Rating: 
Summary: Loved it!
Review: I loved this book! I loved everything about it- the writing, the characters and how the author tied in the bee's to everything. Sheer magic! I couldn't put the book down.
Rating:
Summary: A Delightful Read
Review: I enjoyed this book immensely. I found that it was more than just a book about female bonding, it also alludes to the literary theme that is present in American Literature. This includes a racially divided America, a love/marriage plot, and deals with the bonds of mothers and daughters. Although Lily is looking for information about her mother, she is thrown in amongst these backdrops which are successful in Kidd's novel.
The character of Lily Melissa Owens leads us into an exciting tale that is similar to the beginning of Mark Twain's "Huckleberry Finn". She breaks her nanny, Rosaleen, from prison and runs to Tiburon to get away from the impending danger that she is in due to her abusive father as well as to find out more about herself. But it changes significantly as the novel moves along. Upon arriving at the Pink House at Tiburon, South Carolina, Lily learns about herself as well as the women around her, including her dead mother.
I found this book invigorating. I could not put this down and I strongly recommend it to everyone. It was a delightful read and I blew through it within a couple days.
Rating: 
Summary: That's it???
Review: While I did find the characters entertaining and the descriptions beautiful, I thought the author went into too much detail and used too many similes and metaphors. I found myself thinking, "Get on with it!" Throughout the second half of the book, I began to grow annoyed with the way Lily kept crying, and crying, and crying. And I never did figure out why they made such a big deal about bees swarming in her room in the beginning of the story! This is an okay book, but I think it would've been much better as a shorter book.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book, touching, captivating
Review: I belong to a book club, where I was "assigned" to read this. I was shocked to find that I loved it. It made for a great discussion because the characters are well developed and the motivation behind their actions is so unique with each one. This book touches on so many issues -- family, racism, separation, independence, coming of age -- it was a very well written tale. I laughed, nearly cried, and was left thinking of this book well after reading it. I knew it was worth 5 stars when I was left missing the charters when I finished with the book.
Rating:
Summary: True Family
Review: The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd is a charming and inventive novel about a young girl and her need for maternal guidance and love. This intriguing and innovative novel is about the love between mothers and daughters and the women in our lives who become our true mothers. Lily Owens, a southern belle growing up in a time of racial struggles, loses her mother at a very young age. Her father can't even be a loving father let alone a replacement mother. As a result, Lily sets out on a quest for love with her friend Rosaleen. Throughout this quest, Lily learns many important life lessons, with the help of some pretty unexpected and unlikely friends. Sue Kidd captures the truth about life and love, and proves race and blood don't necessarily make people family. This book was very good, and I enjoyed it. It took awhile to get into however, but once I started I didn't like to put it down. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story with a comforting message.
Rating: 
Summary: The Secret Life of Bees
Review: If I can tell you anything, it would be do not pass by this book because of the title. I almost did. Fortunately, I read the book. I became a part of this wonderful book. I laughed along with it, I teared up and wanted to cry. The characters are believable and the story is captivating. It has been a few days since I finished the book and wonder how eveything is going for everyone. As a bonus, you even come away with some knowledge of the bees.
Rating:
Summary: Good Read
Review: This was a good read. I liked the story. It was sweet and well told. Nice ending.
Rating:
Summary: Kudos to Ms. Kidd
Review: Exceptionally and colorfully written, Kidd weaves a tale intermingling the races, genders, generations, and emotions. When a friend recommended this book, I was expecting something different based on the title. Even more interesting were the author notes in the back of the book which provided insight to Kidd's motivations. I agree with other customer reviews who say that this book cries for a sequel. Who couldn't love and hope for Lily, the brand new and long awaited marriage, the potential lawyer Zach, and the future of the pink house? I have passed on this book to 2 friends who loved it just the same.
Rating:
Summary: One Man's Take on This Honey of a Book
Review: Okay, so I'm male. I read suspense and mysteries. I have testosterone flowing through my frame as surely as estrogen flows through this book's intended audience. Is it wrong, then, for me to love this story? After numerous people told me to try it, I succumbed to the sweet temptation. I was drawn in quickly by young Lily's struggles in a single-parent home, and by her guilt pertaining to her mother's death. Then, when Lily and proud, black Rosaleen find themselves as fugitives to the law--and lawless, violent men--I knew I was hooked. Their subsequent steps on a journey of discovery lead them to a beekeeping farm, where a trio of eccentric women will challenge and change their lives forever. Although the writing is rich and smooth, it is also honest and hard-hitting. I never doubted the characters' motivations or actions. Scene by scene, Kidd builds a powerful story of secrets and family, love and redemption. Along the way, she flirts with elements of a mystery book. I was smitten. I found myself marking page after page to share with my wife: "You've gotta hear this description." "Listen to this...this is life-wisdom." Sometimes, I just leaned back and shook my head. "This is gooood stuff," I'd say quietly, before returning to the story. A story written by a woman, about women, marketed to women... This man happened to love every page of it, even if I was left wanting more in the concluding scene. But honey has that sort of effect.
Rating:
Summary: Loved This Book!
Review: This was a beautifully written book and will find an emotional spot in the hearts of all women. Lily Owens is in search of the mother she never knew and learned from the Boatright sisters and Rosaleen that all women have the love and courage necessary to live life, within our own hearts. We have the power. It was a poignant and touching story about love and love lost. This book was am emotional one to read. I highly recommend it.
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