Looking Back... In an effort to transfer my book journal entries over to this blog, I'm going to attempt to post (in chronological order) an entry every Friday. I may or may not add extra commentary to what I jotted down in these journals.
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
Fiction
2002
Finished on February 11, 2002
Rating: 4.5/5 (Very Good)
Publisher's Blurb:
Lily starts a journey as much about her understanding of the world, as about the mystery surrounding her mother. The Secret Life of Bees is a major literary triumph about the search for love and belonging, a novel that possesses a rare wisdom about life and the power and divinity of the female spirit.
My Original Thoughts (2002):
Strong southern storytelling! One of those page-turners that you try to read slowly, prolonging the finale as long as possible. Has all the ingredients for a "woe-is-me" Oprah selection, but it's several notches above those depressing, worn-out stories of women down on their luck. Sure, there's a bit of that, but nobody's life is perfect and this first-time novelist has created a winner! I need to own this book so I can mark my favorite passages. Definitely worthy of a second (or third!) reading. Beautiful cover art, too. Humorous and poignant. I would love a sequel to this story.
My Current Thoughts:
I enjoyed this so well that I bought a hardcover copy for my keeper shelf. I've read it twice and have watched the movie, as well. Might be time for a third read. It's a winner!
I've never seen the movie but I did like the book. It was well written and had you invested in the characters.
ReplyDeleteTina, I don't remember much about the movie, but I think I enjoyed it. I may read the book again someday.
DeleteI need to reread this novel because I don't remember it now. I read it long ago. But I read Kidd's other novel The Invention of Wings in 2016 which sort of blew me away. It's about the Grimke sisters who were abolitionists. Since then, I've thought Sue Monk Kidd is terrific. But I haven't read any more of hers.
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DeleteSusan, I could probably read this a third time. I've also read (on audio) The Invention of Wings, which was very good. (Reviewed here) I was less impressed with Traveling with Pomegranates (memoir).
DeleteI remember loving this book when it came out, but I haven't watched the movie. I'll put it on my list of "to watch."
ReplyDeleteHelen, I know I watched the movie, but can't remember how I felt about it.
DeleteI know I read this years ago and remember very little of the story. Was thinking about rereading it, but Susan's comment above reminds me that The Invention of Wings is still on my list, too. I want to learn more about the Grimke sisters!
ReplyDeleteJoAnn, I thought The Invention of Wings was excellent. The link to my review is above in my reply to Susan. Highly recommend!
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