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  • The Secret Life of Bees

  • By: Sue Monk Kidd
  • Narrated by: Jenna Lamia
  • Length: 9 hrs and 54 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (7,978 ratings)

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The Secret Life of Bees

By: Sue Monk Kidd
Narrated by: Jenna Lamia
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Publisher's summary

Sue Monk Kidd's ravishing debut novel has stolen the hearts of reviewers and readers alike with its strong, assured voice. 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 "stand-in mother", Rosaleen, insults three of the town's fiercest racists, Lily decides they should both escape to Tiburon, South Carolina - a town that holds the secret to her mother's past. There, they are taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters who introduce Lily to a mesmerizing world of bees, honey, and the Black Madonna who presides over their household.

This is a remarkable story about divine female power and the transforming power of love - a story that women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come.

©2003 Sue Monk Kidd (P)2008 Penguin

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What listeners say about The Secret Life of Bees

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    6,046
  • 4 Stars
    1,376
  • 3 Stars
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    5,185
  • 4 Stars
    1,060
  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
    61

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

The Secret Life of Bees

This is a great listen to book. I would recommend it. The author and the narrator are excellent.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

I loved it

Nothing wrong what so ever. The narrator fits perfectly, and the story is engaging! definitely would recommend.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Narrator made it even better.

This is a heartwarming story of acceptance and love. I sadly have not seen the movie, but I did enjoy the reading. The different characters came to life.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Love love love!!!

The narrator is amazing and her voice is so true to the story! The story is wonderful!!!! I’ve read many books and listened to many books. This was a perfect audio version. Highly recommend this book. 10 stars , 5 is not enough.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing!

Ms. Kidd's writing is superb! The narrator was perfect. I'm looking forward to reading/listening to more of her writing.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

absolutely absorbing

The narrator made the author's words, characters, story come alive. I loved every minute.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing!

Loved the narrator's performance, loved the story, loved every minute ❤. If you are looking for a great listen with coming of age, women's strength, and general life experience, this is your book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

How a abused child found her way

I loved the book and how they told about the life of two white girls & how they survived after the death if the mother. They found religion in the black family that taught them about Mother Mary & how they are loved by a Mother they didn’t really have.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

one of my faves

easy to listen to. great story. jenna is a fantastic narrator. sue is a fantastic writer
I listened to this book time and time again. its my go to relaxing book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

love should be read in today's time

should be a requirement in school reading today.This book is timeless.and will be for always

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