The Secret Life of Bees (2008)
It’s time for a little estrogen-fest here on Hot Toasty Rag. Sue Monk Kidd’s acclaimed novel (that sits on every girl’s bookshelf) was made into a movie in 2008, starting another debate of book-versus-movie superiority. Since the book is short and can be read in a weekend, you can easily read it before or after renting the movie to place your own opinion in the poll.
When Dakota Fanning runs away from her abusive home, she seeks refuge with a family of sisters in South Carolina who run a beekeeping farm. All named after months, May, June, and August have a special bond with themselves and within the community. Throughout Dakota’s time there, they help her discover her strength, the qualities of womanhood, and the importance of the harm of racism (this takes place in the mid-’60s). Queen Latifah is the oldest sister, August, who knows the value of business and responsibility. Jennifer Hudson is Dakota’s maid who travels with her, and although her month (July) is an honorary title, she sees her fair share of sorrow. Alicia Keys plays the strong and stubborn June, and Sophie Okonedo plays the memorably sensitive May, who takes others’ pain personally.
Ladies, if you haven’t seen this movie or read the book, you’re missing out on quite a staple. Gather a group of friends and relatives, plan a honey-themed picnic lunch, and have a Secret Life of Bees matinee. Then you can all read the book together and talk about your favorite parts!
More Queen Latifah movies here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of the original novel here!
When Dakota Fanning runs away from her abusive home, she seeks refuge with a family of sisters in South Carolina who run a beekeeping farm. All named after months, May, June, and August have a special bond with themselves and within the community. Throughout Dakota’s time there, they help her discover her strength, the qualities of womanhood, and the importance of the harm of racism (this takes place in the mid-’60s). Queen Latifah is the oldest sister, August, who knows the value of business and responsibility. Jennifer Hudson is Dakota’s maid who travels with her, and although her month (July) is an honorary title, she sees her fair share of sorrow. Alicia Keys plays the strong and stubborn June, and Sophie Okonedo plays the memorably sensitive May, who takes others’ pain personally.
Ladies, if you haven’t seen this movie or read the book, you’re missing out on quite a staple. Gather a group of friends and relatives, plan a honey-themed picnic lunch, and have a Secret Life of Bees matinee. Then you can all read the book together and talk about your favorite parts!
More Queen Latifah movies here!
Be sure to check out Hot Toasty Rag's review of the original novel here!