Rating: 
Summary: GREAT STORY - GREAT VOICE
Review: This review is of the audio version. The best part about this version is the voice of the reader Jenna Lamia. This book was a gift to my wife. I had not planned to listen to it but I put tape one in just to see how it started and I was immediately captivated by the voice of the reader. I can't imagine reading this book. I think listening to it is the best way to go. The characters were wonderful and the story involving. I have one quibble with the plot. As a black person it seamed to me that the black people in the story caused a lot of their own problems. I am not discounting the racism prevalent in the white villains but some of the actions of the black characters that caused them problems were not realistic. But that aside once they got in trouble the characters actions and personalities drove the story along nicely. I highly recommend this audio version. It is one of the best 'reads' by an audio reader I have heard.
Rating: 
Summary: One Of My All Time Favorites
Review: This is the first book I have read that has caused me to finish the last page and turn back to the very beginning to read it all over again. Simply put, I loved this book! The author writes with such vivid description that the words melt off of the page and become a movie for your mind. I loved the characters, Lily, Rosaleen, August, June and May. Now that I have finished the book, I find myslf wondering what they have been up to since I last closed the book. Buy this book!!! You will not be disappointed!!!
Rating:
Summary: Mother's Love
Review: This book caught my attention early on and kept it right through to the end which, I must confess, became somewhat predictable the closer I got to the end. What kept this story "true" for me was the fact that despite Lily's mistreatment by her father, she held on to the belief that he would eventually miss her, want her back, treat her well, etc. Her hopes and dreams about both her mother and father ring true for a young girl in such circumstances. What I especially liked were the little bits and pieces of wisdom that Lily learned after being taken in, sheltered and nurtured by the 3 calendar sisters. One of my main reservations about the book is the familiar theme of girls without mothers. This type of story has quite a history--beginning with fairy tales up through Nancy Drew and on up to the present. It's an interesting sociological/psychological subject, which is maybe why it is a situation so often used in fiction, especially what is called, women's fiction.
Rating:
Summary: The Secret Life of Bees
Review: This is one of the best books I have read in a
very long time. Frankly, I had trouble putting it
down. Have ordered a copy to mail to my daughter,
who lives in a Northwestern state but is a Southern
girl at heart, & think she will find it as fasci-
nating as I did.
Have read Sue Monk Kidd's writings in GuidePost for
years. If there is an "Author of the Year" award,
it most definately should go to Ms. Kidd. cb
Rating:
Summary: Did Not Want It To End!
Review: I was hooked. One of the best books I have ever read. Interesting characters just lure you into the story. Don't miss this one!
Rating:
Summary: Huck and Jim Redux
Review: I found Sue Monk Kidd's portrayal of Lily and Rosaleen's journey wonderfully reminiscent of Huck and Jim's escape from their former troubled lives. I would say to those who find the book too sweet-- Not so. This is a fantastical trip back to love which has been stolen from Rosaleen and Lily both. Enjoy the bigger than life characters for the archetypes they are in this eternal story retold.
Rating:
Summary: Bee-u-tiful book!
Review: I could not put it down!n Lily, Rosaleen, and the Calendar sisters create a rich and unique relationship, removing barriers of place, time, race, or reason. Collectively, my book club loved this book and we could not stop talking about the events that unfolded, the comraderie that was developed for the young Lily, and the basic human tenets that bond all women; joy, sorrow, love and kindness!
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Book!
Review: This one of the best books I have read in a long time! It is a timeless and beautiful story. I could not put it down and finished the book in 24 hours. I absolutely loved the book! Sue Monk Kidd is a beautiful writer with amazing metaphors and images. I would suggest this book to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: Light but lots to think about!
Review: I really enoyed this book. The story moved along in a smooth lilting way. The author's use of language at times, is almost poetic. She has a beautiful style. She has also taken on a lot of controversial topics. I enjoyed the way she makes one think about race and religion. She also makes us think about how we are seen by our children. Very worthwile.
Rating:
Summary: Extraordinary
Review: This book held so many things to think about. She explores religious beliefs and the ideals that our children have about us. It is so worth the short time it will take you to read it!
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