The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd
The Secret Life of Bees, Sue Monk Kidd
170 Rating(s)
List: $20.00 | Sale: $14.00
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The Secret Life of Bees

Author: Sue Monk Kidd

Narrator: Jenna Lamia

Unabridged: 9 hr 54 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Published: 01/28/2003


Synopsis

An intoxicating debut novel of "one motherless daughter's discovery of...the strange and wonderful places we find love" —The Washington PostSue Monk Kidd's ravishing debut novel has stolen the hearts of reviewers and readers alike with its strong, assured voice. Set in South Carolina in 1964, The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. When Lily's fierce-hearted "stand-in mother," Rosaleen, insults three of the town's fiercest racists, Lily decides they should both escape to Tiburon, South Carolina—a town that holds the secret to her mother's past. There they are taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters who introduce Lily to a mesmerizing world of bees, honey, and the Black Madonna who presides over their household. This is a remarkable story about divine female power and the transforming power of love—a story that women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come.

About The Author

Sue Monk Kidd is the award-winning and bestselling author of the novels The Secret Life of Bees and The Mermaid Chair. She has also written several acclaimed memoirs, including Traveling with Pomegranates, and serves on the Writers Council for Poets & Writers, Inc. Kidd lives in Southwest Florida with her husband, Sandy, and dog, Barney. To learn more, visit suemonkkidd.com.Jenna Lamia has appeared on- and off-Broadway, as well as on television in Law and Order: SVUStrangers with Candy, HBO's Oz, and MTV's Awkward., of which she is also the coexecutive producer. Her film credits include The Fighter and The Call.


Reviews

AudiobooksNow review by merri on 2007-06-14 01:09:38

i had heard this book mentioned a few times, it was on the ny times list, and it was ok but i dont see what all the hype was about. its one of those hallmark specials kind of books, and i dont really too much love any of the characters. you might as well read it but dont expect too much.

AudiobooksNow review by Christine on 2007-07-17 19:32:29

I picked this book up on a whim while at the local bookstore. I was not sure what to expect when I began, but immediately, the words flew off the page, enveloping me in their story. There was no option but to dive in and enjoy the ride. If you are willing to take an emotional journey, I would recommend this book.

AudiobooksNow review by Lisa on 2008-01-07 12:39:23

i too had no idea what to expect from this story, but i'm so glad i read it. the characters are facinating and so well developed. the story is heart-breaking and heart-warming all at the same time. i couldn't put this book down.

AudiobooksNow review by Cyndie Browning of Tulsa, OK on 2008-05-15 12:52:17

The write-up about this book refers to Lily's housekeeper, Rosaleen, having to skip town and adds that Lily takes the opportunity to go with her. In truth, it's Lily who takes the lead in escaping the oppression of her father and the small town where they live and running off to find the Black Madonna. The book is about her fantasy-like yearning to live with the so-called calendar sisters where she finds the mother's love she's wanted all her life. Sometimes you have to read a book to find out what it's really about. Nonetheless, I loved this little book and the reading of it. Lily's 14-year-old naivete is charming rather than exasperating, which I had expected given her age. Some time ago I gave this book as a gift to a friend even tho' I hadn't read it myself, but now that I have read it, I'm glad I chose it as a gift. It's a wonderful little story.

AudiobooksNow review by Elaine on 2008-06-01 15:55:13

This was a book that I heard of but didn't know much about. I've been reading more whimsical chick books like the Stephanie Plum series and decided that I would check this out. And I am glad I did. I really, really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed the characters and I could picture myself being there and just enjoying it as the main character was. Definitely worth checking out. I just finished reading it and have already recommended it to friends.

Goodreads review by Kerry on March 08, 2007

Okay, hear me out. This is SO not the kind of book I normally read. It's the kind of book my mother reads. You know the type I'm talking about: "Reviving Ophelia", "Not Without My Daughter"...mother-y books. It was, in fact, my mother who demanded I read this book, because she read it in her book cl......more

Goodreads review by Lisa of Troy on August 12, 2024

The Secret Life of Bees is a fictional story set in 1964 South Carolina. Lily Owens lives with her abusive father, T.Ray, and she is haunted by the mysterious circumstances surrounding her mother’s death. One day, Lily finds herself in legal trouble after a racist encounter, and she goes on the run......more

Goodreads review by Sammy on June 12, 2007

Ahhh! *gasp* *choke* *stammer* I can barely find the words to say how much I loved this book. Honestly, The Secret Life of Bees has to be one of the best books I've read in a while. I just want to give it several A+'s and a kiss! It was touching, well-written, beautiful, full of expression, insightfu......more

Goodreads review by Will on April 20, 2022

Sue Monk Kidd - image from her FB pages The Secret Life of Bees is a lovely tale. It tells of Lily, a South Carolina 14 year old. She lives, unhappily, with her crusty father T. Ray and Rosaleen, the woman who raised her after her mother died when Lily was 4. It is a coming of age tale set against th......more

Goodreads review by Dolly on July 11, 2007

I confess to being a little hesitant going into this book. It is, after all, that most cliched and irritating of literati faves: a coming-of-age story set in the American South. Lily, a motherless 14-year-old girl lives with her bigoted abusive father on a peach farm in South Carolina. Her goals inv......more


Quotes

"Sue Monk Kidd is an extraordinary storyteller. Beautifully written."—Ursula Hegi"A wonderful novel about mothers and daughters and the transcendent power of love."—Connie May fowler"With imagination as lush and colorful as the American South, a clutch of deliciously eccentric characters and vivid prose, Sue Monk Kidd creates a rich, maternal haven in a harsh world." —Christina Schwarz


Awards

  • Literature to Life Award