The Secret Life of Bees

By: Sue Monk Kidd

Narrated by: Jenna Lamia

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

Very nice, heartwarming story.

I love a coming of age, heartwarming story, and this was a very nice one. Lily is a charming, strong willed character that I fell in love with instantly. She breaks away from the terrible life she is left with by her mother's death, and goes in search of her mother's past. It is a very enjoyable story, with some darkness, and humor to balance it nicely.

I recommend it, and bought it for my teenage nieces, who loved it!

This is the best audible book ever recorded

The book has the most charming narration I have ever heard. I almost didn't even care what I was listening to, just so I could listen to this narration. That the writing in this book is pure poetry makes it a combination that is simply irresistible. I love it. I cannot recommend it too highly.

great book

I love this story the narrator sends you back in time to a time most of us just hear about from our grandparents

Wonderful book

If you could sum up The Secret Life of Bees in three words, what would they be?

kindness always matters

What did you like best about this story?

It took me into the story

Which scene was your favorite?

When she runs away from home, and sleeping by the creek

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

It is a film, I have not seen it, but I will.

Any additional comments?

You will enjoy this book, give it a try.

A great story to lift any spirit.

I first read this book when I was 14 and I couldn't put it down. Ten years later and I still read it when I'm feeling down about my life. I like the narrator. She really brought out the emotions of the story.

MUCH Better than the movie!

Would you listen to The Secret Life of Bees again? Why?

Yes, already have! I really enjoyed the plot.

What did you like best about this story?

I can't pick just one thing!

What does Jenna Lamia bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her accent really made it for me. Her accent put me right there with every word.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were several points when I was really moved. I think each one was probably based in an act of real courage to go against the norm for that location and time.

Any additional comments?

I am so glad I saw the movie AFTER listening to the book. The book is just so much better at character development than the movie. Listening to the book made want to just settle back on a porch swing and watch it play out. Really enjoyed this book!

Just As Amazing As The Hardcover!

What did you love best about The Secret Life of Bees?

I loved thethe accent of the narrator for one because she made the whole story feel as if you were right there in the plot. I also loved the inspirational and modivational phrases that were used from time to time in the story. I loved! the entire storyline, made me feel like I was readind the hardcover in hand.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Secret Life of Bees?

The most memmorable moments were every moment that May felt someone elses pain, when T-Ray came for Lily in the end, when May committed suicide and when lily found out about her mom. There is more but I wont spoil the listening for other *laughs out loud*.

Which character – as performed by Jenna Lamia – was your favorite?

Seeing that I read the book, watched the movie AND listened to the audio *laughs out loud* My favorite characters would be May, August and Lily .

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES NO DOUBT!!!

One of my favourites ever!

I loved this story - everything. How the little girl found her way "home" and felt the love in a new environment. And how she had strength at such a young age to make the right decisions.

Good listen

Narrator is phenomenal. We liked the book very much, but at times grew tired of the protagonist's self-pity. However, it is definitely worth the read & listen!

Wonderful Story

This book is about a little girl searching for the truth about her mother's life. It's about bees but also about family relationships, friendship and the civil rights movement. The narrator on this book was extraordinary-the perfect voice for this little girl. I highly recommend it.