Blog 3

Blog 3: Choose one of the two books you read this summer as part of your summer enrichment and compose a critical review. Imagine this review would appear in the New York Times – your audience is well read professionals. Make sure you are clear about whether they should read this book or not and why.

Secret life of Bees

     Sue Monk Kidd's, Secret Life of Bees, is a delightful tale of powerful women, strong tradition, endless friendships, and beekeeping. Lily Owens, the narrator and bright fourteen-year-old who brings this story to life, lives with her unloving, emotionally detached father T. Ray in Sylvan, South Carolina. Lily's mother was shot in an accident that T. Ray blames on Lily. Motherless, Lily strives to know who her mother was and where she had traveled. When her "stand in" mother Rosaleen, a large, feisty African American, runs into trouble with three of Carolina's biggest racists, Lily decides it is time to leave Sylvan, and her past behind.  Taking with her only a few articles of clothing and three of her mothers things; a picture of an African American Virgin Mary, gloves, and a picture of her mother, Lily and Rosaleen break out of jail and head for Tiburon, South Carolina.

     Arriving at an eyesore of a pink house, Lily and Rosaleen are introduced to the Boatwright sisters; August, the beekeeper, June, the musician, and May, the emotional one. Lily gives them a fake identity, and asks if her and Rosaleen can stay with them for a while. August graciously invites them to stay, and here is where the real story begins.

     This novel is filled with the true value of friendship, motherly love, and growing up. It takes you on a journey, following Lily's change form girl to young women, her acceptance of race, and her acceptance of her mothers choices.

     It is a light, heartfelt read. Great for any and all age. Sue Monk Kidd's writing style is flawless, and so descriptive you'd swear you were in the South, too.
    
     I highly, highly recommend this to anyone looking for a short story about life and the trials and tribulations in it.