Challenge Corner discussion

Set in South Carolina in 1964, The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. When Lily's fierce-hearted black "stand-in mother," Rosaleen, insults three of the deepest racists in town, Lily decides to spring them both free. They escape to Tiburon, South Carolina--a town that holds the secret to her mother's past. Taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters, Lily is introduced to their mesmerizing world of bees and honey, and the Black Madonna. This is a remarkable novel about divine female power, a story women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come.

27% (view spoiler)[It does start off pretty slow, and it seems to take a while to get to the point - maybe too much description. I'm wondering what her mother's relationship was with August, as well as how August got to be as respected as she is as a black woman in 1964 South Carolina. (hide spoiler)]

I'll be starting this later today after I finish my current book! :)

20% : (view spoiler)[This was off with a slow start, I was wondering whether the book is going to be about Lily's relationship with her abusive father never having read the blurb but I am liking it since she ran away. Rosaleen's a bit quirky and I am curious to see how these two very different people are going to navigate life. (hide spoiler)]

45% : (view spoiler)[OK i am really liking this now, the writing style of talking about issues like racism from the POV of a teenage girl in 1964 South Carolina is penning out great. I just wish we could know the story from June, August and May's POV as well. I wonder how Lily's mom came to know August or were they close while she was alive. Also getting slightly frustrated that Lily is still withholding the reason why she is really there, I mean I understand her hesitation but still. The hinting of romance between Zach and Lily, especially when she says she thought it was impossible to be attracted to a colored person and the way she believes Zach's dream to become a lawyer was irrational, it really shows the state of mind of people back then. I am not from a western country so I probably can't understand it completely but reading about how people are discriminated upon just because of skin color naturally enrages me. (hide spoiler)]

76% : (view spoiler)[I hate it when I am liking a book and then it all turns to a topic I am not at all comfortable with. I wish I could separate my enjoyment from the religious views in the book. May’s death was super sad but I also feel kind of relieved for her? It was so obvious that she was in pain all day, every day and I can understand wanting a respite from it all. But Zach blaming himself for the same made me want to give him a hug. I am still waiting for Lily to take a leap and be honest with August but idk if it will even happen. (hide spoiler)]

Finished: (view spoiler)[Deborah’s story was such a sad tale, I can’t imagine being in a situation like hers. I liked how author gave depth to T Ray’s character as well, no matter how horrible he was in the present, I like to imagine a time where he had truly loved Lily’s mom because the alternative is just…not acceptable at all. Lily found a family she loves, a family she chose herself and in the process erased all distinctions of color and race. She dealt with her emotions head on and I hope that her future is bright (hide spoiler)]

Kira wrote: "45% : [spoilers removed]"

Unfortunately that's still a reality in some places today, and it definitely was in 1964 South Carolina

54% (view spoiler)[I'm really liking this one so far. I'm glad we're getting a hint of romance, I wasn't sure if there would be any and I'm interested to see where it goes, especially because it's implausible in the time and place.

It's interesting that Rosaleen moved in with Mae. Not what I expected at all. And then Lily's feelings about her father, I'm really interested to see where that will go. (hide spoiler)]

75% (view spoiler)[I didn't exactly think it was obvious that May would die, up until the beginning of that chapter, but I do agree with you Kira that it was probably necessary. I'm sure it's realistic, since in that time there wasn't really options for mental health services, especially for black women. (hide spoiler)]

FINISHED (view spoiler)[I really liked how deeply this went into the ideas behind religion as what you make of it and of found family. I loved the scene at the end where all the Daughters show up, that was really powerful. The ending made me cry. (hide spoiler)]