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

Summary |  Excerpt |  Reading Guide |  Reviews |  Read-Alikes |  Genres & Themes |  Author Bio

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

The Secret Life of Bees

by Sue Monk Kidd
  • BookBrowse Review:
  • Critics' Consensus (7):
  • Readers' Rating (71):
  • First Published:
  • Jan 1, 2002, 320 pages
  • Paperback:
  • Jan 2003, 320 pages
  • Genres & Themes
  • Publication Information
  • Rate this book

About This Book

Reviews

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There are currently 71 reader reviews for The Secret Life of Bees
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Larissa

I thought this book was a fantastic piece of writing which Kidd did an excellent work on. Her words and the way Lily is portraied in this novel is absolutely wonderful. The setting is extremly overwhelming and i think this novel should be read by anyone who likes books based on Coming-to-age type feels. Age: 15.
Anna

this is a realllllly good book that has one of the best messages for young girls that any book could have. i highly reccomend this to any one looking for a good enjoyable reading book!
Raci

I tHiNk ThIs BoOk Is So SuPeR!!! for real its great there is a point like in every book you fall out of the liking but its not that bad! i had to read it for cont. lit. i think its a little over rated but it still deserves its perks
Tracey

Sue Monk Kidd has written a wonderful coming-of-age story with dashes of humor and scenes of intense drama. The strongest point in this book are the amazing ladies she has created - Lily, Rosaleen, May, June and August. Each one is unique and makes an impression on the reader. The portrayal of the racial tensions of the 1960s adds even more to an already moving and powerful story.
N. Hubrich

I really liked this book, it is written beautifully. Enjoyable, easy to read, but a little slow.
Brooke

While the book isn't perfect - no book is, really - the story is well-thought out and imaginative, while the characters are definitely much more than names on paper. One of the major things I loved about this book is how it wasn't edited to have perfect grammar, perfect use of the language, etc. Slang, cursing, and realistic writing might seem like poor editing, but in my opinion it just makes the story much easier to understand. After all, who wants to read a formal letter when they can read a note from their best friend?
Anonymous

This book was a good book not great not bad just good. It explains a life of a 14 year old girl but the girl has a couple different personalities. She can be mature but than can act like a 8 year old!
kimpete

Secret Life of Bees
I was hoping by the length that it would be quick read but I didn't feel like picking it up whenever I had the chance. I felt it took too long to reach the denouement and found myself wondering what's the author's point in writing this book. I found it rather unbelievable at times (Would a grown women at any time leave her life/home to go with a teenager no matter what her race?) but was definitely rooting for Lily and Rosaleen to make it work in a new place. Not a top recommendation but not too bad either. I know people who enjoyed more than I.

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