The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd is our next book selection. The discussion will take place on Sunday, April 19th at 2:00 P.M. MST. Mark it on your calendars and join us for a chat about this lovely book!

I've already read this book and I think a few of you have, also. It is the story of a young girl, 14 year old Lily Owens, who is growing up in a harsh environment with her father. Her mother's death when she was 4 years old has left a chasm between Lily and her father, and the only means of salvation and love for Lily comes from her sometimes nanny, Rosaleen, a loving and strong African-American woman. Rosaleen gives Lily the protection and compassion that is missing from her father.

After Rosaleen stands up to, and by doing so, insults three of the most racist men in the town, Rosaleen and Lily leave town in a hurry, before the situation explodes. They head for a place called Tiburon, in South Carolina. Lily has only read the name of this town on a card in her mother's belongings, knows nothing about it other than the name, yet it seems like a touchtone for the little girl...if she can find Tiburon, maybe she can find out something about her mother.

The journey is long and difficult. Food is hard to come by and it seems that their reserves of strength will run out. Finally, they arrive in the area and find refuge with a family of beekeepers...sisters May, June and August.

The story of their lives intertwined with the beekeepers makes for a luscious read. Maybe it is because I grew up on a farm with a grandfather who raised bees that I can relate to the sounds and smells of the hives, the smell and taste of fresh honey when it is being harvested and the magical use of a smoker that puts the bees in a hypnotic state on a stormy afternoon.
All I know is that this book was a delight to read and it left a sweet aftertaste in my mouth when I had finished it, much like the taste left behind after eating my grandmother's fresh-baked bread, buttered heavily while still warm from the oven, with liquid honey spread over the top of the melting butter, saturating the bread with heavy sweetness.

Here are a couple of links for you to read to whet your appetite for the book, if you haven't already read it:

This is a description of the storyline of this book.

Here is a very cool photo and some reflections from the author when she met with the cast of the movie.

Appropriately, this story takes place in 1964, in the heart of intensifying racial unrest. The Civil Rights Act came into being in that year, so it makes a fitting framework for the story of Rosaleen and Lily, and of May, June and August.

“You have to find a mother inside yourself. We all do. Even if we already have a mother, we still have to find this part of ourselves inside.” ~ said by August to Lily, in The Secret Life of Bees
Brenda

Here's a great interview with Sue Monk Kidd, the author.

I have read this lovely book and it's going in a goodie box for my oldest granddarling.

A little clip from the movie for you...enjoy!

"What makes The Secret Life of Bees so mesmerizing is Lily. Told in first person, this story touches all of us who have ever dealt with maternal loss and betrayal, culpability and have needed absolution." ~ Linda Mowrey
Brenda

I loved the book, and loved the movie so much that I went back and reread the book!

Brenda, will anyone else be joining us on Sunday?

Nancy

I hope so, Nancy!
Is anyone else planning on joining us for Book Chat in the Gold Star Chat room on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 P.M. MST?

Here's an interesting question from the reader's guide on Sue Monk Kidd's website:
"Lily grew up without her mother, but in the end she finds a house full of them.
Have you ever had a mother figure in your life who wasn’t your true mother?
Have you ever had to leave home to find home?"

I can identify with that...I call those people my "cookie persons." There were several lovely souls throughout my life who helped me to survive and grow, and who made a difference in who I turned out to be. I'm forever grateful for them.

"The Secret Life of Bees has a rare wisdom about life...about mothers and daughters and the women in our lives who become our true mothers.
A remarkable story about the divine power of women and the transforming power of love, this is a stunning debut whose rich, assured, irresistible voice gathers us up and doesn't let go, not for a moment.
It is the kind of novel that women share with each other and that mothers will hand down to their daughters for years to come." ~ Sue Monk Kidd's website
Brenda

Join us in the Gold Star Chat Room at 2:00 P.M. MST this afternoon!
Have you read the book?
Are you thinking about reading it?
Stop by in the chat room for a good book chat about The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd...see you there!

“To reach the book's conclusion, you'll want to tear through the pages. Restrain yourself. The beautiful language and seamless unfolding of this well-written story deserve more. It merits sweet time and savoring.” ~ Southern Living
Brenda

In my confused state, I just signed in for the CRC Book Chat at 3:00 MST, one hour late. How did I do that? Mea culpa! I am totally embarassed. Brenda, I'm sending you a huge apology,

Nancy

Not to worry, Nancy!
I've answered your PM. There's always next month, so we'll see you then!
Take care!

"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers." ~ Charles W. Eliot
Brenda