Check it Out..

I usually find myself snubbing any book that is associated with the Oprah Book Club.  I can’t tell you why, I just know that the whole Oprah stamp on the cover irritates me and would make me embarrassed to have it in my house.  And even though I was an avid Toni Morrison reader prior to Ms. Winfrey’s obsession with her, I now stash them all on the bottom of my bookshelf for fear that someone will see them and think that I am a girl who can’t pick out her own fine literature.  I know.  This makes me a snob.  I can’t help it. 

And then my mother in law comes into town and leaves “The Secret Life of Bees” on my little wooden treasure chest of books.  I resented her.  How could she leave this talk show prompted propaganda in my house?  I mean, really.

Then, three days ago, just on a bored note – I picked the book up.  I haven’t been able to put it down since.  If you are looking for an elegantly written and nudgingly poignant book about growing up and being in the south you must read this book.  My only gripe with it is that is somewhat a female 1960’s version of Huck Finn and his travels with Jim – white girl on an adventure with her black housekeeper and surrogate mother.  Nonetheless, it is a great story about overcoming and redemption and renewal and rebirth. 

Alright, alright.. Perhaps Oprah’s on to something..