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starrreadsstuff's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
amanda1793's review against another edition
3.0
So I listened to the vast majority of this book on audio and it definitely added to the experience. It added the richness with the narrator reading with a southern accent, that did, if totally honest get annoying from time to time...
The first few times that is made the attempt to read this book, I had a hard time because the physical book print was not good in the edition I had borrowed from the library, and as such I couldn't push myself through.
Overall, I did enjoy the story this book presented to the readers. I'm very interested in this time period and this history and the historical fiction just adds to my interest. I will say I felt that, at times, the book was dragging on and on. I felt that some parts were over done and others were under done. I felt that some of the story either didn't need to be there or was there for little reason.
I do recommend this book. Especially to those you enjoy this time period and the history of others.
The first few times that is made the attempt to read this book, I had a hard time because the physical book print was not good in the edition I had borrowed from the library, and as such I couldn't push myself through.
Overall, I did enjoy the story this book presented to the readers. I'm very interested in this time period and this history and the historical fiction just adds to my interest. I will say I felt that, at times, the book was dragging on and on. I felt that some parts were over done and others were under done. I felt that some of the story either didn't need to be there or was there for little reason.
I do recommend this book. Especially to those you enjoy this time period and the history of others.
kkrum's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
madisynn's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
lyssunger's review against another edition
3.0
This book took me like almost 6 months to read and not because I found the content uninteresting it just didn't move along very fast even though it's a relatively short book.
lucindapearson's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Overall Rating: 3.5/5
Sue Monk Kidd's "The Secret Life of Bees" is a heartfelt narrative, that captures the essence of a young girl's journey towards self-discovery amidst the complexities of racial tensions in 1960s South Carolina.
Characters: 3/5
The characters are well-drawn, with Lily's coming of age at the forefront. While they provide a solid foundation for the story, they could benefit from further development to fully bring out their emotional depth.
Plot: 3/5
The plot is engaging, offering a satisfying blend of tension and resolution that keeps the reader invested in Lily's fate and the secrets she uncovers.
Pace: 3/5
The pace of the novel fluctuates, with some parts feeling gripping while others take a more measured approach, allowing the reader to ponder the themes presented.
Setting: 4/5
The setting is one of the book's highlights, with the vivid portrayal of the South and the intricate details of beekeeping adding a rich layer to the story.
Writing Style: 4/5
Kidd's writing style is witty and expressive, with a rhythm that complements the narrative's emotional undertones.
At the beginning of each chapter, she included an epigraph which served as a thoughtful reflection that paralleled the unfolding story. This was a poignant and charming touch that enhanced the reading experience and complimented the book's themes of growth and community.
In summary, "The Secret Life of Bees" is a touching historical novel that offers a story that resonates with hope and the power of connection.
Sue Monk Kidd's "The Secret Life of Bees" is a heartfelt narrative, that captures the essence of a young girl's journey towards self-discovery amidst the complexities of racial tensions in 1960s South Carolina.
Characters: 3/5
The characters are well-drawn, with Lily's coming of age at the forefront. While they provide a solid foundation for the story, they could benefit from further development to fully bring out their emotional depth.
Plot: 3/5
The plot is engaging, offering a satisfying blend of tension and resolution that keeps the reader invested in Lily's fate and the secrets she uncovers.
Pace: 3/5
The pace of the novel fluctuates, with some parts feeling gripping while others take a more measured approach, allowing the reader to ponder the themes presented.
Setting: 4/5
The setting is one of the book's highlights, with the vivid portrayal of the South and the intricate details of beekeeping adding a rich layer to the story.
Writing Style: 4/5
Kidd's writing style is witty and expressive, with a rhythm that complements the narrative's emotional undertones.
At the beginning of each chapter, she included an epigraph which served as a thoughtful reflection that paralleled the unfolding story. This was a poignant and charming touch that enhanced the reading experience and complimented the book's themes of growth and community.
In summary, "The Secret Life of Bees" is a touching historical novel that offers a story that resonates with hope and the power of connection.
bambiann's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
ellianderjoy's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
terryknight's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0