The Secret Life of Bees, by Sue Monk Kidd

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd is about a young teenage girl named Lily Owens who lives with her abusive father. She has been motherless almost her entire life. Lily barely remembers the day her mother was killed. Therefore her African- American nanny, Rosaleen, has filled the absence of her mother. Once Rosaleen gets in a scuffle with white men, Lily and her nanny flee to Tiburon, South Carolina. There, she finds three African-American beekeeping sisters. The sisters take Lily and Rosaleen into their home and give them work. During Lily's stay, she experiences the warmth of family and

I really enjoyed The Secret Life of Bees because it empowered the idea of family. The Boatwright sisters accepting a young, white girl into their home was courageous and inspiring to ignore the status quo. Lily and the sisters go through unbearable challenges and experience the worst. Their culture and past were very fascinating, causing you to grip the book with anticipation. I would definitely suggest this book to those who like analyzing hidden metaphors or the idea of female power. This book is based on how family isn't always based on bloodline, but those that have been with you through thick and thin.

Reviewed by Alyssa, grade 9. Montrose Library