this is one of my favorite books of all times, mostly because it has such strong female characters and the devasting issues going are horrible but easy to grasp. I love the symbolism with the bees.

On another note, people who rated it not very good and just said it was ok, well they probably don't read much anyway, This book lacked nothing, it was pure perfection another great book produced from a great author. I could've never written something that captivated the heart and soul of motherless child like that! Lily may have seem immature at time but so what, she is only 14, she isn't really 40 something like she says she felt the day she left home. It doesn't matter if it is realistic or not, that's why it is called fiction in the first place. If you don't like something is really a reason to post a review? And if you don't like and post a review try to be more creative then, this guy "This is one of the most over-hyped books that I've read in years. Lily, at times, seems to have the voice of a 10 year old, and not the mature 14 year old that she is supposed to be. Rosaleen is painted as child -with Lily making their important life decisions. The book tries to deliver an important message about the role of African American women in the South, but I think it fails miserably. With one-dimension characters and a contrived storyline, this book reads like a Hallmark card." Because that really proves nothing not matter how long it may be. Because the book is NOT about an african woman in the south. That's more like Their Eyes Were Watching God, this book was about a a teen girl trying to find her mother (plus if you had to do all that growing up by yourself I'd imagine you could have some childish moments) Also the person that said, "Simplistic, poorly edited, racist." Didn't get the book at all, something maybe simple and that is why you have to look deep within to find the true meaning. As for the racist bit, that had to do with the time period, it's history that is not the Authors fault. I don't really think editing is that important when it comes to a good book either. And lastly, the person that said, "It's alright for what it is but it aint all that." Really now, that's all you could come up with? Yes you are allowed to express your thoughts but there is a more professional way of doing so.