The Secret Life of...

...BEES! On Tuesday night, I had the opportunity to go to a book discussion & signing with Sue Monk Kidd and Ann Kidd Taylor. This mother-daughter duo wrote of their travels and the dynamics of their relationship as mother and daughter in their newly released book Traveling with Pomegranates. Whenever I write about an author or book, I never want to say anything bad because I already feel so indebted to authors in general for what they do for the world that I don't think they deserve to have any negative comments made about them. So without elaborating too much, I'll just say I wasn't particularly fond of Ann Kidd Taylor (the daughter). She was kind of dry and stiff. In her defense though, it must be hard to stand up there next to your mother - this best-selling author - and try to hold your own. Sue Monk Kidd lit up the stage. She is well-composed, well-dressed, well-spoken, and she makes 60-something look so fabulous! The best part of the night was when an older woman walked up to the mic during the Q & A session, and said something along the lines of, "I don't have a question. This is purely a thank you. I have been teaching for 50 years, and I just wanted to say thank (to Sue Monk Kidd) for writing the best book I've ever taught - The Secret Life of Bees." Everyone started clapping, and of course I started teary-eyed and couldn't stop...even as we were walking out to go get in line to get our books signed. Of course, my sister Natalie is practically RUNNING to get in line quickly. I think the autographed copy of The Secret Life of Bees will be one of my most treasured books. Thank you, Sue Monk Kidd.