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shipsthatbaaa's review against another edition
5.0
This book was amazing. You are hooked right from the first line, and it never lets go. The characters are all wonderful, not at all stock characters or what's to be expected. I love that her first novel was so great! I can't wait to read more from her.
The back of my copy says something about it being a southern novel, and it does remind me of Eudora Welty or any of the southern authors I've read. The narration through Taylor gives it that familiar feel, even though it's set mainly outside of the South after Taylor makes her escape.
The back of my copy says something about it being a southern novel, and it does remind me of Eudora Welty or any of the southern authors I've read. The narration through Taylor gives it that familiar feel, even though it's set mainly outside of the South after Taylor makes her escape.
elipinski's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
elinchadwick's review against another edition
4.0
continuing my challenge of rereading books I read like 5+ years ago and enjoyed. Turns out I’ve got great taste and I should trust my memory more often!
Barbara Kingsolver knows how to write a person that feels so REAL. It’s really such a talent. This time around I was especially impressed with how witty and sharp Taylor is.
Barbara Kingsolver knows how to write a person that feels so REAL. It’s really such a talent. This time around I was especially impressed with how witty and sharp Taylor is.
aequinn's review against another edition
4.0
This book isn't one that necessarily gets you on the edge of your seat, but it does tackle some important social issues, like citizenship, immigration, Native Americans status in the US, child abuse, the making of friendships, and finding/defining a destiny/life purpose.
Bean Trees was well written with some fun characters. Kingsolver captured and portrayed some of the Southern and Southwestern lifestyles and language well and brought the book to life with some great descriptions of the environment.
Bean Trees was well written with some fun characters. Kingsolver captured and portrayed some of the Southern and Southwestern lifestyles and language well and brought the book to life with some great descriptions of the environment.
hhm013's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
inkwitchery's review against another edition
4.0
THE BEAN TREES by Barbara Kingsolver
I have not read any of Kingsolver’s books yet so I figured I should start with her very first one. This was originally published in 1988 so there are *a lot* of outdated and offensive terms used throughout. Aside from that (and while keeping that in mind) I found it to be a really charming, coming of age story.
Based on the synopsis I wasn’t expecting the story to have any political leanings or deal with immigration issues, but as a whole it shines a light on some of the major problems, prejudices and attitudes still (unfortunately) present today.
There are some really unrealistic scenarios within the plot, but I was willing to suspend my disbelief for the sake of the story. Especially because I loved all the characters; they were quirky, amusing and interesting. Some of the dialogue and southern expressions had me chuckling, too. I liked how the relationships between each character evolved and matured as the story progressed.
Overall, I enjoyed my first foray into the Kingsolver oeuvre and look forward to reading her other books soon.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
I have not read any of Kingsolver’s books yet so I figured I should start with her very first one. This was originally published in 1988 so there are *a lot* of outdated and offensive terms used throughout. Aside from that (and while keeping that in mind) I found it to be a really charming, coming of age story.
Based on the synopsis I wasn’t expecting the story to have any political leanings or deal with immigration issues, but as a whole it shines a light on some of the major problems, prejudices and attitudes still (unfortunately) present today.
There are some really unrealistic scenarios within the plot, but I was willing to suspend my disbelief for the sake of the story. Especially because I loved all the characters; they were quirky, amusing and interesting. Some of the dialogue and southern expressions had me chuckling, too. I liked how the relationships between each character evolved and matured as the story progressed.
Overall, I enjoyed my first foray into the Kingsolver oeuvre and look forward to reading her other books soon.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
asilver1115's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
A story where you easily relate to the lead character and want to see her succeed and find her path. The cast of characters each have a lovable quality and you cant help but root for them.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse
leppa13's review against another edition
5.0
this was such a beautiful read (,: and a massive relief compared to Demon Copperhead. Kingsolver continues to address major societal issues (i.e. the treatment of illegal immigrants/impossibility for them to truly seek asylum, child molestation), but in The Bean Trees it’s all happening adjacent to the protagonist (as opposed to Demon Copperhead who was constantly being put through the wringer - i had a friend who was reading Copperhead while i was reading Bean Trees and it amazes me how different these two books are in how they engage with the reader).
The Bean Trees was filled with such beautiful prose, heartfelt connections among the characters, and glorious imagery of Arizona (and the road between Arizona and Kentucky). this book was funny, reflective and hard to put down. big rec!!
‘She gave me the biggest hug and said, "Missy, I have never seen the likes of you." We didn't talk too much more about it but I felt better with her there, the two of us moving around each other in the kitchen making boiled greens and eggs for dinner while it finally went dark outside. Every once in a while she would look over at me and just shake her head.
There were two things about Mama. One is she always expected the best out of me. And the other is that then no matter what I did, whatever I came home with, she acted like it was the moon I had just hung up in the sky and plugged in all the stars.
Like I was that good.’
The Bean Trees was filled with such beautiful prose, heartfelt connections among the characters, and glorious imagery of Arizona (and the road between Arizona and Kentucky). this book was funny, reflective and hard to put down. big rec!!
‘She gave me the biggest hug and said, "Missy, I have never seen the likes of you." We didn't talk too much more about it but I felt better with her there, the two of us moving around each other in the kitchen making boiled greens and eggs for dinner while it finally went dark outside. Every once in a while she would look over at me and just shake her head.
There were two things about Mama. One is she always expected the best out of me. And the other is that then no matter what I did, whatever I came home with, she acted like it was the moon I had just hung up in the sky and plugged in all the stars.
Like I was that good.’
nation_1996's review against another edition
5.0
Oh wow.... This book was amazing! I loved it so much ❤️
katherine804's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5