The Secret Life of Bees

“She reminded me that the world was really one big bee yard, and the same rules worked fine in both places: Don’t be afraid, as no life-loving bee wants to sting you. Still, don’t be an idiot; wear long sleeves and long pants. Don’t swat. Don’t even think about swatting. If you feel angry, whistle. Anger agitates, while whistling melts a bee’s temper. Act like you know what you’re doing, even if you don’t. Above all, send the bees love. Every little thing wants to be loved.”

I absolutely loved The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. It is the first novel by this prolific author and one that had me marveling at her wonderful writing style. The Secret Life of Bees has sold more than 3.5 million copies, spent over eighty weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and been published in more than 20 languages.

The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of fourteen year old Lily who lives on a peach farm with her cold and distant father. She is haunted by the memory of the day her mother was killed when she was four years old. Her caretaker, a black woman named Rosaleen, took care of her after her mother died. When Rosaleen insults three notorious racists who were blocking her right to vote she and Lily are put in jail. Lily’s father comes to rescue her but Rosaleen is left to feel the stinging wrath of racism. Lily is so concerned for Rosaleen that she does the unthinkable-she decides to rescue her. They both flee town thus beginnning Lily’s journey of finding herself and the love she desperately seeks.

This book flows so easily that you are tempted to read it all in one sitting. Sue Monk Kidd has become one of my favorite writers and her book was a joy to read from start to finish. The Secret Life of Bees is a story about courage, hope, kindness and most of all the love of a mother that transcends time and can come from a myriad of places.

by: Dominique Stevens Ardoin

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.