Newsletter – Listening in – May 10, 2024

Have you read Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult? My mom said her book club was reading it, and I remember having read it earlier this year. I never shared about it in the newsletter, and though I won’t say much (I heard next to nothing about it before reading it, and I felt it was better that way), I will say I enjoyed the book. It was engaging and thought-provoking, and though it dealt with many issues considered taboo in some of my circles, I felt the story was a good one. Don’t expect another Secret Life of Bees but know there is plenty of information about bee keeping within the context of the story, and yet it’s about so much more.

When you look at the book cover, you’ll notice that Picoult has a co-author for this one. When you read it, you’ll understand why that was important. Interestingly, each author wrote her character’s voice and then each wrote one chapter in the others’ voice which resulted in a seamlessly crafted tale.
You should know that Mad Honey addresses some “triggering” issues, and I can imagine many of my close friends recoiling from the content. If you can withhold opinion and consider another’s perspective, you may not just be entertained by a mystery—you may also find yourself considering another point of view.

I have been accused of living my life in a bubble. Today (with age and perhaps a little wisdom), I like the me who can insert herself inside a story—even one so very different from my own—and find something of value. I’ve learned to be wary when I think I know everything I need to know on any given topic, and Mad Honey was an opportunity to stretch my perspective. As a wise friend once shared with me, some books are mirrors reflecting back to us stories much like our own. Others are windows allowing us to look into lives quite unlike the ones we’re living. Each has merit. Whether this book is a window or a mirror, it just might be a good choice for you.