The Tuesday Afternoon Book Club read an interesting novel about the power of friendship
and the courage to face whatever life hands you. And, surprisingly, bees are a part of the
story.

“The Music of Bees” by Eileen Garvin is a first novel for this author. Alice Holtzman is stuck in
a dead-end job and grieving over the death of her husband. She is also caring for a number
of bee hives. With no family nearby to help her she is having a difficult time coping both
physically and emotionally. In the grip of a panic attack she nearly collides with Jake, a
troubled paraplegic teenager trying to find a place for himself in his new world. Jake becomes
interested in Alice’s bees and they decide to try to work together to expand her bee hives.
As Alice realizes there are things on the farm she and Jake can’t complete, she runs an ad for
part-time farm help. Enter Harry, a young man with social anxiety but desperately needing a
job. Through Alice’s beloved honey bees they form an unlikely trio and become involved in
saving the honey bees and, in turn, give themselves a second chance at life.

Book Club members enjoyed the book learning not only about the lives of the characters but
also how interesting honey bees are and their importance in nature. Jake was able to pick
out the sound of the Queen bee in the hive – a C sharp!! The way bees work is fascinating!!
This book is available at the LeRoy Public Library. Stop by soon to check it out.