of the way that it is written. You can really feel exactly how Lily is feeling and what she's going through. There is so much voice in here that it's unreal. I also really like how the dialogue works in this book, because the way that it's written really keeps you on your toes and makes you want to read for hours. Everything in it is just so exciting and relatable. All of the characters go through problems that really give me insight! I can't wait to finish this book and see what happens. Overall, it's still really good.
posted 4 years ago.
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♥ Chelsey & Jc ♥ removed this reply 4 years ago
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♥ Chelsey & Jc ♥
I bought this book after seeing the trailer for the movie and I can't put it down. I just started reading it tonight, only 72 pages in so far and I'm enthralled. Somehow, Lily is so relatable. And the way the author describes settings and the seasons takes me back to my own childhood. Given, I wasn't even alive in the 60's, but some things just don't change. At least for a country kid they don't. I'm definitely recommending this book to all my friends.
posted 4 years ago.
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xKeyFC removed this reply 4 years ago
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xKeyFC
At first, I was just reading this book because the teacher assigned us to do so......
But after we saw the movie together, I get interested and the story was going smoother.
Although I prefer the movie better, the book is also very good........
So to those who are reading it, hope u enjoy it!!!!! ^_^posted 4 years ago.
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xoxo
This was a great book compared to all the other books we're forced to read... It was easy enough to read and I thought the characters were amazingly developed and so entertaining. The plot was interesting and the book was overall hard to put down.
posted 4 years ago.
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P.Shaw
My wife handed me this book after she burned through it on a beach in Mexico. We were trying to get closer together in our literary preferences, so while I have interest in fiction and non, about civil rights, the South, etc., I have to admit I was not drawn to it – it was going to be a stretch for me – however, in the efforts of marital harmony... I took it!
I too burned through it with much joy, sadness, and it was incredibly well-written and compelling. So, I was able to enjoy a great story AND find common reading ground with my wife. However, I have to say that like the book, the specifics quickly slipped away. Until I saw the movie, I don't think I could have given you a real synopsis without consulting the book jacket.
That said, 10 minutes into the movie, I was thrown back to the engrossing read and the visuals of the film seemed dead on to the book.
I recommend either.
- philip swanstrom shawposted 4 years ago.
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EmyBB
I haven't read the book but I thought the movie was exceptional! It made me cry. I plan to read this book in the future.
posted 4 years ago.
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Alizabeth S
They are a lot alike until the end of the movie. Zach's character is better in the book. And how T-Ray finds Lily is different.
posted 4 years ago.
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Jay C
I didn't like it at all. The language was too sentimental and the plot was wholly unrealistic.
posted 4 years ago.
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gigsgigs
Just saw the movie. it reads like a chunk out of someones life - a true story! The book would probably do more justice because of the style and specifics - wh didn't come thru in the movie.
posted 4 years ago.
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Katie S
I thought this book was really good. I saw the movie before i read the book so that kinda ruined it for me but i still enjoyed it a lot. The characters in this book are a riot and i enjoyed reading about them for every second.
posted 4 years ago.
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Vrok
did anyone else get bored reading this? i have picked up and put down about 3x and not motivated :(
posted 4 years ago.
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Jenny J
I didn't like this book either. I feel like I'm in the minority because everyone else I talked to loved it. I think there's much better books that address abuse and the politics of the south like Dorthy Allison's Bastard Out of Carolina. IMHO.
posted 3 years ago.
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Darla
actually that was the opposite for me! i couldnt resist of putting it down! it was a GREAT book.
posted 2 years ago.
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Tori J (The Harry Potter Fanatic)
OMG! you have to read it all the way through!! i cried 2x and i still do everytime i read this book! in the movie i think the actress that played lilly kind of ruined it but oh well.
posted 4 years ago.
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dhey d
how can i read this one..?? cause this is my first time here in shelfari.
posted 4 years ago.
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Lizzie M
wow. this was an emotional book but i loved it. i felt sooooooooooooo bad for Lily tho....
posted 3 years ago.
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Mary S
If you don't like this book....you must not live in the south!! It is fabulous. Movie was ok, but as always doesn't quite do the book justice.
posted 3 years ago.
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Jordan B
This is one of my favorite books of all time. Anyone who can relate with Lily, will definitely shed more than one tear.
posted 3 years ago.
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Lexi B
I thought that the Secret Life of Bees was a great book. I read it for book club, and could not put it down. I strongly suggest this book to anyone whose looking for a good read.
posted 2 years ago.
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Darla
don't you kinda think lily should've asked t.ray why does he care about her and why was he looking for her half of the summer according to the way he treated her? i wish sue monk kidd did more detail of lily and t. ray's relationship when he found lily in tiburon. but overall FANTASTIC BOOK! im exicted to watch the movie and see lily and zach's relationship ;-)
posted 2 years ago.
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Aprille L removed this reply 2 years ago
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Amy S
This one is a MUST OWN for me. I go back to it time & again. I even have my own rock wall now to put notes in.
posted 2 years ago.
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Amy S
This one is a MUST OWN for me. I go back to it time & again. I even have my own rock wall now to put notes in.
posted 2 years ago.
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Chris M
If we are all like bees then when is it exactly that we are ready to sting?
posted 2 years ago.
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Saint Francis de Sales
This book was incredible, but at the same time, it was really, really sad. If there was one thing you could change about it, what would it be?
posted 2 years ago.
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Saint Francis de Sales
Definitely. The main character is about 12 years old, I think, so middle schoolers can probably partially relate to it.
posted 2 years ago.
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