Review: The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

insta @bibliopunker

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.Goodreads

-------------------------------------------------------------------

I liked the writing. The southern tone of the narration really set the scene of Southern Carolina in 1964. I also enjoyed the facts about bees at the beginning of each chapter.

This is a strong story about the intersectionality of women. Themes of sisterhood, motherhood, spirituality, race and segregation are also present. It's a beautifully written story that gives you insight into the 1960s and the relationships between the characters. Each one has their own tale and hurdle to get over.  

Favourite quote from the book

" People can start out one way, and by the time life gets through with them they end up completely different. I don't doubt he started off loving your mother. In fact, I think he worshipped her"

_8/10

Goodreads 2019

I love Goodreads, it's easy to use, pretty interface and I use it as a resource to look up reviews, information, books and quotes all the time. It is my go-to website for books and author information. The Goodreads challenge is a feature on the site where at the start of each year you can set a reading goal. 

Let's look at my Goodreads Challenge history:

I have failed every challenge I set for myself since 2012. Except in 2018, I did not set a goal that year and I did not read many books that year either (11+ books).

I'm putting this out there because while I do love reading, I don't want to give the impression that I can devour books as quickly as I use to when I was younger.

It has become fairly difficult for me to immerse myself into books in the past years. Not because I don't enjoy books but because life gets in the way.

I don't even know what I was thinking in 2016 when I put 160 books. I do feel disappointed when I fail my challenges and that did play a role in not participating in 2018. 

The Goodreads challenge has an edit button. You can edit your challenge during the year: you can add more books you want to read or you could add less.

I've heard many complaints about this feature: many feel you should not be able to edit the challenge while others don't mind at all. What do you think?

I personally also agree, but I don't mind that there is a button to edit your goal. I think it implies personal responsibility and leaves it all up to you. 

leave your thoughts in the comments below