I truly enjoyed this audiobook (Mad Honey) quite a lot. The narration is stunning - both Coon and Taw bring the book's characters to life with their portrayals of each womans emotions, which make it an incredibly powerful experience. The story also dives deep into complex topics such as love, family, and friendship, making it an engaging and thought-provoking journey for all listeners. With its beautiful writing, dynamic narration, and heartwarming plotline, it's a real winner.

Another gripping yarn from Jodi Picault!

With help from her co-author, Jodi Picault, presents another page-turner. In her usual style, she keeps readers guessing as to whether or not a crime has been committed, who is responsible for the crime, and at the same time educates us on a current issue affecting many people in our communities. The back story of a single mum raising her only son, whilst earning her income as a bee-keeper and strawberry farmer, also provides interesting and enlightening information about the bee kingdom. I commend this book to readers who like mysteries and enjoy the drama of court-room battles.

Current topics in a thoughtfully crafted work

I read this book then let it rest in my mind for a bit before I put my thoughts to paper. It's just that kind of read. So many current hot button topics are explored, all revolving around the murder of a transgender teen and the cis gender love interest. Was the teen killed because of the knowledge of being transgender or was there something else going on? Told from two different outlooks, one from the transgender teen prior to the death, and the other from the mother of the teen accused of the murder. This jumping back and forth was a bit difficult to deal with at first, but got more easily understandable as the book progressed. A conclusion that wasn't altogether a surprise and if you were looking, you could kind of see it coming. It seems like every hot topic was ... MoreI read this book then let it rest in my mind for a bit before I put my thoughts to paper. It's just that kind of read. So many current hot button topics are explored, all revolving around the murder of a transgender teen and the cis gender love interest. Was the teen killed because of the knowledge of being transgender or was there something else going on? Told from two different outlooks, one from the transgender teen prior to the death, and the other from the mother of the teen accused of the murder. This jumping back and forth was a bit difficult to deal with at first, but got more easily understandable as the book progressed. A conclusion that wasn't altogether a surprise and if you were looking, you could kind of see it coming. It seems like every hot topic was touched upon, LGBTQ, abortion, abuse, gender issues, and others. The book was good, but not my favorite from Jodi Picoult, but only because I think it was a bit too long. I was very happy to find out at the end why she partnered with Jennifer Finney Boylan. A great story as well. As Ms. Picoult admits, there will be many people who do not like this book just because of the topics being raised. I enjoyed it, even if I did think it a bit drawn out.

Great Book Club Pick!

Olivia and Asher move back to her family's farm in New Hampshire after her father died of a heart attack. She has to take over the bee hives as no one else in her family has the knowledge. When Asher is a senior in high school, he dates Lily. Asher as a Christmas present for Lily surprises her with her estranged dad. Lily is upset, is offended, and can't believe he has done that. After that meetup, Lily is out of school because she is sick and refuses to respond to Asher's text. When Asher goes to check on her, he finds her dead at the bottom of the stairs. But is it what it appears? Did he really kill her or was he the one who just found her? Will he be accused of murder? A deeply emotional story that will have you turning pages to find out Asher's fate.Jodi ... MoreOlivia and Asher move back to her family's farm in New Hampshire after her father died of a heart attack. She has to take over the bee hives as no one else in her family has the knowledge. When Asher is a senior in high school, he dates Lily. Asher as a Christmas present for Lily surprises her with her estranged dad. Lily is upset, is offended, and can't believe he has done that. After that meetup, Lily is out of school because she is sick and refuses to respond to Asher's text. When Asher goes to check on her, he finds her dead at the bottom of the stairs. But is it what it appears? Did he really kill her or was he the one who just found her? Will he be accused of murder? A deeply emotional story that will have you turning pages to find out Asher's fate.Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan take heavy hitting/controversial topics and weave them into a powerful story. It's not an easy read and very emotional. Not a book that everyone would enjoy, but would make for a great book club pick!

Loved it

It’s a murder mystery, a romance & a family drama all in one…but it is also so, so much more! I can’t go into a lot of detail without giving things away, but my advice is to go into this one completely blind & just devour all of the words-all with an open mind💛 The research that went into all of the various topics throughout the story, is astounding. This book is heartbreaking, yet it carries a really important message that needs to be heard. It is well-thought-out & so beautifully written to touch the reader’s heart & educate them. The characters are well-developed, feeling so real. And the twist will have a lot of jaws on the floor. “𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘸𝘦𝘥, 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥, 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘴; 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘯 ... MoreIt’s a murder mystery, a romance & a family drama all in one…but it is also so, so much more! I can’t go into a lot of detail without giving things away, but my advice is to go into this one completely blind & just devour all of the words-all with an open mind💛 The research that went into all of the various topics throughout the story, is astounding. This book is heartbreaking, yet it carries a really important message that needs to be heard. It is well-thought-out & so beautifully written to touch the reader’s heart & educate them. The characters are well-developed, feeling so real. And the twist will have a lot of jaws on the floor. “𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘸𝘦𝘥, 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥, 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘳𝘴; 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘸𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵. 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘢 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘴 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘱𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘪𝘵.”

Mad Honey is the Best Book I Read this Year

I probably would not have read MAD HONEY if I understood the topic up front, but I am so very thankful I accepted the invitation to read this book. From the very first sentence, I was completely drawn into this story about love, family, friendship, personal secrets, a trial, and ultimately, knowing and being true to yourself. There is absolutely nothing I would change about this flawless novel by master writers Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boyland. I especially appreciated both of the Author's Notes at the end of the book. I will certainly read more novels written by these authors. I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Riveting, must read book!

Mad Honey was our February Book Club pick and everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. The story has many twists and turns and we all learned so much from it. Additionally, bee keeping is explained which was educational. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I have already loaned it to several people as its a real page turner and cannot be put down.

Sign of the times

This book is about Olivia, who has divorced Asher's father due to domestic violence. Olivia is worried that Asher could have inherited his father's tendencies. This book is about Asher who falls in love with Lily, who is found dead from a traumatic fall. This book is about Lily and her mother, Ava. Ava, who only wants her child to have a meaningful life and relocates the both of them to get away from Lily's father. This book is about a murder trial with Asher facing a lifetime in prison and the secret that Lily and her mother have kept from the community.This book dropped me in my tracks, completely surprised me and I barely caught my jaw before it hit the floor. Using a mix of past and present, the events that lead up to Lily's death is parceled out to the ... MoreThis book is about Olivia, who has divorced Asher's father due to domestic violence. Olivia is worried that Asher could have inherited his father's tendencies. This book is about Asher who falls in love with Lily, who is found dead from a traumatic fall. This book is about Lily and her mother, Ava. Ava, who only wants her child to have a meaningful life and relocates the both of them to get away from Lily's father. This book is about a murder trial with Asher facing a lifetime in prison and the secret that Lily and her mother have kept from the community.This book dropped me in my tracks, completely surprised me and I barely caught my jaw before it hit the floor. Using a mix of past and present, the events that lead up to Lily's death is parceled out to the reader, resulting in a very suspenseful read. Not only is it suspenseful but it is also a book that educates. Once again, the author tackles a volatile issue that is prominent in the United States today. I give kudos to the authors for opening my eyes and "hearing" what needs to be said in regards to our world today. I have written an honest review in exchange for the DARC I received from Penguin Random House and NetGalley.

Sweet, sweet nectar

Here’s the thing about Jodi Picoult: she writes the very human condition, and that is why she is so popular. Is there an element of formulaism in her work? Certainly - but it is overshadowed by her gift of flaying open the conundrums of human emotion.I started reading Picoult many, many years ago, and her writing has grown beautifully. I think that is very important, because many famous writers will strike upon a method that works, and never stray from it. Instead, Picoult has shown that she has the courage to evolve in her writing. I enjoyed the meta experience of knowing that the book was authored by two people, and I appreciate Picoult’s knowledge that Lily’s story wasn’t really her’s to tell.That brings me to her co-author, Jennifer Finney Boylan, who I - ... MoreHere’s the thing about Jodi Picoult: she writes the very human condition, and that is why she is so popular. Is there an element of formulaism in her work? Certainly - but it is overshadowed by her gift of flaying open the conundrums of human emotion.I started reading Picoult many, many years ago, and her writing has grown beautifully. I think that is very important, because many famous writers will strike upon a method that works, and never stray from it. Instead, Picoult has shown that she has the courage to evolve in her writing. I enjoyed the meta experience of knowing that the book was authored by two people, and I appreciate Picoult’s knowledge that Lily’s story wasn’t really her’s to tell.That brings me to her co-author, Jennifer Finney Boylan, who I - shamefully - knew nothing about when I started reading Mad Honey. As a result - and perhaps because I had not read any reviews or further information about the novel, prior to reading it - Lily’s truth was a massive surprise to me. Like, TOTAL PLOT TWIST at almost exactly 50%! I actually like that it - Lily's biggest secret - was as big of a surprise to me, as it was to (almost) everyone in the courtroom.Readers have come to love Picoult’s dramatic court-settings, and the ethical quandaries her characters experience - and Mad Honey is no different. Only, this book feels to me deeper, messier, more complex, and more gutting.Mad Honey is, yes, a murder drama set in a small rural town. But much greater than that, it is a story of love - romantic love, the love a parent has for their child, and toxic love. It is a story about how people can be both good and evil, and how one can both love and doubt them. Mad Honey is about owning one's identity, and the right to protect that. It is about trust, and about secrets; it is about the ability to be anything, and go anywhere. Mad Honey is about family, pain, bees (obviously), and violence.The voices of these characters are raw, and the writing is alive. Some of it was sickening, revolting - just like the titular “mad honey”. Some of it was magnetic, calling to me like sweet, sweet nectar.I will strongly recommend this book - over, and over again.

informative, moving and thought-provoking novel

Mad Honey is a novel by best-selling American author, Jodi Picoult and award-winning American author, Jennifer Finney Boylan. Mere days after eighteen-year-old Asher Fields has found his girlfriend of three months, Lily Campanello unconscious at the foot of her home's stairs, he is arrested for her murder. His mother, Olivia McAfee doesn't hesitate to call her older brother Jordan to help. A renowned lawyer, Jordan instantly abandons his vacation to defend his nephew.While Ava Campanello is convinced that Asher is responsible for her daughter's death, he vehemently denies harming her: he loved Lily. The young man spends time in jail awaiting trial because Olivia can't raise a million dollars in bail.Watching as her son deteriorates, she bites the bullet and ... MoreMad Honey is a novel by best-selling American author, Jodi Picoult and award-winning American author, Jennifer Finney Boylan. Mere days after eighteen-year-old Asher Fields has found his girlfriend of three months, Lily Campanello unconscious at the foot of her home's stairs, he is arrested for her murder. His mother, Olivia McAfee doesn't hesitate to call her older brother Jordan to help. A renowned lawyer, Jordan instantly abandons his vacation to defend his nephew.While Ava Campanello is convinced that Asher is responsible for her daughter's death, he vehemently denies harming her: he loved Lily. The young man spends time in jail awaiting trial because Olivia can't raise a million dollars in bail.Watching as her son deteriorates, she bites the bullet and calls her ex-husband, a charming, wealthy cardio-thoracic surgeon who proved to also be a violent gas-lighting control freak. She had felt relieved to remove herself and Asher from a marriage that felt "Like someone stabbed me and then blamed me for getting blood on the knife."Olivia has no idea that her son has been meeting Braden Fields once a month for breakfast, although Asher's best friend, Maya describes him as "not a nice man, Lily. He's just figured out how to imitate one." He does efficiently come up with the cash and hovers in the background despite a restraining order.If Lily and Asher had wondered just how well one can know a person after three months, fleeting gestures and expressions Olivia recognises from her earlier life have her privately doubting the earnest protestations of the son she has raised for eighteen years.Jordan and his wife and legal investigator, Selena strategise with Asher and Olivia on how to defend the case which, without witnesses to Lily's death and scant trace evidence, looks largely circumstantial, until a shocking courtroom revelation that makes it even more imperative that Jordan inserts the element of doubt into the prosecution's case.The story is told through alternating first-person narratives that start on the day of Lily's death: Olivia's describes the aftermath; Lily's goes in reverse, returning to the events that lead up to that day; both include flashbacks.Picoult Is especially skilled at endowing her characters with almost instant appeal through their banter and little incidents. By virtue of her occupation as an apiarist, a wealth of interesting bee/honey facts is subtly woven into the story as Olivia relates what is happening in their lives to what she knows best.Olivia and Ava, women who have both escaped toxic males and might otherwise have had a strong rapport, are now at odds. Lily is an especially fascinating character, clever and observant, who notes that there is a vast canyon between who we want people to be, and who they truly are. "People always talk about how their love for you is unconditional. Then you reveal your most private self to them, and you find out how many conditions there are in unconditional love."Picoult never shies away from challenging or controversial subjects, and while some readers may find this an uncomfortable read, it is certainly topical. As always, the research is thorough and apparent on every page. These authors present a very balanced and informed view that asks: "How similar does someone have to be to you before you remember to see them, first, as human?" and also to consider the distinction between secrecy and privacy. The twelve delicious-sounding honey recipes are a bonus addition to this informative, moving and thought-provoking novel.This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton.