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.
Rating:
Summary: Well-Written, with Depth
Review: I really loved this book, thought it was a wonderfully written first novel. But in reading some of the other reviews, I'd recommend that you not 'speed read' this book, or treat it as 'light entertainment' or a beach book. Reading it that way, yes, it will no doubt end up seeming superficial.There's plenty to ponder in this novel, and I laid the book down a number of times to think about situations and sentences, or how something related to my own life. I also loved the information/research in it about bees and the often intriguing quotes that each chapter started with, but would suggest that you think about those quotes and how they relate to the story. They add a bit of poetry to the book! Also, I think some readers are forgetting that this is a novel written from the viewpoint of a 14 year old girl, and in her language. I thought Kidd wonderfully captured Lily's brightness and wisdom, along with her ups and downs in coming to terms with what I achingly felt was such a difficult burden for a young girl to carry with her for so long. I did sometimes feel a little bit of New Agey deja vu at some of the Divine Mother parts of the story/'the mother within which we each need to find', but then it didn't hurt to hear these things again. And preachy? No, nothing like Kingsolver's 'Prodigal Summer,' though the book does skate a thin edge sometimes, or maybe it was that August seemed too good to be true, almost too wise too often. But those weren't serious drawbacks for me, as the story is so well told and I became really immersed in it, was so impressed with the writing. It looks simple, partly because an adolescent is telling the story, but it isn't, in fact. So, just don't read it too fast!
Rating:
Summary: A Very Engaging Read
Review: A customer in a bookstore recommended this book when she saw me reading the back cover. I wasn't sure I wanted to tackle this story given that it was set in the South in the 60's. I expected the book to concentrate on the racial climate of that time period in South Carolina and that is discussed in the book. But really it is a story that crosses racial lines and is about human relationships, love, anger, disappointment and becoming your own person. Sue Monk Kidd has a beautiful writing style. I had a hard time putting this book down at night. I don't typically read a lot of Southern authors but I believe this book will appeal to readers of many diverse backgrounds. I was pleasantly surprised by this novel. It's the best book I have read in some time.
Rating:
Summary: Lily's secret life
Review: I found this book to be heartwarming and life affirming. No matter how old we are as women, we know there is a truth to our lives and we all take journeys of one kind or another to find it. Lily Owens search for her truth leads her to some unique and wonderful loving ladies. I found it's heartwarming and uplifting tone to be just what I need on a nice summer weekend of reading.
Rating:
Summary: Unique, a masterpiece!
Review: Initially, I was feeling doubtful. But after reading an excerpt, I saw how beautifully written it was, and decided to give it a try.
Well, what can I say?
The main character and narrator is a girl named Lily, whose life is so far a real tragedy. But instead of being melodramatic, Sue Monk Kidd shows the bravery and boldness of her heroine's soul, showing how she is affected by her tragedies, but how she faces life with wit, humor, courage and tenderness.
When Lily rescues her black servant and only friend from jail, they decide to run away, and finally they seek refuge in the home of three black beekeeping sisters, August, June and May,
thanks to a mysterious link to Lily's dead mother's past: the image of a black Virgin Mary.
The three sisters have unique personalities, and through living with them, Lily learns the most important things about life: the values of love, friendship, bravery, hard work, forgiveness freedom and equality all appear in this book.
Sue Monk Kidd is a poet sweetening the reader's soul.
Her book is full of everything a reader might wish for, and every moment is precious and unforgettable, as the author cleverly avoids being sloppily sentimental.
A true lesson, a wonder of contemporary literature, everyone can read it and love it!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent story from beginning to end
Review: I loved this book. As soon as I opened it and read the first page I could not put it down until I was finished. Heart warming story. I also enjoyed the bee facts that related so much to the characters in the book as well as the personal lives of readers engaged in the novel. Directed properly this would make a great movie!
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