Friends of the Forks Library Book Reviews
Courtesy of the Forks Forum
The Secret Life of Bees
(reserve this book)
By Sue Monk Kidd
Review written by Debbie McIntyre
The Friends of Forks Library is a non-profit group of book-lovers dedicated to fund-raising for our local library. Book-sorting parties for our eclectic group have led to many fascinating discussions. The Forks Forum has kindly agreed to allow us to share our passion with a broader audience. This is the first in a series of monthly columns which will be written by various members.
I’ve often heard it said that “the book was much better than the movie.” To my knowledge, a movie hasn’t been made from The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd. It’s difficult to imagine how a movie would capture the depth of this work, which encompasses many universal themes: finding family, community, and our place in this world. Those have often been explored on film, however, it is Kidd’s descriptive turn of phrase and metaphorical prose that draws readers in and keeps you captivated. Furthermore, it inspires you to want to read more works by this compelling author.
In 1964, Lily, the 14-year old main character of the novel, only has a few keepsakes that belonged to her mother, who died when she was four. During this racially charged time, an encounter with racists in the southern town where she lives with her abusive father and African American housekeeper is the catalyst for a journey in which she follows the clues provided by those items to search for a place of refuge and family, which she finds in a very unlikely place.
Fortunately for me, unlike Lily’s father in the book, my mother encouraged me to read, and sharing our thoughts about what we were reading created meaningful connections even when we were separated by more distance than just miles. My love of reading was the best keepsake that she left to me.
Included in this evocative, insightful, and thought-provoking paperback is an interview with the author that is very interesting and a guide to be used by reading groups. Exploring suemonkkidd.com , I discovered that many people loved the book, and share their thoughts with countless others. Last year, Timberland Regional Library, chose it for their “Timberland Reads Together” program, and created special events around many social issues suggested by it, including a performance by Heartsparkle Players, who used “playback theatre techniques”, which sounds like a great way to create community.
Furthermore, the author writes a monthly online journal. In one essay Kidd states that she writes fiction “because it creates empathy….I want to affect the reader’s mind-to educate and enlighten-what I wish for even more is to jolt the reader’s heart, I want my words to open a portal through which the reader may leave the self, migrate to some other human sky, and return ‘disposed’ to otherness.” With this book, I believe that she accomplished that purpose: in Lily’s words: “My heart never stops talking.” Mine doesn’t either. “Secret Life” is one of those books which creates indelible images and a myriad of questions in your mind, which lead you to deeper exploration and a desire to discuss your own feelings with others. Sharing a book with others magnifies the meaning that is created within us as we read.
I’d like to acknowledge Jackie at Forks Library, who first recommended this great read to me. April is National Library Month. Visit and let the journey begin.
This title is also available as in a Book Discussion kit which contains five copies of the book plus background material for discussions. To reserve this title, please contact us.
North Olympic
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