The Secret Life of Bees By Sue Monk Kidd – a book review

This is a truly heartwarming story of a young awkward girl, finding her stride, and designing a future by learning about her past and her values. A honey house, black Madonna, beekeeping lessons and some lost and gained love fill the lives of the protagonist, Lily Owens. She finds herself in a the home as opposed to house of three Calendar Sisters (May, June and August) after a “stunt” that would get you in big, retain-a-lawyer-trouble today.

Favorite Unbee Quote: “Lily Melissa Owens, your jar is open.” [p.41]             What’s that? Megan, your jar is open? Let me take advantage of that…….

I think if you like The Help, you will enjoy this novel, and vice versa – apologies to the authors if this is insulting to either – shouldn’t be, just sayin’. Similar feel in terms of setting, challenges and characters, yet Sue Monk Kidd adds in the glory of bees and beekeeping. It is the perfect winter off-season read for a lazy beekeeper or pollinator fan. Sue also includes the gift of great beekeeping quotes with each chapter – aka “the secrets”. In sum: Fills you up with goodness, like eating honeycomb right out of the hive on a hot summer afternoon.