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Title:	Honey Bus, The
Authors:	May, Meredith
Genre:	Non Fiction
Pages:	323
Year:	2019
Language:	English
Description:	When Meredith and her brother are transplanted from Rhode Island to California in the 1970s, the world of honeybees and beekeeping become unexpected saviours in their unstable circumstances. 'Gramps' introduces Meredith to life in the hive and it is through this knowledge that she begins to understand herself and the people around her. This is the thoughtful memoir of a troubled childhood, an encouraging demonstration of the healing power of nature and the difference one person can make in a child's life.
Categories:	Non fiction, Biography, Community, Contemporary, Environmental, Grief/loss, Medical/Health, Uplifting, America, 2021 Titles

Reviews

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By: TAKA 001		2021-07-13 11:19:19

The members really enjoyed reading about the life of the bees and how the grandfather in his gentle way helped May understand the family dynamics. We felt sad for May's situation, and aware of the importance of the relationship she had with her grandfather. It was hard to read how the mother and grandmother did not protect the children, both from out of their own distress and trauma. Some of us felt that the author did not always write from a child's perspective, and that her adult experiences coloured her perspective, but overall a book o be recommended.

By: AUCK 037		2021-07-05 11:57:32

All enjoyed it, and found the questions elicited a good discussion around mental illness, family, stress, the memoir style, and bees!

By: AUCK 256		2021-06-17 12:01:06

A great read and only afterwards realized it was a memoir. Really like the information about bees and their communities. The lack of help for the daughter with depression was sad, but the wonderful grandfather and his relationship with his grand daughter was inspirational.

By: NELS 086		2021-06-14 14:18:18

This book touched one of our readers so much that she communicated with the author! We all loved the bee theme and learnt heaps.

By: WELL 123		2021-05-31 13:39:23

Animated discussion. Everyone enjoyed the book. Such a dysfunctional family, saved by the wonderful grandfather and his bees.

By: WIND 001		2021-03-24 14:29:04

Excellent.

By: MATAM 002		2021-03-24 10:06:33

This generated lots of discussion around the relationship between the grandmother, mother and granddaughter. Very polarising storyline for our group. Overall our favourite book, and we loved the grandfather, granddaughter storyline.

By: COROM 002		2021-03-08 14:21:59

We all enjoyed learning about the intricate, cooperative life of the bee community, and were less impressed with the human story! But the way that the one influenced the other made a very good read.

By: ASHB 015		2021-03-08 14:20:16

Enjoyed by all the members. A great insight into the life of bees, and the devastating effect mental abuse can have on a growing individual.

By: WAIKO 001		2021-02-19 12:13:31

All enjoyed this memoir.

By: WELL 093		2021-02-05 12:20:05

Everyone enjoyed this book - a great summer read.

By: WHITIAN 002		2020-10-07 14:04:08

As each reader got into the book and realised it was a memoir, it affected the way it was perceived. Some found the detail about bees too involved, but most thought it was informative and interesting. All our group were moved by the sadness of the lives of the main characters, and amazed at the fortitude of the writer. Altogether a positive response.

By: NELS 023		2020-10-05 10:22:37

10/12 of our members rated this 5 stars. The combination and the relationship of the life of bees and the life of Meredith was terrific. And the writing is superb. Highly recommended to other groups.

By: ALEXA 008		2020-08-26 13:10:59

Loved it!