THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES

This fascinating novel is artistically performed by Karen White, whose scratchy voice is ideal for the 14-year-old Lily Owens. Through pacing, pitch, and just the right amount of tension in her delivery, White's narration of the suspenseful and emotional path Lily undertakes in search of her mother's past is tremendously engaging. The other characters of the story, from the terrifying T. Ray to the individual Boatwright sisters, are also fully voiced by White. The lush details of the novel also make listening deeply satisfying. From the descriptions of moonlight to the sounds of a beehive, the combination of the author's prose and Karen White's voice is outstanding. R.F. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 02]