Josie Formica 

11/21/14

pd.4

Secret Life of Bees Book Review

This complex and intriguing novel brought an exciting story, as well as many things to question and ponder about. It opened the eyes of the readers about topics such as racism, womanhood, and love. The clever title opens up the idea of the bees, and throughout the novel it becomes known that the bees represent Lily’s life. In a secretive way, they teach her something every time she comes in contact with their strong presence. An analogy like this only exists in unique novels. The type of storyline opens up the option for a thriller read, or for an intense interpretation because of the many layers that make up the plot. This story’s purpose portrays different ideas such as racism can have many different effects on people, but the one’s who are opened-minded have a kind heart. Another one would be the power of womanhood and love can replace any lost part of someone. These themes are coexisting nonstop in the novel, and play an important role of showing two different ideas that revolve around Lily’s complicated life. Overall, this novel was very enjoyable, but could not be reread, as the gripping plot could only suspend a reader once. 

Comments on The Book Thief Review

Josie Formica
9/12/14
Pd.4

"Brilliant and hugely ambitious..." This novel was nothing like I had ever read before. It was amazing how one young girl could change the hearts and minds of the reader. This review expresses the impact The Book Thief can have on young-adult readers because of the "unassailable" (never-ending doubt of) courage Liesel finds throughout her story. I completely agree with the review, and believe that Liesel's inspirational growth, the process in which Liesel finds strength, intelligence, and courage, was the purpose of the novel. Through Liesel's eyes, the reader discovers the reasons for Hitler's success and experiences the thrill of how Liesel learned to use her power of words for good. "The Book Thief offers us a believable hard-won hope" that changes our perspective of the power of the human mind and what we are capable of doing. This novel seems difficult and sad as if it were meant for adults, as the reviewer stated, but it really should be read by young-adult readers so that they can have a better understanding of World War II, as well as discovering how to find their own voice. Liesel shows the reader that no matter how difficult the situation can get, nothing can stop one's curiosity and growth of their intellectual mind.