What readers think of The Secret Life of Bees, plus links to write your own review.

This novel takes the reader to a time and place where many of us have visited , yet not many want to stay. It catapults the reader into another dimension that appeals to both heart and soul. I loved it, and have recommended to others.

this book was good.

the secret life of bees was a great book and i suggest it to other reading grups and individuals.

I loved the book. It took me 30 or 40 pages to really become totally involved in the book but it was well worth my time. There are so many wonderful conncections in the book that bring home what life is about. While Lily searched for her Mom she found love in the oddest of places for the 60"s. The bottom line for me was that true love knows no racial barriers or creed. The human spirit is capable of far more than we sometimes allow ourselves to imagine.

Although I am not much of a reader, I did not want this book to end. Throughout the novel I felt as though I had built a real connection with the characters; feeling Lily's fear of her father and her past, August's love and concern for everyone, May's compassionate, yet painful outlook on life, and even June's stubborn position on her marriage to Neil. Kidd portrayed all of these characters in the most fascinating way, leaving me wishing I could invite them all to lunch for the most wonderful and most interesting conversation and meal of my life!!

The Secret Life of Bees is one of the best books I've read in years! It made me laugh - many times and made me cry. The language is perfect. The community of women is perfect. The secret life of bees and the secret life of humans interplay beautifully. I don't want it to end. Rose

The book is of the highest literary form, yet the everyday dialogue of the south makes the story so real. Poetry in prose!! Ms. Kidd, in fresh and original language, reveals the mind and heart of the main character, and her fierce determination to protect the one person she loves. The book grabs you right at the first page and does not let you go till you find the outcome of the jorney of the characters. Shades of "To Kill a Mockinbird", and "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" both of which have been favorite books of mine. I hope we hear more from Ms. Kidd soon, I can't wait.

This is a read out loud book for any age. I read it to my 18 y.o. daughter, and sometimes my mom and sister were included. It was full of humor and sadness and so much rich imagery that is specifically related to al stages of our lives as women. It bonded us together in a way that would not have happened if we read it individually. Some people have not appreciated it because they do not understand the Catholic references to Mary. Also, because it takes place in the 60's, it is difficult for us to re-visit our own issues around racism. It is by far the best book I have read inn 2003 and I look forward to more. My daughter would say the same. I would give this book a 10!