The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd - Starting June 7th 2017

[Sarah Elizabeth]

Set in South Carolina in 1964, The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. When Lily's fierce-hearted black "stand-in mother," Rosaleen, insults three of the deepest racists in town, Lily decides to spring them both free. They escape to Tiburon, South Carolina--a town that holds the secret to her mother's past. Taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters, Lily is introduced to their mesmerizing world of bees and honey, and the Black Madonna. This is a remarkable novel about divine female power, a story women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come.

[Amanda]

At chapter 3 - When I first started this book I wasn't sure it would hold my interest. But - I absolutely love the relationship between Rosaleen and Lily. Almost like a tough grandma.

[Abby]

Chapter 4: (view spoiler)[I hope Lily's in the right place and these women actually knew her mother. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 7: (view spoiler)[Lily and Zach are so cute! I love interracial relationships when everything's against them. (hide spoiler)]

Chapter 10: (view spoiler)[May's death is one of the saddest I've ever read in literature. (hide spoiler)]

End: (view spoiler)[I like that Lily's mother actually did leave her.
It shows that not everything has a storybook ending. But I'm so glad the ladies took Lily in forever. (hide spoiler)]

[Abby]

Amanda wrote: "At chapter 3 - When I first started this book I wasn't sure it would hold my interest. But - I absolutely love the relationship between Rosaleen and Lily. Almost like a tough grandma."

Yes, they're great! Especially when they get mad at each other.

[Amanda]

Chapter 6: (view spoiler)[ I love May. She is such a sweet soul. I have a feeling something bad is coming. I like the dynamic between the calendar sisters and how Rosaleen and Lily have just fit in. (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

Chapter 11: (view spoiler)[ Ugh, I'm heartbroken! I figured after the story of April, May would end like this. Lily has been through too much tragedy. (hide spoiler)]

[Amanda]

End: (view spoiler)[ I was very happy with the conclusion. I was shocked the August had helped in raising Deborah, but it was fitting. There are a few loose ends I wish were tied up a bit neater, but I truly enjoyed my first Sue Monk Kidd book. (hide spoiler)]