The Bean Trees : A Novel

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Summary: A trifle tiresome
Review: I finished this book because I am persistent. The writing seems to be episodic. The author thinks of the most unlikely thing to have happen and then makes it happen. Although I know this is fiction, I always expect a certain amount of credibility, so why does a young woman who has been employed for several years and who is supposed to be quite intelligent have only enough money saved to buy a car that won't start and leave town for destinations unknown? And how can she arrange an adoption in one afternoon with a sleazy lawyer? I know that this is meant to include single mothers, independent women, helping the great unwashed, the plight of refugees, Native Americans, abandoned children, and domestic abuse, but it seems pasted together and the characters fail to make me care about them.

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Summary: My favorite book ever--and I don't really like fiction!
Review: I usually gravitate towards non-fiction, but, luckily, I read THE BEAN TREES anyway. The characters, Taylor and Turtle, stayed with me for months afterward. The story, characters, dialogue, message--it's all perfect. Does it sound too corny to say it changed my life?

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Summary: Great book for someone searching to belong !!!!
Review: Excellent book, Excellent author! This was a fantastic journey. This is a must read for mothers who wonder if it's all worth it at times.This book allows one to feel as lost as Turtle did, gives you the feeling that you are giving your child (and yourself) that sense of belonging and sense of security these people were all searching for.I strongly urge anyone with a heart to read this book, these characters will stay with you always, just like Turtles St.Christopher medallion!!

Rating:
Summary: A book to be savored.
Review: I truly enjoyed this book as I have few other lately. It made me laugh out loud and cry as well. Taylor was a remarkable woman. She accepted Turtle, Lou Ann, Mattie, etc. and made these people into a family. She rarely seemed overwhelmed by the calamities and sadness that she encountered, always bringing a refreshing down-to-earth practicality and humor to any situation. She is someone that I would like to know and spend time with as a friend. I thank Ms. Kingsolver for writing such a funny and touching book that took me out of my comfortable world and sat me down in the middle of life (with a capital "L"). I look forward to reading more of her work, especially the sequel. Try this book. It will refresh your soul

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Summary: A life affirming book about an enduring spirit
Review: This book is full of characters who are a bit outside of the "norm". They all join together and create one of the most loving families in recent literature. A must read for women

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Summary: Great storytelling, incredible narrative, and soulful
Review: This is my favorite book of the 90's (close seconds are Beach Music and The Shipping News). Although I'm male and have little in common with the narrator, I found myself completely identifying with this delightful, observant young girl. I laughed and cried on every other page. She begins her story headed west in a VW bug that has no starter (so she always has to park on a hill), and in some ways, she never arrives. The Bean Trees is partially about that emotional sense free-falling we all experience at one time or another, and a remarkable woman's ability to roll with it and find beautiful love in many less-than-perfect people. The narrative is clean, simple and perfect (I'm thinking of Salinger here). And it's clear the author put her soul all the way in this one--the way it seems few authors (and Pat Conroy is one of them) are willing or able to do

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Summary: Kingsolver's writing is hot chocolate on a cold day
Review: This is the first time an author has grabbed my interest in such an emotional way that I'm almost impatient for her next book. After having read all but one I will drink this last book slowly like hot chocolate on a cold day. Thank you for your warmth Barbara

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Summary: A book that gives one hope.
Review: I found this book during the Gulf War. I needed a symbol of hope, and found it in the stories of Taylor and Turtle, LouAnn, Mattie, Estefan and Esperanza. Each person finds a way of surmounting or accepting their situation, whether it is life or personal history or personal traits. The stories are told with gentle humor and expressive good will. My dog-eared copy remains among my best-loved books

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Summary: Kingsolver brilliantly portrays the growth of a "family."
Review: Through the intertwining stories of Taylor Greer, a plucky Kentucky girl, LouAnn Ruiz, a timid new single mother, Turtle, an enchanting Native American child, and Estevan and Esperenza, a pair of illegal immigrants, Barbara Kingsolver develops a masterful portrayal of a modern family. Everyone in the extended family created by chance learns something new, and grows in some way. Kingsolver uses the pervasive metaphor of the bean trees and other plants to strongly develop the theme. Especially delightful is Turtle, who begins life as an abused child in a practically catatonic state, but ends the book as a vibrant child who thrives on the love of her family. This book raises many moral and ethical questions, centering around the painful experiences of Estevan and Esperenza (Spanish for hope), the illegal immigrants, who fled tyrany in their native country. Overwhelmingly positive, Kingsolver uses lush description and has a good grasp of everyday life for her characters. She is a brillia

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Summary: Kingsolvers takes you to where you want to go.
Review: Barbara Kingsolver paints vivid pictures of her truly human characters and moody landscape with clear vision. I love a book that I hate to see end and leaves me yearning for more