Rating: 
Summary: This would have appealed to me when I was 13
Review: I probably would have given this book four stars when I was 13. But taste evolves; as an adult, I wasn't interested. It seemed silly. Here are some examples of what I mean by "silly."This book was told in the first person by a girl or woman who was at least high school age. Yet, the author deliberately made her talk like an 11 year old. As a matter of fact, her grammar was certainly worse than mine was when I was 11. This book was constantly commenting on the poor treatment black people received at that time (the 60s) in the South, yet the child this book was about talked to and about her black nanny/"companion" (an adult) as if she were a child or a dimwit. Although there is nothing wrong with looking up to the Blessed Virgin Mary the way Catholics do, adoration of her is another thing. I just loved all the black women who got together for Mary's feast day, but their constant adoration of Mary made them seem like dimwits, too. The author never explained why Zach was the only black boy to go to a white high school.
Rating: 
Summary: Sweet but Predictable Southern Blend
Review: A friend of mine recently said that it seems many southern writers are trying to write the next To Kill a Mockingbird, but it's just not possible. The Secret Life of Bees fits perfectly into this category. The story is sweet but predictable. I feel that it could have ended 100 pages sooner and been a fine novella with the narrative condensed, the obvious forshadowing and symbols pared down, and the beautiful moments of description illuminated. What struck me most, was how often I was reminded of the work of other Southern writers while reading this novel- there are distinct echoes of not only Mockingbird, but Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons, Before Women had Wings by Connie May Fowler, and Mother of Pearl by Melinda Haynes. It felt that The Secret Life of Bees is an amalgamation of characters, events, and themes of all of these novels, but the originals in their separate forms are better. I was ultimately left with the impression that I had just watched a very well produced lifetime special, but a lifetime special nonetheless. I do think that Sue Monk Kidd has the potential to write a wonderful, original novel- her strength is in the nonfictional aspects (facinating details of the beekeeping) and in the resonant descriptive images she is able to create- circling, magical swarms of bees; a wailing wall filled with scribbled notes of anguish; a body pinned underwater by a boulder with hands like cups floating to the surface. These moments of beauty linger in my mind weeks after finishing the novel while the plot and characters quickly slipped away.
Rating:
Summary: A good book to read
Review: while the story is unrealistic and do not in any way reflect the true struggle of african american during the 60's with racism - the book do keep you interested enough to want to know what happened next to Lily. I agree with other readers that this book should be for younger readers then adults.
Rating: 
Summary: Exquisite
Review: I'm amazed at the poor reviews I've read on Amazon but not at all suprised that they're greatly in the minority. It just goes to show that individual tastes will win out every time. I heartily agree with the glowing reviews written by the majority who have taken the time to review the book. I read the book when I was visiting and left it behind so my hosts could read it. I just ordered another copy so I can read it again and savor the language. One reviewer here suggested that the book should be read slowly for a variety of reasons. I completely agree. But, for me, reading this book slowly would have been akin to asking me to eat one peanut M&M with a bowlful sitting in front of me! This was one of those books which I HAD to finish in one sitting but which I never wanted to finish. The writing is the best I've seen in years. I tend to read a lot of dry science and historical biographies, so that may be why. But I also tend to dislike mass media novels for the most part because I find the writing so unsatisfying. Not so with The Secret Life of Bees. This time, I intend to savor every phrase!
Rating: 
Summary: Nice quick read
Review: There were parts of this book that were really interesting--a young girl living with a mean father, raised by an African American farm worker, escapes the farm by rescuing the "nanny" from jail. They venture into a world where the girl tries to find the history of her deceased mother and enters an unusual world of beekeeping. It's only a matter of time before the old life catches up with the new one and the secrets of the mother's life and death unfold. Some parts aren't terribly believable, but if you are looking for a good story that favors chance, this is a good choice for you.
Rating:
Summary: Generally pleased
Review: The Secret Life of Bees is a charming, quick-summer read tracing the story of runaway Lily Owens and her refuge to the Black Madonna Bee Sisters' home of Tilburn, South Carolina. While the novel was generally captivating, I felt that the narration of Lily was awkward and misplaced at times. As a 14 year-old, Lily often jumps the spectrum from honey-sweet matter-of-fact observations to complex literary metaphores that break the tone of the story telling. I would recommend the novel as a good example of female wisdom, kindness, and strength, yet warn readers not to approach the book with false expectations of the solid, fitting writing of perhaps a "Memoirs of a Geisha" or "God of Small Things."
Rating:
Summary: was expecting much more
Review: If it were possible to be overly predictable and extremely far-fetched at the same time...then life would mimick this storyline. Fortunately for us all, life is usually neither of these two ends of the spectrum. This book is not even one you can "get lost in," as I was stuck questioning the ridiculousness of the plot. I gave it two stars only because I was somehow able to push myself to finish the book.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Read
Review: I brought this book on vacation and did not want to bring something that was a very "Heavy" with a complicated plot. It was a perfect book for me to bring. I felt the book was well-written with a beautiful "Poetic Feel" to the words. I also liked the way the author brought different races together and illustrated the love, respect and admiration that all people should have for each other. The story gave me a heart-warming smile and I look forward to a sequel.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiration and humor beyond belief
Review: I found this book to be filled with humor, compassion, strength ,and ever-so memorable words from very wise, deeply spiritual women. Lily's inner strength and courage as well as her humanness and vulnerability deeply moved me. As I laughed, reflected and even cried at times, I didn't want the book to end. Lily's words and those of the other characters will remain with me forever and I will continue to be inspired by their wisdom. Thanks to Sue Monk Kidd for sharing her talent and wisdom.
Rating:
Summary: heartwarming tale
Review: I listened to the book on tape (ok cd)and was completely charmed not only by the prose, but by the naration of this heartwarming tale. If you liked Barbara Kingsolver and Anne Lamott then you'll like this one.
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