queen bees
kelly | 12 September 2006 - 11:06pm
been reading: The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
I read this novel straight through in one sitting, while flying home from Dubai. I rarely read books that way and wouldn't usually recommend it, but this novel seemed suited for it. The characters are so compelling that I wanted to join their world for awhile. I was sitting in 38A, but I was really in Tiburon, South Carolina. Harvesting honey.
A coming-of-age tale, this novel is about a young girl who has lost her mother and is searching for maternal love and simultaneously searching for herself. But at its heart, it celebrates the strength of women. This novel is perhaps the most feminist I have read, although it is not overt. It doesn't need to be - the metaphors speak for themselves.
At the center of the story is the sisterhood. They are Ya-Ya in their devotion to each other and their reverence for life. They are independent women, but they always return to the circle for wisdom and compassion and renewal.
This novel was recommended to me by a woman who is both my friend and my mentor. She has guided me along for years, often without even knowing it. I cannot imagine a more appropriate person to have recommended this book.
- 581 reads
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That book will always resonate with me. It's definitely one that will draw you in...until you look up hours later and then realize that you've lost yourself in the words.
The attempt at reconciliation at the end got me.
indeed a good book.
more importantly, thanks for the car picture! i love it!
Read this over the summer, one of my new faves.
Great book. Such a descriptive writer.
that's another one that i love. girl, we gots to have a bookclub of somethin cause girrrrrrrl we be lovin the same books. word.
I loved this book when I read it and now, my bookclub has her next one (made into a lifetime movie with kim basinger, gag!) on the list. I need to do a post about the books I've been reading lately, thanks for the reminder!
Hi Kelly
Sounds like one I'd enjoy, thanks for the review. I'll pick it up at the bookstore soon.
Sounds good. I've heard the title before but now that I have the synopsis I think I need to check into it!
This is the book that taught me that I must mother myself.
That no matter what happened in my life from birth until now, I'm the one who must love and care for me. I carry my mother within me.
I read this book at a time when I was coming off antidepressants (after 2+ years on them) and just really opening up in therapy (both individual and group).
What I learned from this book came at the most appropriate time. It was the first time I had allowed myself to feel real vulnerability and emotional need since... I don't remember.
And from that lesson I learned that I am writing my story now. I have permission to go back and tell myself at 5 years old that things are going to be ok, and now I have the faith to believe it.
I really loved that book. Just read The Mermaid's Chair a few weeks ago. Not as good, but good.