The Bean Trees

By: Barbara Kingsolver

Narrated by: C. J. Critt

Clear-eyed and spirited, Taylor Greer grew up poor in rural Kentucky with the goals of avoiding pregnancy and getting away.

But when she heads west with high hopes and a barely functional car, she meets the human condition head-on. By the time Taylor arrives in Tucson, Arizona, she has acquired a completely unexpected child, a three-year-old American Indian girl named Turtle, and must somehow come to terms with both motherhood and the necessity of putting down roots.

Hers is a story about love and friendship, abandonment and belonging, and the discovery of surprising resources in apparently empty places.

©1988 Barbara Kingsolver (P)2004 Recorded Books, LLC

Just ok

I read this after Demon Copperhead and I was not nearly as impressed. It was fine just not memorable. Kinda slow.

Of tires and turtle

I love the clarity and courage of this protagonist, and the unexpected crescendo of events she lets herself become deeply committed to, and the seasonal relationships that develop over time. And the underlying stream of humour makes it a book I relish! and will re-listen to again and again. I felt C.J. Critt as a narrator transmitted the nuances of the book with an even lighter touch than the author herself. Looking forward to Pigs in Heaven being produced unabridged.

Great Realistic Story

I loved this book! The concepts of family and understanding are very well done. I would say that the book had me wanting to continue even 'till the very end.

love barbara kingsolver!

barbara never disappoints! it was hard for me to stop listening. cj critt was a great narrator.

Timeless Story

This writer is addictive. She has the ability to draw you in and make you care about the characters, connect with their lives and look forward to reading her next book.

Heartfelt story.

This Kingsolver novel, like so many,is filled with lively characters and storyline. It has a memorable story that will stay in my thoughts for a long while.

Good reader and wonderful story.

Good writing and good reading! Loved reflecting on the themes around childhood and womanhood, Native American rights which are constantly under question and Native American relations with white Americans, and the love between non-biological mother and child.

Narration

I expected the story to be a longer one based on her other works I have listened to. That said, it was a really good story!

Poor narrative with an almost excellent gritty book

The mouth-breathing narrator was distracting and unprofessional. Story was intriguing and raw. Chapter 8: If you listen carefully, you can hear another person narrating a different book in the distance; I expect more quality control from Audible.

The story itself.

The story is so well written and honest and beautiful. I loved this book and listened to it on Audible.