Full disclosure: I’m scared of bees.

Have been my entire life. I’ve only been stung once, and that was a stealthy bee sitting on me for a good thirty minutes before it deigned to die in an effort to punish me for standing up, but most insects and flying things scare me.

And then I read The Honey Bus. And I’m still scared of bees, but now I’m absolutely fascinated by them, too.

Written by a fifth-generation beekeeper, Meredith May’s memoir, The Honey Bus: A Memoir of Loss, Courage and a Girl Saved by Bees is the best memoir I’ve ever read. And I’ve read maybe six. It’s a true story reflecting the concept of queen bees onto mothers, and family dynamics onto hives; a young girl being raised by her beekeeper grandfather in the wake of her mother’s absence.

And as much as you will learn about the intricate lives of bee colonies, you’ll also learn about their importance to our ecosystems. In this world, where bees provide a third of our food, understanding the causes of their decline and how to do best by them is vital for everyone. This book explains it all in a sincere and honest way – and if you’re not sold yet, here’s the kicker:

When I read it, I cried four times.

You will do the same.

By Bethany Climpson, Sustainability Engagement Assistant