Location: New Hampshire Type: Ebook
Timeline: Non-Linear Genre: Fiction
Narration: 1st person from two character's perspectives
Review:
Stars: 3.5
This book was interesting enough for me to finish it but it wasn't really captivating to me. All of the "shock" came from controversial issues such as transgender and domestic abuse, instead of the murder trial. The heavy use of some language was off-putting. But the saving grace to this book is I finished it feeling I learned something. There are many cool facts about bees and honey. I also learned a lot about transgender people and the process they go through to feel comfortable in their own skin. I really liked being able to see someone else's perspective of life.
Sex:
Sex it talked about throughout the novel but it isn't smutty. It is between teenagers so that may be an issue for some people. But the details shared did not go over the top.
Language:
Fuck: 74
Ass: 22
Bitch: 3
Shit: 34
GD: 16
Cunt/Pussy: 0
Dick/Cock: 4
L in V: 44
Bastard: 1
Triggers:
Domestic Violence
Death
Attempted Suicide
LGBTQ+
Abortion
Anti-LGBTQ+ words and actions
Questions:
We all have dreams of what our future families will or would be like. Sometimes it happens. Sometimes it doesn't.
"I had done such a stellar job at convincing myself of what I wanted that I completely forgot what I needed."
"Better to have a boy, who would never be someone's victim."
Have you ever had these feelings or thoughts?
Does having a boy truly mean they will not be a victim?
Why might someone think that?
Towards the beginning of the book the Olivia provides a short history of the beginning of bee keeping.
"The bee itself is considered a symbol of Christ: the sting of justice and the mercy of honey, side by side."
Have you heard this comparison before?
Discuss the symbolism here.
Lily likes Hawaiian pizza. Asher does not. He jokes that it is a deal breaker.
Are you an Hawaiian pizza lover or hater?
What about your spouse or significant other?
"We are so lucky to have our children, even for a little while, but we take them for granted. We make the stupid assumption that as long as we are here, they will be, too, though that's never been part of the contract.
Share something that reminds you to cherish the moments with your children, even when days are long and hard.
Olivia provides so many interesting facts about honey and bees throughout the novel.
What is your favorite fact that she shared?
Olivia secretly had an abortion so she did not bring another child into her abusive hom.
Is her decision understandable?
What other options did she have?
Do you think her mind would have changed if she knew that she might lose Asher (in jail for life)?
Lily was transgender. Asher had sex with her and didn't know this about Lily. Lily questions herself whether she should tell Asher or not.
What do you think she should have done?
Is it important to reveal this sort of information to a sexual partner?
If so, at what point?
What are your thoughts about how Asher reacted when Lily told him she was transgender?
Do you believe Jonah's apology to be sincere?
Why or why not?
Life brings hardship to everyone. It is just different for each individual. Lily faced the challenges of being trans. But she said she ultimately was grateful for the experience.
What harship have you faced that you can be grateful for?
Maya fesses up. She killed Lily. But she never stands trial for it.
Were you surprised it was Maya?
Who else (if anyone) did you suspect?
Do you think Maya committed murder or was it an accident?
Do you think there was justice for Lily?
Was there closure at the end?
Or were you left needing more?
Olivia told her story as time went forward. Lily told her story going back in time (going further back each chapter).
Was this an effective was to tell this story?
Why or why not?
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