The Bean Trees (Greer Family, #1) in Crazy Challenge Connection

Jul 06, 2009 Book Concierge rated it really liked it

Shelves: nature, concierge, library, own, women-writers

A fast read. Action, reaction, emotional upheaval. Thought provoking. Taylor and her foundling "daughter" Turtle wind up in Tucson when their VW bug has two flat tires. A bit simplistic, but I love her writing. There's humor here, and growth, and the promise of a wonderful future. ...more

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Nov 15, 2019 Chris rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction, series, 300, 2015owned, 2016owned, arizona

It's hard to believe this is Barbara Kingsolver's first book. The writing is a sure as her latest novel.
Years ago I listened to Pigs in Heaven, the second book in this series, but I have no memory of the story other than that it involved an adopted Native American child named Turtle. Now I think I'm going to have to go back and reread that story.
Taylor Greer manages to escape her impoverished town without getting pregnant or married. She heads out west to see what else life has to offer, only ...more

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Apr 01, 2009 Bucket rated it it was amazing

Shelves: nature-the-outdoors, reviewed, literary, diversity, parents-affecting-children, science, food, mythology, immigration

Marietta leaves Kentucky, changes her name to Taylor, and winds up in Arizona having gained a little girl (Turtle) who was left in her car. She moves in with Lou Ann who has a brand new son (Dwayne Ray) and works for a tire change place run by Mattie. Taylor learns about being a mother and about illegal immigrants and their plight. Through all this, she learns how one organism helps another in the background, like Edna and Virgie, like Taylor and Turtle, like wisteria and rhizobia.

Themes: mother ...more

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May 23, 2015 Rachel N. rated it really liked it

Shelves: moral-dilemmas

Taylor Greer leaves her small Kentucky town. When her car breaks down in Oklahoma a woman gives Taylor a child and tells her to keep the toddler. Taylor eventually ends up in Arizona with the child who she names Turtle. Primarily the story of how Taylor comes to terms with being a mother and learns more about the world. The book got a bit heavy handed at times, especially when dealing with the fate of refugees and the strength of women. I did love most of the characters, especially Turtle.

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